width Lexus GX470 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60979U)

EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
92
CAUTION
When you load cargo on the roof luggage carrier,
observe the following:
Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed
evenly between the front and rear axles.
 If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the
vehicle overall length or width. (See “Specifications”
on page 459 for information on your vehicle overall
length and width.
 Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely
fastened on the roof luggage carrier.
 Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make
the center of the vehicle gravity higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking
or abrupt maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss
of control or vehicle rollover due to failure to operate
this vehicle correctly.
 If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at
high speeds, stop the vehicle now and then during
the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.
 Do not exceed 58 kg (130 lb.) cargo weight on the roof
luggage carrier.
NOTICE
When loading the luggages, be careful not to scratch
the surface of the moon roof.
REAR STEP BUMPER
The rear step bumper is for rear end protection and easier
stepup loading.
CAUTION
Do not allow more than one person to get on the rear
step bumper at a time. It is designed for only one
person.
 Never drive the vehicle with anyone on the rear step
bumper.

CHASSIS
435
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep
enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal
damage, the tire should be replaced.
If a tire often goes flat or cannot be properly repaired due to the
size or location of a cut or other damage, it should be replaced.
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
If an air loss occurs while driving, do not continue driving with
a deflated tire. Driving even a short distance can damage a tire
beyond repair.
Any tires which are over 6 years old must be checked by
a qualified technician even if damage is not obvious.
Tires deteriorate with age even if they have never or seldom
been used.
This also applies to the spare tire and tires stored for future use.
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway T
raffic Safety
Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It provides the purchasers and/or prospective purchasers
of Lexus vehicles with information on uniform tire quality
grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you may
have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and
maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A
Treadwear − The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 − 1/2)
times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual
conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly
from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C − The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the tire’s ability
to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled
conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.

CHASSIS
438
Tire chain selection
 1 Side chain2 Cross chain
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For P265/65R17 tires, use the following type chains. mm (in.)
A: Diameter of side chain 5.0 (0.20)
B: Width of side chain 18.0 (0.71)
C: Length of side chain 46.0 (1.81)
D: Width of cross chain 22.6 (0.89)
E: Length of cross chain 38.1 (1.5)
F: Diameter of cross chain 6.3 (0.25) Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check the
local regulations before installing chains.
NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, the
chains could damage the vehicle body.

CHASSIS
439
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 1.0 km (1/4 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION
Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer’s recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or lockedwheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering the curves to
avoid losing control of the vehicle. Otherwise an
accident may occur.
NOTICE
When jacking up or installing tire chains, be sure to turn
off the rear height control air suspension with the
“HEIGHT CONTROL OFF” switch and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of
the automatic leveling function resulting in accident.
REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or
heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace damaged wheels, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.

BODY
459
SPECIFICATIONS
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTOverall length
4780 mm (188.2 in.)
Overall width1880 mm (74.0 in.)
Overall height*11855 mm (73.0 in.)*2
1895 mm (74.6 in.)*3
Wheelbase2790 mm (109.8 in.)
Tread − Front
− Rear1580 mm (62.2 in.)
1580 mm (62.2 in.)
Vehicle capacity weight (occupants + luggage)556 kg (1225 lb.)
*1: Unladen vehicle
*2: Without roof luggage carrier
*3: With roof luggage carrier
FUEL TANK
Capacity
87 L (23 gal., 19.1 lmp.gal.)