tires Lexus GX470 2005 Pictorial Index / LEXUS 2005 GX470 (OM60B11U) User Guide

STARTING AND DRIVING
449

Non±genuine Lexus wheels are used.
 Although the tires are equipped with air pressure sensors,
the selector switch (see page 455.) is set to other tire setting.
CAUTION
The use of non±genuine wheels will cause the air
pressure sensors to transmit the electronic code in
different manner, resulting in the system failure.
 The use of different type of tires with genuine wheels
may also cause the malfunction of the system.

STARTING AND DRIVING
450
CAUTION
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light
is lit, one or more of your tires is significantly
under±inflated. You should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle's tire information
placard. Driving on a significantly under±inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under±inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and
stopping ability. Each tire, including the spare, should
be checked monthly when cold and set to the
recommended inflation pressure as specified in the
vehicle placard and owner's manual.
For vehicles sold in U.S.A.

STARTING AND DRIVING
454
Replacing tires and wheels
When replacing the wheels, be sure to install air pressure
sensors on the wheels.
There are 3 ways to set up the air pressure sensors:
(a) Remove the sensor from the old wheel and install it to the
new wheel.
(b) Keep the same wheel with air pressure sensor and replace
only the tire.
(c) Use a new wheel and sensor.
You have to register an ID code for a new sensor. Up to 2 sets
of codes can be registered. As one ID for the originally installed
sensor is registered at ªMAINº of the selector switch, use the
ª2ndº position to register an ID for the new sensor.
You do not need to re±register the ID code for any other
replacements. For the use of the originally installed tires, put
the selector switch at ªMAINº and for the use of tires set
purchased later, put the switch at ª2ndº. For the sensor
selector switch, see page 455.CAUTION
 Have the tires, wheels or sensors replaced and ID
codes registered by a Lexus dealer. If you need
sensors, purchase from a Lexus dealer.
 The use of non±genuine wheels will cause the air
pressure sensors to transmit the electronic code in
different manner, resulting in the failure of the
system.

STARTING AND DRIVING
455
Selector switch

1Main position22nd position
The selector switch is located in the lower part of the
driver's side instrument panel.
The ID code is given in the sensor. To activate the air
pressure warning system, it is necessary to register the ID
code of the sensor on the selector switch in the vehicle.2 sets of ID codes can be registered. The code of the tires
originally installed on the vehicle is registered on the switch at
ªMAINº. Have a new tires set with new air pressure sensors
registered at ª2ndº by Lexus dealer.
ID codes should be registered by Lexus dealer. Once
registered,
change the setting position each time you purchase
tires and wheels. Re±registration is not required.
When purchasing new tires, consult your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
When the tires whose ID code is registered at ªMAINº
are used, the system does not work properly with the
selector switch set at ª2ndº. If the tires whose ID code
is registered at ª2ndº are stored nearby, the system will
detect their tire pressure (and vice versa).

STARTING AND DRIVING
457
LIMITED±SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Your Lexus is equipped with a limited±slip center differential
(transfer).
If one wheel Ð either front or rear Ð begins to spin, the transfer
(limited±slip center differential) is designed to aid traction by
automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the
other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels
if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel
spins.
CAUTION
Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is
supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the
jack and could pose a danger or result in serious injury.
NOTICE
Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and
load capacity as the original tires on your Lexusbecause damage to the limited±slip differential couldpossibly occur with another tire type.

DRIVING TIPS
461
OPERATION IN FOREIGNCOUNTRIES
If you plan to drive your Lexus in another country...
First, comply with the vehicle registration laws.
Second, confirm the availability of the correct fuel (unleaded
and minimum octane rating).
TIPS FOR DRIVING IN VARIOUS CONDITIONS
Always slow down in gusty crosswinds. This will allow you
much better control.
 Drive slowly onto curbs and, if possible, at a right angle.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects and other
road hazards. Failure to do so can lead to severe tire
damage such as a tire burst.
Drive slowly when passing over bumps or travelling on a
bumpy road. Otherwise, the impact could cause severe
damage to the tires and/or wheels.
 When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels until they touch
the curb so that the vehicle will not roll. Apply the parking
brake, and place the transmission in ªPº. If necessary, block
the wheels.
 Washing your vehicle or driving through deep water may get
the brakes wet. To see whether they are wet, check that
there is no traffic near you and then press the pedal lightly.
If you do not feel a normal braking force, the brakes are
probably w et. To dry them, drive the vehicle cautiously while
lightly pressing the brake pedal with the parking brake
applied. If they still do not work safely, pull to the side of the
road and call a Lexus dealer for assistance.

DRIVING TIPS
462
CAUTION
Before driving off, make sure the parking brake is
fully released and that the parking brake reminder
light is off.
 Do not leave your vehicle unattended while the
engine is running.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving.
It can cause dangerous overheating, needless wear,
and poor fuel economy.
 To drive down a long or steep hill, reduce your speed
and downshift. Remember, if you ride the brakes
excessively, they may overheat and not work
properly. See page 406.
 Be careful when accelerating, upshifting,
downshifting or braking on a slippery surface. The
abrupt change in engine speed, such as sudden
acceleration or engine braking, could cause the
vehicle to skid or spin.
 Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the
legal speed limit permits it, do not drive over 140 km/h
(85 mph) unless your vehicle has high±speed
capability tires. Driving over 140 km/h (85 mph) may
result in tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine
whether the tires on your vehicle are high±speed
capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

DRIVING TIPS
474
NOTICE
Do not use axle±mounted hitches as they can causedamage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels ortires. Also, never install a hitch which may interfere with
the normal function of an Energy Absorbing Bumper.
Trailer ball
Follow these easy steps to properly determine the correct
trailer ball for your application:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size for the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the required trailer ball size.
The sizes you'll most likely find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer Class
Typical Trailer Ball Size
III 2 in.
II 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to match or exceed the
gross trailer weight rating of the trailer. The trailer ball load
rating should be printed on the top of the ball.

1Trailer ball load rating
2Ball diameter
3Shank length
4Shank diameter

DRIVING TIPS
478
Tires
Ensure that your vehicle's tires are properly inflated. Adjust
the tire inflation pressure to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure indicated below.
Tire inflation pressure: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 32 psi)
 The trailer tires should be inflated to the pressure
recommended by the trailer manufacturer in respect to the
total trailer weight.
Trailer lights
Your vehicle is equipped with a wire harness stored in the rear
end underbody. Use either of them to connect and operate the
trailer lights. However, the trailer lights must comply with
federal, state/provincial and local regulations. See your local
recreational vehicle dealer or rental agency for the correct type
of wiring and relays for your trailer. Check for correct operation
of the turn signals and stop lights each time you hitch up. Direct
splicing may damage your vehicle's electrical system and
cause a malfunction of your lights.
Break±in schedule
Lexus recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new
vehicle or a vehicle with any new power train component
(engine, transmission, differential, wheel bearing, etc.) for the
first 800 km (500 miles) of driving.
Maintenance
 If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will require more frequent
maintenance due to the additional load. For this
information, please refer to the scheduled maintenance
information in the ªOwner's Manual Supplement/Scheduled
Maintenanceº.
 Retighten all fixing bolts of the towing ball and bracket after
approximately 1000 km (600 miles) of trailer driving.

DRIVING TIPS
482
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy Ð just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:
 Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.
 Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.
 Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving Ð but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the ªDº position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see ªAutomatic transmissionº on page 403.)
 Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.
 Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later. 
Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.
 Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.
 Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traffic si gnals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.
 Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.
 Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.
 Maintain a m oderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.
 Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.
 Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc. This
not only lessens weight but also helps prevent corrosion.