tire chains Lexus GX470 2008 Driving Comfort / LEXUS 2008 GX470 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM60D82U)

154
2-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION
Failure to observe the following precautions may result in an accident.
■ Using the “HI” (high) mode
This mode should only be used for rough off-road conditions. Because the vehicle’s
center of gravity is higher when in the high mode, the vehicle may become unstable
when turning abruptly.
■When loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier
Do not select the “HI” (high) mode. Because the vehicle’s center of gravity is higher
when in the high mode, the vehicle may become unstable when turning abruptly
and unexpected loss of control or vehicle rollover may occur.
■When jacking up the vehicle or installing tire chains
Turn off the rear height control air suspension and stop the engine, otherwise the
vehicle height may change due to the automatic leveling function.
■ When driving through water deeper than 28 in. (700 mm)
Select the “HI” (high) mode, turn off the re ar height control air suspension and drive
at 19 mph (30 km/h) or slower. Otherwise, the vehicle height may change due to
the automatic leveling function.
■If your vehicle must be towed
Put the vehicle height in the normal mode and turn off the rear height control air
suspension, otherwise the vehicle height may change due to the automatic leveling
function.
■If your vehicle becomes stuck in a ditch
Turn off the rear height control air susp ension, otherwise the vehicle height may
change due to the automatic leveling function.

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2-4. Using other driving systems
2
When driving
CAUTION
Any of the following conditions may result in an accident which could cause death or
serious injury:
■The ABS does not operate effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping performance have been exceeded.
●The vehicle hydroplanes while driving at high speed on the wet or slick road.
■Stopping distance when the ABS is operating on the wet or slick roads
The ABS is not designed to shorten the ve hicle’s stopping distance. Always main-
tain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in the following situations.
●When driving on dirt, gravel or snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the road
●When driving over roads with potholes or roads with uneven roads
■TRAC may not operate effectively when
Directional control and power may not be ac hievable while driving on slippery road
surfaces, even if the TRAC is operating.
Do not drive the vehicle in conditions where stability and power may be lost.
■The hill-start assist control may not operate effectively when
●On steep inclines.
●On icy surfaces.
■When the VSC is activated
The slip indicator light flashes and a warning buzzer sounds. Always drive carefully.
Reckless driving may cause an accident. Ex ercise particular care when the indica-
tor light flashes and a buzzer sounds.

176
2-5. Driving information
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary preparations and inspections before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always drive the vehicle in a manner appropriate to the
prevailing weather conditions.
■ Pre-winter preparations
●Use fluids that are appropria te to the prevailing outside tempera-
tures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Washer fluid
● Have a service technician inspect the level and specific gravity of
battery electrolyte.
● Have the vehicle fitted with four snow tires or purchase a set of
tire chains for the rear tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same size and brand, and that chains match
the size of the tires.
■ Before driving the vehicle
Perform the following according to the driving conditions.
● Do not try to forcibly open a w indow or move a wiper that is fro-
zen. Pour warm water over the frozen area to melt the ice. Wipe
away the water immediately to prevent it from freezing.
● To ensure proper operation of the climate control system fan,
remove any snow that has accumu lated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumul ated on the vehicle chassis.
● Periodically check for and remove any excess ice or snow that
may have accumulated in the wheel well or on the brakes.

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2-5. Driving information
2
When drivingSelecting snow chains
Use the correct snow chain size when mounting the snow chains. Chain size
is regulated for each tire sizes.
Side chain:0.20 in. (5.0 mm)
1.81 in. (46.0 mm)
0.71 in. (18.0 mm)
Cross chain:
0.25 in. (6.3 mm)
1.5 in. (38.1 mm)
0.89 in. (22.6 mm)
Regulations on the use of snow chains
● Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
● Install the chains on the rear tires.
● Retighten the chains after driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
■When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and dr ive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
■ When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to “P” without setting the
parking brake. The parking brake may freeze, preventing it from
being released.

178
2-5. Driving information
■Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install tire chains in accordance with the accompanying instructions.
CAUTION
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
●Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
●Maintain the specified level of tire inflation pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h ), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
■Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
●Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.

179
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Lexus dealer.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters.
■When jacking up or installing tire chains
Be sure to turn off the rear height control air suspension and stop the engine.
Otherwise, the vehicle height may change because of the automatic leveling func-
tion, resulting in an accident.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not function correctly when
tire chains are fitted.

347
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
Wheels
■When replacing wheels
The wheels of your Lexus are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and trans-
mitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advanced warning in
the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced, the tire
pressure warning valves and tran smitters must be installed. (P. 3 3 7 )
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause loss of handling
control.
■ 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.
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
Lexus does not recommend using:
• Wheels of different sizes or types
• Used wheels
• Bent wheels that have been straightened
• Lexus wheels with after market chrome plating
■ Aluminum wheel precautions
●Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
● When rotating, repairing or changi ng your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
● Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
● Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.

388
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
The tire pressure warning system may become inoperative in the following condi-
tions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby.
●If a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle.
●If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.
●If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings.
●If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. (Even if you use genuine Lexus wheels,
the tire pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of
tires.)
●If tire chains are used.
●If the spare tire is in a location subj ect to poor radio wave signal reception.
● If a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
luggage compartment.
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after blinking for 1 minute frequently
when the engine switch is turned to the “ON” position, have it checked by your
Lexus dealer.
■After changing the engine oil (U.S.A. only)
Make sure to reset the oil maintenance data. ( P. 3 2 6 )
CAUTION
■If the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, it is probable that you have a flat ti re. Check the tires. If the tire is flat,
change to the spare tire and have the flat tire repaired by the nearest Lexus
dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.

5
When trouble arises
399
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or injuries due to the vehicle sud-
denly falling off the jack.
●Do not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or installing and
removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do not use other tire jacks for replacing tires
on this vehicle.
●Always check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
●Be sure to turn off the rear height co ntrol air suspension and stop the engine.
●Do not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
●When raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
●Do not raise the vehicle to a height greate r than that required to replace the tire.
●Use a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one working on or
near the vehicle may be injured.
■Using the jack handle
Tighten all the jack handle bolts securely using a Phillips-head screwdriver, to pre-
vent the extension parts from coming apart unexpectedly.

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Alphabetical index
Steering wheelAdjustment............................................... 57
Audio switches ................................... 228
Steering wheel position memory.................................................. 45
Storage feature......................................259
Stuck If your vehicle becomes stuck...... 410
Sun visors ................................................. 264
Switch “2nd STRT” switch .............................. 122
Center differential lock switch ...... 147
“DAC” switch ........................................ 157
Fog light switch ..................................... 137
Height control off switch..................149
Light switches ........................................135
Power door lock switch .................... 26
Power window switch .......................... 61
“RSCA OFF” switch............................ 89
Window lock switch ............................. 61
Wipers and washer switch ............ 138
Tail lights Switch ........................................................135
Theft deterrent system Alarm ........................................................... 72
Theft prevention labels .......................... 74
Tire inflation pressure .......................... 419
Tire information Glossary................................................. 429
Size ........................................................... 426
Tire identification number ............. 425
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.....427 Tires
Chains........................................................177
Checking............................................... 336
If you have a flat tire ........................... 391
Inflation pressure ................................. 419
Information ............................................424
Pressure warning system .............. 336
Replacing ................................................ 391
Rotating tires........................................ 336
Size ............................................................. 419
Snow tires................................................ 178
Tools.............................................................391
Total load capacity ................................. 174
Towing Dinghy towing ......................................190
Emergency towing ............................373
Trailer towing ........................................180
Trip information display .......................132
Trip meter ..................................................126
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ....................... 365
Switch ........................................................ 124
Wattage ................................................. 420
Vanity lights Vanity lights.......................................... 265
Wattage ................................................. 420
Vanity mirrors ........................................... 265
Vehicle identification number...........413
Vehicle load limits .................................. 174
VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) ..... 159
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