winter tires Lexus IS250 2006 Using the audio system / LEXUS 2006 IS350/250 THROUGH APRIL 2006 PROD. OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53508U)

151
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
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.
● Tire pressure falls in winter as the outside temperature falls. Add
2.9 to 4.3 psi (20 to 30 kPa, 0.2 to 0.3 kgf/cm2 or bar) to the
standard tire inflation pressure.

278
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
The tire pressure initialization
setting display
Continue to press the  or 
switch until the initialization setting
display appears.
It may take several minutes to com-
plete the setting. Wait for several
minutes before turning the engine
switch OFF if necessary.
Recording tire pressure settings
Press the ON/OFF button for
more than 3 seconds. At this time,
the tire inflation pressure warning
indicator flashes 3 times and the
message showing that the initial
setting is complete is displayed on
the multi-information display.
Registering and selecting tire inflation pressure sensor ID codesThe tire inflation pressure sensor is equipped with a unique ID code.
To select tire inflation pressure sensor ID codes, use the satellite switch.
( P. 214)
■ Registering ID codes
Two separate sets of ID codes can be registered for each vehicle. This
allows 2 separate sets of settings to be conveniently recorded for all
season and winter tires.
MAIN: The MAIN ID code is used fo r the factory installed tire pres-
sure sensors.
2nd: The 2nd ID code is used for tire inflation pressure sensors associ-
ated with a secondary set of tires.
Make sure to have all tire inflation pressure warning system ID codes regis-
tered by your Lexus dealer. ID codes must be reset when tires or wheels are
replaced.
STEP4

280
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
■Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replaced tire is greater than 1 /2 of the Gross
Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle of the rear axle, whichever is
greater.
As for the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the tire, and as for the Gross Axle Weight
Ratings (GAWR), see the Certification Label. (
P. 285, 387).
■Tire types
1 Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance tires best suited to highway driving
under dry conditions. Since summer tires do not have the same traction perfor-
mance as snow tires, summer tires are inadequate for driving on snow-covered
or icy roads. For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires
is recommended. When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.
2 All season tires All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be ade-
quate for driving in most winter conditions , as well as for use year round. All sea-
son tires, however, do not have adequa te traction performance compared with
snow tires in heavy or loos e snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration
and handling performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.
3Snow tires For driving on snow-covered roads or ic y roads, we recommend using snow tires.
If you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capac-
ity as the originally installed tires. Since your vehicle has radial tires as original
equipment, make sure your snow tires also have radial construction. Do not install
studded tires without first checking loca l regulations for possible restriction.
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. ( P. 1 5 1 )
■Initializing the tire inflation pressure warning system
Initialize the tires with the tire inflatio n pressure adjusted to the specified level.

283
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
CAUTION
■When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents. Failure to do so may cause
damage to parts of the drive train, as well as dangerous handling characteristics,
which may lead to fatal or injury accidents.
●Do not mix tires of different makes, models, tread patterns or tread wear.
●Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.
●Do not mix radial, bias-belted, or bias-ply tires.
●Do not mix summer, all season and winter tires.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing tires, wheels and sensors
●When removing the tires from the wheels, be careful not to damage the system’s
tire inflation warning sensors. Contact your Lexus dealer for details regarding the
removal and installation procedures.
●When replacing tires, make sure also to replace the tire inflation pressure sensor
grommets.
■Do not use puncture sealant sprays to repair flats
Puncture sealant sprays may damage tire inflation pressure sensors.