snow chains Lexus IS250 2012 Owner's Manual

200
2-4. Using other driving systems
IS350/250_U
■Hill-start assist control is operational when
●The shift lever is in the D or S position.
●The brake pedal is not depressed.
●The vehicle rolls backward.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel operates, a motor sound (whirring sound) may be heard.
This does not indicate a malfunction.
■Reduced effectiveness of EPS
The effectiveness of EPS is reduced to prevent the system from overheating when
there is frequent steering input over an extended period of time. The steering wheel
may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle and turn the engine OFF. The system should return to normal within
10 minutes.
■If the slip indicator comes on
It may indicate a malfunction in the VSC, TRAC or hill start assist control function.
Contact your Lexus dealer.
CAUTION
■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 may exceed that of normal condi-
tions
The ABS is not designed to shorten the vehicle’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 surfaces

206
2-5. Driving information
IS350/250_U
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 appropriate 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 specified size and the same 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 window 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 accumulated on the air inlet vents in
front of the windshield.
● Remove any ice that has accumulated 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.

208
2-5. Driving information
IS350/250_U
■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 only. Do not install tire chains on front tires.
●Install the tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1 /4 - 1 /2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided in 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 recommended level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
■Driving with tire 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.

209
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
IS350/250_U
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Lexus dealers or legiti-
mate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire pressure warning system.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire pressure warning system may not function correctly when tire chains are fit-
ted.

418
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
IS350/250_U
■When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:
●You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the
fabric or bulges indicating internal damage
●A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or
location of a cut or other damage
If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus dealer.
■Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered,
the tire pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20
minutes, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a
system malfunction.
■Tire lif e
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has sel-
dom or never been used or damage is not obvious.
■If the tread wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm) on snow tires
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost.
■Low profile tires (models not equipped with 16-inch tires)
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be
reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to
use snow tires or tire chains
* on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a
speed appropriate for road and weather conditions.
*: Tire chains cannot be mounted on 18-inch tires.

5
When trouble arises
477
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350/250_U
■If the tire pressure warning system is inoperative
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
●If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used
●If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer
●If a different set of tires has been selected using the satellite switch
●If the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or higher
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following conditions:
(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 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 Lexus wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of tires.)
●If tire chains are used
■If the tire pressure warning light freque ntly comes on after blinking for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light frequently comes on after blinking for 1 minute
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, have
it checked by your Lexus dealer.
■Customization that can be configured at Lexus dealer
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features →P. 553)

5
When trouble arises
497
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
IS350/250_U
■When using the compact spare tire
As the compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter, low inflation pressure of the spare tire will not be indicated. Also, if you
replace the compact spare tire after the tire pressure warning light comes on, the
light remains on.
■If you have a flat rear tire on a road covered with snow or ice
Install the compact spare tire on the front of the vehicle. Perform the following steps
and fit tire chains to the rear tires.Replace a front tire with the compact spare tire.
Replace the flat rear tire with the tire removed from the front of the vehi-
cle.
Fit tire chains to the rear tires.
■After completing the tire change
The tire pressure warning system must be reset. ( →P. 4 1 4 )
CAUTION
■Using the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may lead to death or serious injuries due to the vehicle
suddenly 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.
●Do not put any part of your body under the vehicle while it is supported by a jack.
●Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by the jack.
●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 greater than that required to replace the tire.
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Alphabetical index
IS350/250_U
Tire informationGlossary ................................................ 546
Size ........................................................... 543
Tire identification number ............. 543
Uniform tire quality grading......... 544
Tires
Chains ..................................................... 206
Checking ................................................. 412
If you have a flat tire.......................... 492
Inflation pressure ................................424
Inflation pressure sensor.................. 414
Information..............................................541
Replacing............................................... 492
Rotating tires .......................................... 412
Size ............................................................. 531
Snow tires.............................................. 206
Tools ...........................................................492
Total load capacity............................... 205
Towing Dinghy towing............................... 211, 212
Emergency towing ........................... 463
Trailer towing......................................... 210
TRAC .......................................................... 196
Traction control ...................................... 196
Transmission shift switches ................ 149
Trip meter..................................................158 Trunk
Extending trunk space ....................354
Opener ...................................................... 52
Trunk light
Trunk light ................................................. 53
Wattage ................................................. 536
Turn signal lights Replacing light bulbs ......................... 451
Switch........................................................ 154
Wattage ................................................. 536
USB port* .................................................... 260
Vanity lights Vanity lights .......................................... 337
Wattage ................................................. 536
Vanity mirrors ........................................ 337
VDIM .......................................................... 196
Vehicle dynamics integrated management ........................................ 196
Vehicle identification number .......... 521
Vehicle stability control....................... 196
Ventilators ...............................................348
Voice command switch* ...................298
VSC............................................................. 196
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*: For vehicles with a navigation system, refer to the “Navigation System Owner’s Manual”.