snow chains Lexus IS250C 2010 Owner's Manual

208
2-4. Using other driving systems
10_IS250C/350C_U
■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.
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 will 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 roads

220
2-5. Driving information
10_IS250C/350C_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.

222
2-5. Driving information
10_IS250C/350C_U
■Tire chain installation (17-inch tires only)
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 (17-inch tires only)
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.

223
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
10_IS250C/350C_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 air pressure sensor.
■Fitting tire chains
The tire air pressure sensor may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted.

411
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4
Maintenance and care
10_IS250C/350C_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 comes on after blinking for 1 minute to indi-
cate a system malfunction.
■Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if they
have seldom or never been us ed 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
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.

468
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
10_IS250C/350C_U
■The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes
The tire pressure warning light may turn on due to natural causes such as natural air
leaks or tire inflation pressure changes caused by temperature. In this case, adjust-
ing the tire inflation pressure will turn off the warning light (after a few minutes).
■When a tires is replaced with a spare tire (vehicles with a spare tire)
The compact spare tire is not equipped with the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter. If a tire goes flat, the tire pressure warning light will not turn off even
though the flat tire is replaced with the spare tire. Replace the spare tire with the
repaired tire and adjust the proper tire inflation pressure. The tire pressure warning
light will turn off after a few minutes.
■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 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 START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, have
it checked by your Lexus dealer.

5
When trouble arises
491
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
10_IS250C/350C_U
■The compact spare tire
●The compact spare tire is identified by the label “TEMPORARY USE ONLY”
on the tire sidewall.
Use the compact spare tire temporarily only in an emergency.
●Make sure to check the tire pressure of the compact spare tire. (→P. 5 3 6 )
■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 warned. 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 0 7 )
STEP1
STEP2
STEP3

580
Alphabetical index
10_IS250C/350C_U
TachometerTacho indicator.................................... 159
Tachometer ........................................... 159
Tail lights
Switch ........................................................ 173
Talk switch ..................................................311
Telephone switch .....................................311
Theft deterrent system
Alarm .......................................................... 95
Engine immobilizer system ............. 93
Theft prevention labels .......................... 97
Tire inflation pressure .......................... 416
Tire information Glossary................................................ 550
Size ........................................................... 547
Tire identification number ............. 547
Uniform tire quality grading .........548
Tires
Chains ..................................................... 220
Checking ...............................................406
If you have a flat tire..........................486
Inflation pressure..................................416
Inflation pressure sensor................ 407
Information............................................545
Replacing...............................................486
Rotating tires ........................................406
Run-flat tire............................................495
Size ...........................................................536
Snow tires .............................................. 220
Spare tire................................................486
Tools ...........................................................486
Total load capacity ................................ 219 Towing
Dinghy towing ......................... 225, 226
Emergency towing ........................... 453
Trailer towing ....................................... 224
TRAC ........................................................ 204
Traction control..................................... 204
Transmission shift switches........ 149, 151
Trip meter ................................................. 159
Trunk Opener ...................................................... 47
Trunk light Trunk light ................................................ 48
Wattage ................................................... 541
Turn signal lights
Replacing light bulbs ........................444
Switch........................................................ 156
Wattage ................................................... 541
Vanity lights Vanity lights...........................................347
Wattage ................................................... 541
Vanity mirrors ........................................ 347
VDIM......................................................... 204
Vehicle dynamics integrated
management ....................................... 204
Vehicle identification number ......... 527
Vehicle stability control ..................... 204
Ventilators ............................................... 355
VSC ........................................................... 204T
V