tire pressure Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 (OM53439U) User Guide

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331
CAUTION
The reservoir may be hot so be careful not to burn
yourself.
NOTICE
Avoid overfilling, or the power steering could bedamaged.
When adding the power steering fluid, avoid spillingit. The generator under the power steering reservoircould be damaged if fluid is spilled on it.
CHECKING TIRE PRESSURE
SV61004
The recommended cold tire pressures, tire size and the
vehicle capacity weight are given on the label.
You should check the tire pressures every two weeks, or at
least once a month. And don't forget the spare! The pressure
for the spare tire should be the same with that for the standard
tire. Incorrect tire pressure may waste fuel, reduce the comfort
of driving, reduce tire life and make your vehicle less safe to
drive.
If a tire needs frequent refilling, have it checked by your Lexus
dealer.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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CAUTION
Keep your tire pressure at the proper level. Otherwise,
the following conditions may occur and cause an
accident.
Low tire pressure (underinflation)Ð
Excessive wear
 Uneven wear
 Poor handling
 Possibility of blowouts from overheated tire
 Poor sealing of the tire bead
 Wheel deformation and/or tire separation
High tire pressure (overinflation)Ð
 Poor handling
 Excessive wear at the center of the tire tread
 A greater possibility of tire damage from road
hazards
The following instructions for checking tire pressure should be
observed:
The pressure should be checked only when the tires are
cold. If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours
and has not been driven for more than 1.5 km or 1 mile
since, you will get an accurate cold tire pressure reading.
 Always use a tire pressure gauge. The appearance of the
tire can be misleading. Besides, tire pressures that are
even just a few pounds off can degrade ride and handling.
 Do not bleed or reduce tire pressure after driving. It is
normal for the tire pressure to be higher after driving.
 Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight. The
passengers and luggage weight should be located so that
the vehicle is balanced.
 Be sure to reinstall the tire valve caps. Without the valve
caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve core and
cause air leakage. If the caps have been lost, have new
ones put on as soon as possible.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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ROTATING TIRES (Sedan)
SV63007

Pattern A
SV63008

Pattern B
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary
according to your driving habits and road surface
conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
Pattern A: Except vehicles with the P205/55 R16 tires sold in
Canada.
Pattern B: Vehicles with the P205/55R16 tires sold in Canada.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure,
improper wheel alignment, out±of balance wheels, or severe
braking.
Before storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the direction
of rotation and be sure to install them in the same direction
when using them again. Tires should be stored in a cool dry
place.
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ROTATING TIRES (SportCross)
SV63007

With the P205/55R16 or 215/45ZR17 tires
To equalize tire wear and help extend tire life, Lexus
recommends that you rotate your tires according to the
maintenance schedule. (For scheduled maintenance
information, please refer to the ºOwner's Manual
Supplement/Scheduled Maintenanceº.) However, the
most appropriate timing for tire rotation may vary
according to your driving habits and road surface
conditions.
The wheel assemblies must be rotated as illustrated above.
When rotating tires, check for uneven wear and damage.
Abnormal wear is usually caused by incorrect tire pressure,
improper wheel alignment, out±of balance wheels, or severe
braking.Before
storing radial, snow or studded tires, mark the direction
of rotation and be sure to install them in the same direction
when using them again. Tires should be stored in a cool dry
place.
SV63009

With the 215/45ZR17 tires for front and the
225/45ZR17 tires for rear
Do not perform rotation of the tires, from front to rear or
from left to right, or using the spare tire, performing such
tire rotation may result in the tires interfering with the
body or in uneven wear of the tires, so that steerability of
the vehicle is impaired.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

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CHECKING AND REPLACING TIRES
When to replace your tires
SV63006

1New tread 2Tread wear indicator
3Worn tread
Replace the tires when the tread wear indicators show.
The location of the tread wear indicators is shown by the
ºTWIº or º
Dº marks molded on the sidewall of each tire.
The tires on your Lexus have built±in tread wear indicators to
help you know when the tires need replacement. When the
tread depth wears to 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) or less, the indicators
will appear. If you can see the indicators in two or more
adjacent grooves, the tire should be replaced. Vehicles equipped with 215/45ZR17 or 225/45ZR17 tires:
Your Lexus has been fitted with specially developed tires which
provide exceptional dynamic performance
under general road
conditions. However your riding comfort may worsen a little
and road noise may increase during driving. You may also
notice that your tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip
performance will be reduced on the snowy and/or icy roads
when compared to standard tires. Be sure to have snow tires
or tire chains on the snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully
with the speed appropriate for road conditions.
NOTICE
Low profile tire like 215/45ZR17 or 225/45ZR17 may have greater damage than usual tires to its tire wheel whenreceiving impact from the road surface. Therefore, payattention to the followings.
Be sure to use with proper tire pressure. If the tirepressure is low, the tire may have a greater damage.For detailed information about tire pressure, seepage 326 or 327.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objects andother road hazards. Failure to do so can lead tosevere tire damage.
The effectiveness of snow tires is lost if the tread wears
down below 4 mm (0.16 in.).
If you have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep
enough to expose the fabric, or bulges indicating internal
damage, the tire should be replaced.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

3
GAS STATION INFORMATION

Fuel selection:
Select premium unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rat-
ing of 91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher for
optimum engine performance. However, if such pre-
mium type cannot be obtained, you may temporarily use
unleaded gasoline with an Octane Rating as low as 87
(Research Octane Number 91).

Fuel tank capacity:
66 L (17.5 gal., 14.5 lmp.gal.)

Engine oil:
ºToyota Genuine Motor Oilº or equivalent
Oil grade: API grade SL ºEnergy±Conservingº or ILSAC
multigrade engine oil.
Recommend oil viscosity ± SAE 5W±30 if normal
temperatures are below 38 C (100F)
Oil capacity: L (qt., lmp.qt.)
Drain and refill with filter 5.4 (5.7, 4.8)
without filter 5.1 (5.4, 4.5)
See page 315 for detailed information.

Engine coolant:
Capacity: 7.5 L (7.9 qt., 6.6 lmp.qt.)
Coolant type ± ºToyota Genuine Long Life Coolantº or
equivalent
With ethylene±glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion
protection of aluminum components For checking the engine coolant, see page 319.
Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone.

Automatic transmission:
Fluid type ± Toyota Genuine ATF Type T±IV
See page 324 for detailed information.

Tire information:
See page 331 through 341 for detailed information.

Tire pressure:
Tire size: 225/45ZR17, 215/45ZR17 or P205/55R16 89V
Tire pressure: cold tires
kPa (kgf/cm
2 or bar, psi)
Ti
re sizeFrontRear
225/45ZR17 ± 240 (2.4, 35)
215/45ZR17 230 (2.3, 33) 230 (2.3, 33)
P205/55R16 89V 230 (2.3, 33) 230 (2.3, 33)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add the
tire pressure given below to the front tires and rear tires, but
never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure molded on the
tire sidewall.
225/45ZR17 70kPa (0.8 kgf/cm
2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
215/45ZR17 70kPa (0.8 kgf/cm2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
P205/55R16 89V
Sedan 70kPa (0.8 kgf/cm
2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
SportCross Front: 70kPa (0.8 kgf/cm2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
Rear: 90kPa (0.9 kgf/cm2, 0.9 bar, 15 psi)
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)