tire pressure Lexus IS300 2003 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2003 IS300 OWNER'S MANUAL (OM53439U)

INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
80
LUGGAGE STOWAGEPRECAUTIONS
When stowing luggage or cargo in the vehicle, observe
the following:
Put luggage or cargo in the trunk when at all possible. Be
sure all items are secured in place.
 Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as
far forward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
 For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.
CAUTION
To prevent luggage or packages from sliding forward
during braking, do not stack anything in the enlarged
trunk or the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks. Keep luggage or packages low, as close
to the floor as possible.
 Never allow anyone to ride in the enlarged trunk or
the luggage compartment. It is not designed for pas-
sengers. They could be injured in sudden braking or
a collision.
 Do not place anything on the package tray behind the
rear seatback or luggage cover. Such items may be
thrown about and possibly injure people in the
vehicle during sudden braking or in an accident.
Do not drive with objects left on top of the instrument
panel. They may interfere with the driver's field of
view. Or they may move during sharp vehicle
acceleration or turning, and impair the driver's
control of the vehicle. In an accident they may injure
the vehicle occupants.
NOTICE
Do not load the vehicle beyond the vehicle capacity
weight specified on the tire pressure label.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

STARTING AND DRIVING
251

You may hear the anti±lock brake system operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsating and the vibrations of the vehicle
body and steering wheel. You may also hear the motor
sound in the engine compartment even after the vehicle is
stopped.
 At the end of the anti±lock brake system activation, the
brake pedal may move a little forward.
CAUTION
Do not overestimate the anti±lock brake system:
Although the anti±lock brake system assists in
providing vehicle control, it is still important to drive
with all due care and maintain a moderate speed and
safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, because
there are limits to the vehicle stability and effectiveness
of steering wheel operation even with the anti±lock
brake system on.
If tires grip performance exceeds its capability, or if
hydroplaning occurs during high speed driving in the
rain, the anti±lock brake system does not provide
vehicle control.
Anti±lock brake system is not designed to shorten the
stopping distance: Always drive at the moderate speed
and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of
you. Compared with vehicles without an anti±lock
brake system, your vehicle may require a longer
stopping distance in the following cases:
 Driving on rough, gravel or snow±covered roads.
 Driving with tire chains installed.
 Driving over the steps such as the joints on the road.
 Driving on roads where the road surface is pitted or
has other differences in surface height.
Install all 4 tires of specified size at appropriate
pressure: The anti±lock brake system detects vehicle
speeds using the speed sensors for respective wheels'
turning speeds. The use of tires other than specified
may fail to detect the accurate turning speed resulting
in a longer stopping distance.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

DRIVING TIPS
263
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKEYOUR VEHICLE LAST LONGER
Improving fuel economy is easy ± just take it easy. It will help
make your vehicle last longer, too. Here are some specific tips
on how to save money on both fuel and repairs:

Keep your tires inflated at the correct pressure. Check
the pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.
Underinflation causes tire wear and wastes fuel.

Do not carry unneeded weight in your vehicle. Excess
weight puts a heavier load on the engine, causing greater
fuel consumption.

Avoid lengthy warm±up idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving ± but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.

Accelerate slowly and smoothly. Avoid jackrabbit starts.

Avoid long engine idling. If you have a long wait and you
are not in traffic, it is better to turn off the engine and start
again later.

Avoid engine over±revving. Use a gear position suitable
for the road on which you are traveling.

Avoid continuous speeding up and slowing down.
Stop±and±go driving wastes fuel.

Avoid unnecessary stopping and braking. Maintain a
steady pace. Try to time the traf fic signals so you only need
to stop as little as possible or take advantage of through
streets to avoid traffic lights. Keep a proper distance from
other vehicles to avoid sudden braking. This will also
reduce wear on your brakes.

Avoid heavy traffic or traffic jams whenever possible.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal. This causes
premature wear, overheating and poor fuel economy.

Maintain a moderate speed on highways. The faster you
drive, the greater the fuel consumption. By reducing your
speed, you will cut down on fuel consumption.

Keep the front wheels in proper alignment. Avoid hitting
the curb and slow down on rough roads. Improper
alignment not only causes faster tire wear but also puts an
extra load on the engine, which, in turn, wastes fuel.

Keep the bottom of your vehicle free from mud, etc.
This not only lessens weight but also helps prevent
corrosion.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
273
Compact spare tire (Some models)
SV64025
The compact spare tire is designed for temporary
emergency use only.
The compact spare tire is identified by the distinctive wheel
design and color and special wording ºTEMPORARY USE
ONLYº molded into the side wall of the tire.
To keep the compact spare tire noticeable, do not hide the
wheel by a wheel cover or such.
The compact spare tire saves space in your luggage
compartment, and its lighter weight helps to improve fuel
economy and permits easier installation in case of a flat tire.
The compact spare tire can be used many times, if necessary.
It has tread life of up to 4800 km (3000 miles) depending on
road conditions and your driving habits. When tread wear
indicators appear on the tire, replace the tire. (See ºChecking
and replacing tiresº on page 335.)
CAUTION
The compact spare tire was designed especially for
your Lexus. Do not use it on any other vehicle.
 Do not use more than one compact spare tire at the
same time.
 The pressure for the compact spare tire must be 420
Kpa (4.2 kgf/cm
2
or bar, 60 psi).
 Do not exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when driving with the
compact spare tire.
 The standard tire should be repaired and replaced as
soon as possible.
 Avoid sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration and
sharp turns with the compact spare tire.
NOTICE
Your ground clearance is reduced when the compact
spare tire is installed so avoid driving over obstaclesand drive slowly on rough, unpaved roads and speedbumps. Also, do not attempt to go through an automatic
car wash as the vehicle may get caught, resulting in damage.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
282
SL41002
10. Reinstall the wheel ornament.
Put the wheel ornament into position and then tap it firmly with
the side or heel of your hand to snap it into place.
CAUTION
Take due care in handling the ornament to avoid
unexpected personal injury.
11. After changing the wheel, check the air pressure of the
replaced tire. Stow all the tools, jack and flat tire securely.
If the pressure of the replaced tire is low, drive slowly to the
nearest service station and fill to the correct pressure.
Do not forget to reinstall the tire valve cap as dirt and moisture
could get into the valve core and possibly cause air leakage.
If the cap is missing, put a new one on as soon as possible.
This is the same procedure for changing or rotating your tires.
CAUTION
 When reinstalling a standard tire, take due care in
handling the ornament to avoid unexpected personal
injury.
 Before driving, make sure all the tools, jack and flat
tire are securely in place in their storage location to
reduce the possibility of personal injury during a
collision or sudden braking.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

MAINTENANCE
293
Where to go for service?
Lexus technicians are well±trained specialists and are kept up
to date with the latest service information through technical
bulletins, service tips, and in±dealership training programs.
They are well informed about the operation of all the systems
on your vehicle.
You can be confident that your Lexus dealer's service
department performs the best job to meet the maintenance
requirements of your vehicle.
Your copy of the repair order is proof that all required
maintenance has been performed for warranty coverage. And
if any problems should arise with your vehicle while under
warranty, your Lexus dealer will promptly take care of it. Again,
be sure to keep a copy of the repair order for any service
performed on your Lexus.
What about do±it±yourself maintenance?
Many of the maintenance items are easy to do yourself, if you
have a little mechanical ability and a few basic automotive
tools. Simple instructions for how to perform them are
presented in Section 6.
If you are a skilled do±it±yourself mechanic, the Lexus service
manuals are recommended. Please be aware that
do±it±yourself maintenance can affect your warranty
coverage. See ºOwner's Guideº, ºOwner's Manual
Supplementº or ºWarranty Bookletº for the details.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Listed below are the general maintenance items that should be
performed at the intervals specified. It is recommended that
any problem you notice be brought to the attention of your
Lexus dealer or qualified service shop for their advice.
CAUTION
Make these checks only where adequate ventilation can
be obtained if you run the engine.
Vehicle exterior
Items listed below should be performed from time to time,
unless otherwise specified.
Tire pressure
Check the pressure with a gauge every two weeks, or at least
once a month and adjust as shown on the tire pressure label.
See page 331 for additional information.
Tire surface
Check the tires carefully for cuts, damage or excessive wear.
See page 335 for additional information.
Wheel nuts
When checking the tires, make sure to check the nuts for
looseness. Tighten them if necessary.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

SECTION 6 ± 3
323
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications324
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. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 329
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 330
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire pressure 331
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rotating tires 333
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 335
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 338
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 340
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 341
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 342
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
326± TIRES AND WHEELS (Type A)
Tire size Front
Rear
215/45ZR17
225/45ZR17
Tire inflation pressureRecommended cold tire inflation pressureFront 230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 33 psi)
Rear 240 kPa (2.4 kgf/cm2 or bar, 35 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in countries
where such speeds are permitted by law, add 70 kPa (0.8 kgf/cm
2, 0.7
bar, 10 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but never exceed the
maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
Wheel size Front
Rear17 x 7 JJ
17 x 7 1/2 JJ
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
Spare tire
Tire size215/45ZR17
Tire inflation pressure
Recommended cold tire inflation pressure240 kPa (2.4 kgf/cm2 or bar, 35 psi)
Wheel size17 x 7 JJ
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels\
), see ºChecking tire pressureº through ºAluminum
wheel precautionsº on page 331 through 341.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
327
± TIRES AND WHEELS (Type B)
Tire size
215/45ZR17
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressureFront 230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 33 psi)
Rear 230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 33 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in countries
where such speeds are permitted by law, add 70 kPa (0.8 kgf/cm
2, 0.7
bar, 10 psi) to the front tires and rear tires, but never exceed the
maximum cold tire pressure molded on the tire sidewall.
Wheel size17 x 7 JJ
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels\
), see ºChecking tire pressureº through ºAluminum
wheel precautionsº on page 331 through 341.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)

CHASSIS
328± TIRES AND WHEELS (Type C)
Standard tires
Tire sizeP205/55R16 89V
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation pressureFront 230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 33 psi)
Rear 230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm2 or bar, 33 psi)
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.
Sedan 70 kPa (0.8 kgf/cm
2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
SportCross Front: 70 kPa (0.8 kgf/cm2, 0.7 bar, 10 psi)
Rear: 90 kPa (0.9 kgf/cm2, 0.9 bar, 15 psi)
Wheel size16 x 6 1/2JJ
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
Compact spare tire (IS300 sold in Canada only)
Tire sizeT125/70D17 98M
Tire inflation pressure420 kPa (4.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 60 psi)
Wheel size17 x 4T
Wheel nut torque103 N´m (10.5 kgf´m, 76 ft´lbf.)
NOTE: For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wheels\
), see ºChecking tire pressureº through ºAluminum
wheel precautionsº on page 331 through 341.
2003 IS300 from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM53439U)