wheel Lexus IS300 2005 Basic Functions / LEXUS 2005 IS300 (OM53489U) Manual PDF

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359
SV63013a

Type BThe illustration indicates typical tire size.
1Tire use (P=Passenger car, T=Temporary use)
2Section width (in millimeters)
3Aspect ratio (tire height to section width)
4Speed category (alphabet with one letter)
5Tire construction code(R=Radial, D=Diagonal)
6Wheel diameter (in inches)
7Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
8Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)
SV63012c

1Section width
2Tire height
3Wheel diameter
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Traction AA, A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B and C, and they represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is
based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature A, B, C ± The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified
indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material of the tire to
degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of performance which all
passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grades for this tire are
established for a tire that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or
excessive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
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Tire related termMeaning
Normal occupant weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second \
column of
Table 1 that follows.
Production options weight
the combined weight of those installed regular production options weighi\
ng over
2.3 kg (5 lb.) in excess of those standard items which they replace, n\
ot previously
considered in curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty brak\
es, ride
levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Vehicle capacity weight
(Total load capacity)the rated cargo and luggage load plus 68 kg (150 lb.) times the vehicl\
e's
designated seating capacity
Intended outboard
sidewall
(a) the sidewall that contains a whitewall, bears white lettering or bearsmanufacturer, brand, and/or model name molding that is higher or deeper than
the same molding on the other sidewall of the tire, or
(b) the outward facing sidewall of an asymmetrical tire that has a particula\
r side that must always face outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column \
of Table 1 that
follows.
Rima metal support for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the ti\
re beads are
seated
Rim diameter
(Wheel diameter)nominal diameter of the bead seat
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TYPES OF TIRES
Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally
equipped with.
1. Summer tires
Summer tires are high±speed capability tires best suited
to highway driving under dry conditions.
Since summer tires do not have the same traction
performance as snow tires, summer tires are
inadequate for driving on snow±covered or icy roads.
For driving on snow±covered or icy roads, we
recommend using snow tires. If 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 adequate for driving in most winter
conditions, as well as for use all year round.
All season tires, however, do not have adequate traction
performance compared with snow tires in heavy or loose
snow. Also, all season tires fall short in acceleration and
handling performance compared with summer tires in
highway driving.
The details about how to distinguish summer tires from
all season tires are described on page 354.
CAUTION
 Do not mix summer and all season tires on your
vehicle as this can cause dangerous handling
characteristics, resulting in loss of control.
 Do not use tires other than the manufacturer's
designated tires, and never mix tires or wheels
of the sizes different from the originals as this
can cause dangerous handling characteristics,
resulting in loss of control.
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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
ªOwner'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
ªOwner'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.
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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 tread wear indicators is shown
by the ªTWIº or ª
Dº marks, etc., 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 when receiving impact from the roadsurface. Therefore, pay attention to the
followings.
Be sure to use with proper tire inflationpressure. If the tire pressure is low, the tire mayhave a greater damage. For detailed information
about tire inflation pressure, see page 344 or 346.
Avoid driving onto high, sharp±edged objectsand other road hazards. Failure to do so can
lead to severe tire damage.
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Snow tire installation
Snow tires should be installed on all wheels.
Installing snow tires on the rear wheels only can lead to an
excessive difference in road grip capability between the front
and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION
Do not drive with the snow tires incorrectly inflated.
 Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of
snow tires.
Tire chain selection
63L009a

1Side chain 2Cross chain
Use the tire chains of correct size.
For 225/45ZR17 tires, use the following type chains.
mm (in.)
A: Diameter of side chain 3.0 (0.12)
B: Diameter of cross chain 4.0 (0.16)
For P205/55R16 or 215/45ZR17 tires, use SAE Class ªSº type
radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or
V±bar type chains.
Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary
according to location or type of road. Always check local
regulations before installing chains.
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NOTICE
If the wrong combination of tire and chain is used, thechains could damage the vehicle body.
Chain installation
Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible.
Do not use tire chains on the front tires. Retighten chains
after driving 0.5 ± 1.0 km (1/4 ± 1/2 mile).
When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the
instructions of the chain manufacturer.
CAUTION
 Do not exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) or the chain
manufacturer's recommended speed limit,
whichever is lower.
 Drive carefully avoiding bumps, holes, and sharp
turns, which may cause the vehicle to bounce.
 Avoid sharp turns or locked±wheel braking, as use of
chains may adversely affect vehicle handling.
 When driving with chains installed, be sure to drive
carefully. Slow down before entering curves to avoid
losing control of the vehicle, it may cause an
accident.
NOTICE
Do not attempt to use a tire chain on the compact spare tire, as it may result in damage to the vehicle as well asthe tire.
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REPLACING WHEELS
When to replace your wheels
If you have wheel damage such as bends, cracks or heavy
corrosion, the wheel should be replaced.
If you fail to replace a damaged wheel, the tire may slip off the
wheel or cause loss of handling control.
Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they
may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage
and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have
been straightened may have hidden structural damage and
therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a
leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Wheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure
that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity,
diameter, rim width, and offset.
Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus
dealer.
A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect
handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight
aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow
chain clearance to the body and chassis.
CAUTION
Observe the following instructions. Otherwise, an
accident may occur resulting in death or serious
injuries.
Do not use wheels other than the manufacturer's
recommended size, as this may cause dangerous
handling characteristics resulting in loss of control.
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