traction control lexus LS400 1996 Audio System / 1996 LS400: CHASSIS

CHASSIS
207
Uniform tire quality grading
This information has been prepared in accordance with
regulations issued by the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of
Transportation. It provides the purchasers and/or
prospective purchasers of Lexus vehicles with
information on uniform tire quality grading.
Your Lexus dealer will help answer any questions you
may have as you read this information.
DOT quality grades ± All passenger vehicles must
conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to
these grades. These quality grades are molded on the
sidewall.
Treadwear ± The treadwear grade is a comparative rating
based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half
(1 ± 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in road characteristics and
climate.
Traction A, B, C ± The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are 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 grade of this tire 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.

CHASSIS
208
Tire selection
When replacing a tire, use only the same size and
construction as originally installed and with the same
or greater load capacity.
Using any other size or type of tire may seriously affect
handling, ride, speedometer/odometer calibration, ground
clearance, and clearance between the body and tires or
snow chains.
Do not mix radial, belted, or conventional tires on your
vehicle.
Do not use tires or wheels other than the
manufacturer 's recommended size.
It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in
loss of control. If you need to change from conventional tires
to radial tires or vice versa, replace them as a set.
INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND
CHAINS
When to use snow tires or chains
Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on
snow or ice.
On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide
better traction than snow or studded tires.
Snow tire selection
If you need snow tires, select the same size,
construction and load capacity as the original tires on
your Lexus.
Do not use tires other than stated above. Since your vehicle
has radial tires as original equipment, make sure your snow
tires also have radial construction. Do not install studded
tires without first checking local regulations for possible
restrictions.
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.