tires LEXUS RC300 2021 Owner's Guide

2897-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
7-2.Steps to take in an emergency
If your vehicle needs to be
towed
If towing is necessary, we recom-
mend having your vehicle towed by
your Lexus dealer or commercial
towing service, using a wheel-lift
type truck or flatbed truck.
Use a safety chain system for all
towing, and abide by all state/pro-
vincial and local laws.
If towing your vehicle with a
wheel-lift type truck from the front,
the vehicle's rear wheels and axles
must be in good conditions.
(  P.290)
If they are damaged, use a towing
dolly or flatbed truck.
If towing your vehicle with a
wheel-lift type truck, use a towing
dolly. ( P.290, 289)
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
■When towing the vehicle
2WD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the drivetrain and related
parts may be damaged or an accident
may occur due to a change in direction
of the vehicle.
AWD models
Be sure to transport the vehicle with all
four wheels raised off the ground. If the
vehicle is towed with the tires contacting
the ground, the driv etrain or related
parts may be damaged, the vehicle may
fly off the truck.

2937-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Fluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air condi-
tioning after use is normal.)
 Flat-looking tires or uneven tire
wear
 Engine coolant temperature gauge
continually points higher than nor-
mal.
 Changes in exhaust sound
 Excessive tire squeal when corner-
ing
 Strange noises related to the sus-
pension system
 Pinging or other noises related to
the engine
 Engine missing, stumbling or run-
ning roughly
 Appreciable loss of power
 Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when braking 
Vehicle pulls heavily to one side
when driving on a level road
 Loss of brake effectiveness, spongy
feeling, pedal almost touches the
floor
If you think something is
wrong
If you notice any of the following
symptoms, your vehicle probably
needs adjustment or repair. Con-
tact your Lexus dealer as soon as
possible.
Visible symptoms
Audible symptoms
Operational symptoms

3027-2. Steps to take in an emergency
WARNING
■If both the ABS and the brake system
warning lights remain on
Stop your vehicle in a safe place immedi-
ately and contact your Lexus dealer. The
vehicle will become extremely unstable
during braking, and the ABS system may
fail, which could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury.
■When the electric power steering
system warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become
extremely heavy.
When steering wheel operations are
heavier than usual, grip the steering
wheel firmly and operate it using more
force than usual.
■If the tire pressure warning light
comes on
Be sure to observe the following precau-
tions. Failure to do so could cause a loss
of vehicle control and result in death or
serious injury.
●Stop your vehicle in a safe place as
soon as possible. Adjust the tire infla-
tion pressure immediately.
●If the tire pressure warning light comes
on even after tire inflation pressure
adjustment, it is probable that you have
a flat tire. Check the tires. If a tire is flat,
change it with the spare tire and have
the flat tire repaired by the nearest
Lexus dealer.
●Avoid abrupt maneuvering and brak-
ing. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you
could lose control of the steering
wheel or the brakes.
■If a blowout or sudden air leakage
should occur
The tire pressure warning system may
not activate immediately.
■Maintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if pro-
vided), should be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufac-
turer on the vehicle pl acard or tire infla-
tion pressure label (tire and load
information label). (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size indi-
cated on the vehicle placard or tire infla-
tion pressure label [tire and load
information label], you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety fe ature, your vehicle
has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS-tire pressure
warning system) that illuminates a low
tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warn-
ing light) when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Accord-
ingly, when the low ti re pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light) illuminates,
you should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to the
proper pressure. Driving on a signifi-
cantly under-inflated tire causes the tire
to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle’s handling and stopping abil-
ity.
Please note that the TPMS (tire pressure
warning system) is not a substitute for
proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver’s responsibility to maintain correct
tire pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger illumina-
tion of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale
(tire pressure warning light).

3037-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
WARNING
Your vehicle has also been equipped with
a TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction indicator is combined with
the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light). When the system
detects a malfunction, the telltale will
flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated.
This sequence will continue upon subse-
quent vehicle start-ups as long as the
malfunction exists. When the malfunction
indicator is illuminated, the system may
not be able to detect or signal low tire
pressure as intended.
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunctions may occur for a variety of
reasons, including th e installation of
replacement or alternate tires or wheels
on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
(tire pressure warning system) from func-
tioning properly. Always check the
TPMS (tire pressure warning system)
malfunction telltale after replacing one
or more tires or wheels on your vehicle to
ensure that the replacement or alternate
tires and wheels allow the TPMS (tire
pressure warning system) to continue to
function properly.
NOTICE
■To ensure the tire pressure warning
system operates properly
Do not install tires wi th different specifi-
cations or makers, as the tire pressure
warning system may not operate prop-
erly.
If a warning message is dis-
played
The multi-information display
shows warnings of system malfunc-
tions, incorrectly performed opera-
tions, and messages that indicate a
need for maintenance. When a
message is shown, perform the cor-
rection procedure appropriate to
the message.
Except F SPORT models
Master warning light
The master warning light also comes on
or flashes in order to indicate that a mes-
sage is currently be ing displayed on the
multi-information display.
Multi-information display
Follow the instructions of the message
on the multi-information display.
If any of the warning messages are
shown again after the following actions
have been performed, contact your
Lexus dealer.
A
B

3077-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
Stop the vehicle in a safe place on a
hard, flat surface.
 Set the parking brake.
 Shift the shift lever to P.
 Stop the engine.
 Turn on the emergency flashers.
( P.286)
Type A
Jack handle
Wheel nut wrench
Screwdriver
Towing eyelet
If you have a flat tire
Your vehicle is equipped with a
spare tire. The flat tire can be
replaced with the spare tire.
For details about tires: P.265
WARNING
■If you have a flat tire
Do not continue driving with a flat tire.
Driving even a short distance with a flat
tire can damage the tire and the wheel
beyond repair, which could result in an
accident.
Before jacking up the vehicle
Location of the spare tire, jack and tools
A
B
C
D

3087-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Spare tire
Jack
Type BJack handle
Wheel nut wrench
Screwdriver
Towing eyelet
Spare tire
Jack
E
F
A
B
C
D
E
F
WARNING
■Using the tire jack
Observe the following precautions.
Improper use of the tire jack may cause
the vehicle to suddenly fall off the jack,
leading to death or serious injury.
●Do not use the tire jack for any pur-
pose other than replacing tires or
installing and removing tire chains.
●Only use the tire jack that comes with
this vehicle for replacing a flat tire.
Do not use it on other vehicles, and do
not use other tire jacks for replacing
tires on this vehicle.
●Put the jack properly in its jack point.
●Do not put any part of your body under
the vehicle while it is supported by the
jack.
●Do not start the engine or drive the
vehicle while the vehicle is supported
by the jack.

3107-2. Steps to take in an emergency
2Remove the tool tray.
3 Loosen the center fastener that
secures the spare tire.
If the center fastener cannot be turned by
hand, use the wheel nut wrench that is
stored in the trunk. (To secure the tire,
tighten the center fastener by hand. Do not
use the wrench or other tools.)
1 Chock the tires.
2 Slightly loosen the wheel nuts (one
turn).
3 Turn the tire jack portion by
hand until the notch of the jack is in
contact with the jack point.
The jack point guides are located under
the rocker panel. They indicate the jack
WARNING
■When storing the spare tire
Be careful not to catch fingers or other
body parts between the spare tire and
the body of the vehicle.
Replacing a flat tire
Flat tireWheel chock posi- tions
Front left-hand sideBehind the rear
right-hand side tire
Front right-hand
sideBehind the rear
left-hand side tire
Rear left-hand sideIn front of the front
right-hand side tire
Rear right-hand sideIn front of the front
left-hand side tire
A

3137-2. Steps to take in an emergency
7
When trouble arises
■When the spare tire is equipped
The vehicle becomes lower when driving
with the spare tire compared to when driv-
ing with standard tires.
■If you have a flat rear tire on a road cov-
ered with snow or ice (vehicles with
front and rear tires of the same size
except for vehicles with LDH and
19-inch tires)
Install the spare tire on one of the front
wheels of the vehicle. Perform the following
steps and fit tire chains to the rear tires:
1 Replace a front tire with the spare tire.
2 Replace the flat rear tire with the tire
removed from the front of the vehicle.
3 Fit tire chains to the rear tires.
WARNING
■When using the spare tire
●Remember that the spare tire provided
is specifically desi gned for use with
your vehicle. Do not use your spare
tire on another vehicle.
●Do not use more than one spare tire
simultaneously.
●Replace the spare tire with a standard
tire as soon as possible.
●Avoid sudden acceleration, abrupt
steering, sudden braking and shifting
operations that cause sudden engine
braking.
■When the spare tire is attached
The vehicle speed may not be correctly
detected, and the following systems may
not operate correctly:
• ABS & Brake assist
•VSC
•TRAC
• Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
•PCS
•EPS
• Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
• LDA (Lane Departure Alert with steering control)
• VGRS (if equipped)
• LDH (Lexus Dynamic Handling sys- tem) (if equipped)
• DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering) (if equipped)
• VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
• Tire pressure warning system
• Lexus parking assist monitor
• Intuitive parking assist (if equipped)
• Navigation system (if equipped)
Also, not only can the following system
not be utilized fully, bu t it may even nega-
tively affect the drive-train components:
• AWD system (if equipped)
■Speed limit when using the spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50
mph (80 km/h) when a spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
The spare tire is not designed for driving
at high speeds. Failure to observe this
precaution may lead to an accident caus-
ing death or serious injury.
■After using the tools and jack
Before driving, make sure all the tools
and jack are securely in place in their
storage location to reduce the possibility
of personal injury during a collision or
sudden braking.

3147-2. Steps to take in an emergency
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
There may not be sufficient fuel in
the vehicle’s tank.
Refuel the vehicle.
 The engine may be flooded.
Try to restart the engine again fol-
lowing correct starting procedures.
( P.127)
 There may be a malfunction in the
engine immobilizer system.
( P.56)
One of the following may be the cause
of the problem:
 The battery may be discharged.
( P.319)
 The battery terminal connections
may be loose or corroded.
( P.263)
NOTICE
■Driving with tire chains and the spare
tire
Do not fit tire chains to the spare tire.
Tire chains may damage the vehicle body
and adversely affect driving perfor-
mance.
■When replacing the tires
When removing or fitting the wheels,
tires or the tire pressure warning valve
and transmitter, contact your Lexus
dealer as the tire pr essure warning valve
and transmitter may be damaged if not
handled correctly.
If the engine will not start
If the engine will not start even
though correct starting procedures
are being followed ( P.127), con-
sider each of the following points:
The engine will not start even
though the starter motor oper-
ates normally.
The starter motor turns over
slowly, the interior lights and
headlights are dim, or the horn
does not sound or sounds at a low
volume.

3267-2. Steps to take in an emergency
1Stop the engine. Set the parking
brake and shift the shift lever to P.
2 Remove the mud, snow or sand
from around the rear wheels.
3 Place wood, stones or some other
material under the rear wheels to
help provide traction.
4 Restart the engine.
5 Shift the shift lever to D or R and
release the parking brake. Then,
while exercising caution, depress
the accelerator pedal.
■When it is difficult to free the vehicle
Press the switch to turn off TRAC.
If the vehicle becomes stuck
Carry out the following proce-
dures if the tires spin or the vehicle
becomes stuck in mud, dirt or snow:
Recovering procedure
WARNING
■When attempting to free a stuck vehi-
cle
If you choose to push the vehicle back
and forth to free it, make sure the sur-
rounding area is clear to avoid striking
other vehicles, obje cts or people. The
vehicle may also lunge forward or lunge
back suddenly as it becomes free. Use
extreme caution.
■When shifting the shift lever
Be careful not to shif t the shift lever with
the accelerator pedal depressed.
This may lead to un expected rapid accel-
eration of the vehicle that may cause an
accident resulting in death or serious
injury.
NOTICE
■To avoid damaging the transmission
and other components
●Avoid spinning the rear wheels and
depressing the accelerator pedal
more than necessary.
●If the vehicle remains stuck even after
these procedures are performed, the
vehicle may require towing to be freed.