tire type LEXUS RX330 2006 Owners Manual

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR LEXUS
vii
Tires and loading on your Lexus
Underinflated or overinflated tire pressure and the
excess load may result in the deterioration of steering
ability and braking ability, leading to an accident.
Check the tire inflation pressure periodically and be
sure to keep the load limits given in this Owner’s
Manual. For details about tire inflation pressure and
load limits, see pages 570 and 489.
Scrapping of your Lexus
The SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner devices in your
Lexus contain explosive chemicals. If the vehicle is scrapped
with the airbags and seat belt pretensioners left as they are,
this may cause an accident such as fire. Be sure to have the
system of the SRS airbag and seat belt pretensioner removed
and disposed of by a qualified service shop or by your Lexus
dealer before you scrap your vehicle.
Onpavement and offroad driving tips
This vehicle belongs to the utility vehicle class. Utility vehicles
have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of
vehicles. This vehicle will handle and maneuver differently
from an ordinary passenger car because it is designed for
off−road use also. In addition, this vehicle has a higher ground
clearance and center of gravity than that of an ordinary
passenger car. This vehicle design feature causes this type of
vehicle to be more likely to rollover. Failure to operate this
vehicle correctly may result in loss of control, accidents or
vehicle rollover causing death or serious injury. Be sure to read
“Off −road vehicle precautions” on page 468 and “Off −road
driving precautions” on page 472.

SECTION 3 – 1
381
STARTING AND DRIVING
Starting and driving
Three−way catalytic converters382
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine exhaust caution 384
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before starting the engine 385
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition switch 385
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Parking brake 387
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
How to start the engine 388
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission (standard type) 389
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Automatic transmission (multi −mode type) 398
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear view monitor system 408
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cruise control 412
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Dynamic laser cruise control 416
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronically modulated air suspension 437
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system (two− wheel drive models) 449
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Traction control system (four −wheel drive models) 453
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle stability control system 455
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake system 458
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Tire pressure warning system 462
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake pad wear limit indicators 465
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

STARTING AND DRIVING
456
CAUTION
Do not rely excessively on the vehicle stability
control system. Even if the vehicle stability control
system is operating, you must always drive carefully
and attentively to avoid serious injury. Reckless
driving will result in an unexpected accident. If the
slip indicator light blinks, sounding an alarm, special
care should be taken while driving.
 Only use tires of specified size. The size,
manufacturer, brand and tread pattern for all 4 tires
should be the same. If you use the tires other than
specified, or different type or size, the vehicle
stability control system may not function correctly.
When replacing the tires or wheels, contact your
Lexus dealer.
 In situations where the road surface is covered with
ice or snow, your vehicle should be fitted with snow
tires or tire chains.
 Slip indicator light
If the vehicle is going to skid during driving, the slip indicator
light blinks and an alarm sounds intermittently. Special care
should be taken while driving.
The slip indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition key is turned to “ON”. If the indicator light does not
come on when the ignition is turned on, contact your Lexus
dealer.

DRIVING TIPS
487
CAUTION
Do not exceed 72 km/h (45 mph) or the posted towing
speed limit, whichever is lower. Because instability
(swaying) of a towing vehicletrailer combination
usually increases as the speed increases, exceeding
72 km/h (45 mph) may cause loss of control.
 Slow down and downshift before descending steep
or long downhill grades. Do not make sudden
downshifts.
 Avoid holding the brake pedal down too long or too
frequently. This could cause the brakes to overheat
and result in reduced braking efficiency.
HOW TO SAVE FUEL AND MAKE
YOUR 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 warmup idling. Once the engine is
running smoothly, begin driving — but gently. Remember,
however, that on cold winter days this may take a little
longer.
 Always keep the automatic transmission selector lever
in the “D” position when engine braking is not required.
Driving with the overdrive off will reduce the fuel economy.
(For details, see “Automatic transmission (standard type)”
or “Automatic transmission (multi− mode type)” on page 389
or 398.)
 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.

SECTION 6 – 3
563
SERVICE PROCEDURES AND
SPECIFICATIONS
Chassis
Specifications564
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . .
Checking brake fluid 568
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
.
Checking power steering fluid 569
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking tire inflation pressure 570
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Information 573
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . .
Types of tires 583
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Rotating tires 584
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . . . . . .
Checking and replacing tires 585
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installing snow tires and chains 587
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing wheels 590
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .\
. . .
Aluminum wheel precautions 591
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension and chassis 591
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CHASSIS
566
— TIRES AND WHEELS (type A)Tire size
225/65R17 101S
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation
pressure
Front 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
Rear 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
Spare 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
For sustained high speeds above 160 km/h (100 mph), in
countries where such speeds are permitted by law, add 10
kPa (0.1 kgf/cm
2 or bar, 1.5 psi) to the front tires and rear
tires, but never exceed the maximum cold tire pressure
molded on the tire sidewall.
Wheel size17  6 1/2 J
Wheel nut torque103 N·m (10.5 kgf·m, 76 ft·lbf)
NOTE:
For complete information on tires (e.g. replacing tires or replacing wh\
eels), see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
through “Aluminum wheel precautions” on pages 570 through 591.

CHASSIS
567
— TIRES AND WHEELS (type B)Tire size
P235/55R18 99V
Tire inflation pressure Recommended cold tire inflation
pressure
Front 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
Rear 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
Spare 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2 or bar, 30 psi)
Wheel size18 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 wh\
eels), see “Checking tire inflation pressure”
through “Aluminum wheel precautions” on pages 570 through 591.

CHASSIS
574
1Tire size: For details, see “Tire size” on page
575.
2DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN): For
details, see “DOT and Tire Identification Number
(TIN)” on page 575.
3Location of the tread wear indicators: For
details, see “Checking and replacing tires” on
page 585.
4Tire ply composition and materials: Plies mean
a layer of rubber −coated parallel cords. Cords
mean the strands forming the plies in the tire.
5Radial tires or biasply tires — A radial tire has
“RADIAL” on the sidewall. A tire not marked with
“RADIAL” is a bias−ply tire.
6“TUBELESS” or “TUBE TYPE”: A tubeless tire
does not have a tube inside the tire and air is
directly filled in the tire. A tube type tire has a
tube inside the tire and the tube maintains the
air pressure.
7Load limit at maximum cold tire inflation
pressure: For details, see “Checking and
replacing tires” on page 585.
8Maximum cold tire inflation pressure: This
means the pressure to which a tire may be
inflated. For details about recommended cold tire
inflation pressure, see “Specifications” on page
564.
9Uniform tire quality grading — For details, see
“Uniform tire quality grading” that follows.
10Summer tire or all season tire: An all season
tire has “M+S” on the sidewall. The tire not
marked with “M+S” is a summer tire. For details,
see “Types of tires” on page 583.

CHASSIS
575
DOT and Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The illustration indicates typical DOT and Tire
Identification Number (TIN).
1“DOT” symbol
2Tire Identification Number (TIN)
3Tire manufacturer’s identification mark
4Tire size code
5Manufacturer’s optional tire type code
(3 or 4 letters)
6Manufacturing week
7Manufacturing year
The “DOT” symbol certifies that the tire conforms to
applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Tire size
 The illustration indicates typical tire size.
1Tire use (P=Passenger car, T=Temporary
use)
2Section width (in millimeters)
3Aspect ratio (tire height to section width)
4Tire construction code
(R=Radial, D=Diagonal)
5Wheel diameter (in inches)
6Load index (2 digits or 3 digits)
7Speed symbol (alphabet with one letter)

CHASSIS
580
Tire related termMeaning
Normal occupant
weight68 kg (150 lb.) times the number of occupants specified in the second \
column of
Table 1 that follows
Occupant distributiondistribution of occupants in a vehicle as specified in the third column \
of Table 1
that follows
Production options
weightthe 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 heav\
y duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim
Recommended
inflation pressurecold tire inflation pressure recommended by a manufacturer
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
Rim size designationrim diameter and width
Rim type designationthe industry of manufacturer’s designation for a rim by style or code
Rim widthnominal distance between rim flanges