tires LEXUS RX350 2011 Owner's Manual

490
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nProper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. Otherwise, the following conditions may occur
and result in an accident causing death or serious injury:
lExcessive wear
lUneven wear
lPoor handling
lPossibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires
lPoor sealing of the tire bead
lWheel deformation and/or tire separation
lA greater possibility of tire damage from road hazards
NOTICE
nWhen inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.
Without the valve caps, dirt or moisture could get into the valve and cause air leak-
age, which could result in an accident. If the caps are lost, replace them as soon as
possible.

491
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
4

Maintenance and care
Wheels
nWhen replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and
transmitters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advanced warn-
ing in the event of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced,
tire pressure warning valves and transmitters must be installed. (→P. 4 7 9 )
If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced.
Otherwise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of han-
dling control.
nWheel selection
When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they
are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim
width, and inset*.
Replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer.
*: Conventionally referred to as “offset”.
Lexus does not recommend using the following:
lWheels of different sizes or types
lUsed wheels
lBent wheels that have been straightened
nAluminum wheel precautions
lUse only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with
your aluminum wheels.
lWhen rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the
wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).
lBe careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire
chains.
lUse only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a
plastic or rubber hammer when balancing your wheels.

492
4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance
CAUTION
nWhen replacing wheels
lDo not use wheels that are a different size from those recommended in the
Owner’s Manual, as this may result in a loss of handling control.
lNever use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire.
Doing so may result in an accident, causing death or serious injury.
NOTICE
nReplacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
lBecause tire repair or replacement may affect the tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters, make sure to have tires serviced by your Lexus dealer or other
qualified service shop. In addition, make sure to purchase your tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters at your Lexus dealer.
lEnsure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.
Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with non-
genuine wheels.

5

When trouble arises
531
5-1. Essential information
If you think something is wrong
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your vehicle probably needs
adjustment or repair. Contact your Lexus dealer as soon as possible.
nVisible symptoms
lFluid leaks under the vehicle.
(Water dripping from the air conditioning after use is normal.)
lFlat-looking tires or uneven tire wear
lEngine coolant temperature gauge needle continually points
higher than normal.
nAudible symptoms
lChanges in exhaust sound
lExcessive tire squeal when cornering
lStrange noises related to the suspension system
lPinging or other noises related to the engine
nOperational symptoms
lEngine missing, stumbling or running rough
lAppreciable loss of power
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when braking
lVehicle pulls heavily to one side when driving on a level road
lLoss of brake effectiveness, spongy feeling, pedal almost touches
the floor

5

When trouble arises
541
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
nIf the tire pressure warning system is not functioning
The tire pressure warning system will be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
lIf tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used
lIf the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not regis-
tered in the tire pressure warning computer
lIf the tire pressure warning select switch is set to a different tire setting.
lIf the tire inflation pressure is 73 psi (500 kPa, 5.1 kgf/cm2 or bar) or higher
The tire pressure warning system may be disabled in the following conditions:
(When the condition becomes normal, the system will work properly.)
lIf electronic devices or facilities using similar radio wave frequencies are nearby
lIf a radio set at similar frequencies is in use in the vehicle
lIf a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed
lIf there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, in particular around the wheels or
wheel housings
lIf non-genuine Lexus wheels are used (Even if you use Lexus wheels, the tire
pressure warning system may not work properly with some types of tires.)
lIf tire chains are used
lIf the full-size spare tire is in a location subject to poor radio wave signal recep-
tion.
lIf a large metallic object which can interfere with signal reception is put in the
luggage compartment (vehicles with full-size spare tire).
nIf the tire pressure warning light comes on after flashing frequently for 1 minute
If the tire pressure warning light comes on after flashing frequently for 1 minute
when the “ENGINE START STOP” switch is turned to IGNITION ON mode, have
it checked by your Lexus dealer.
nCustomization
The vehicle speed linked seat belt reminder buzzer can be disabled.
(Customizable features →P. 6 2 1 )

542
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
nWhen the power steering warning light comes on
The steering wheel may become extremely heavy.
If the steering wheel becomes heavier than usual when operating, hold firmly and
operate it using more force than usual.
nIf the tire pressure warning light comes on
Be sure to observe the following precautions. Failure to do so could cause loss of
vehicle control and result in death or serious injury.
lStop your vehicle in a safe place as soon as possible. Adjust the tire inflation pres-
sure immediately.
lIf the tire pressure warning light comes on even after tire inflation pressure adjust-
ment, 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.
lAvoid abrupt maneuvering and braking. If the vehicle tires deteriorate, you could
lose control of the steering wheel or the brakes.
nIf a blowout or sudden air leakage should occur
The tire pressure warning system may not activate immediately.

5

When trouble arises
543
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
nMaintenance of the tires
Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on
the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label (tire and load information label).
(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label [tire and load information label], you should
determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, 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 warning light) when one or more of your tires is sig-
nificantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale (tire pres-
sure warning light) illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling
and stopping ability.
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 illumination of
the TPMS low tire pressure telltale (tire pressure warning light).
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 pressure 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 subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illumi-
nated, 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 rea-
sons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the
vehicle that prevent the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) from functioning
properly. Always check the TPMS (tire pressure warning system) malfunction tell-
tale 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.

570
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
Replacing a flat tire
Chock the tires.
Slightly loosen the wheel nuts (one
turn).
Turn the tire jack portion “A” by
hand until the notch of the jack is in
contact with the jack point.
STEP1
Flat tireWheel chock
positions
Front
Left-
hand side
Behind the
rear right-
hand side tire

Right-
hand side
Behind the
rear left-
hand side tire
Rear

Left-
hand side
In front of the
front right-
hand side tire

Right-
hand side
In front of the
front left-
hand side tire
STEP2
STEP3

574
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
nUsing the tire jack
Improper use of the tire jack may cause the vehicle to suddenly fall off the jack,
leading to death or serious injury.
lDo not use the tire jack for any purpose other than replacing tires or installing and
removing tire chains.
lOnly 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.
lAlways check that the tire jack is securely set to the jack point.
lDo not put any part of your body under the vehicle is supported by the jack.
lDo not start or run the engine while your vehicle while it is supported by the jack.
lDo not raise the vehicle while someone is in it.
lWhen raising the vehicle, do not put an object on or under the jack.
lDo not raise the vehicle to a height greater than that required to replace the tire.
lUse a jack stand if it is necessary to get under the vehicle.
Take particular care when lowering the vehicle to ensure that no one working on or
near the vehicle may be injured.
nReplacing a flat tire
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of death or serious injury:
lDo not touch the disc wheels or the area around the brakes immediately after the
vehicle has been driven.
After the vehicle has been driven the disc wheels and the area around the brakes
will be extremely hot. Touching these areas with hands, feet or other body parts
while changing a tire, etc. may result in burns.
lNever use oil or grease on the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.
Oil and grease may cause the wheel nuts to be excessively tightened, leading to
bolt or disc wheel damage. In addition, the oil or grease can cause the wheel nuts
to loosen and the wheel may fall off, causing a serious accident. Remove any oil or
grease from the wheel bolts or wheel nuts.

576
5-2. Steps to take in an emergency
CAUTION
Also, not only can the following system not be utilized fully, but it may even nega-
tively affect the drive-train components:
lAWD system (if equipped)
nSpeed limit when using the compact spare tire
Do not drive at speeds in excess of 50 mph (80 km/h) when a compact spare tire is
installed on the vehicle.
The compact spare tire is not designed for driving at high speeds. Failure to observe
this precaution may lead to an accident causing death or serious injury.
NOTICE
nDo not drive the vehicle with 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.
nBe careful when driving over bumps with the compact spare tire installed on the
vehicle.
The vehicle becomes lower when driving with the compact spare tire compared to
when driving with standard tires. Be careful when driving over uneven road sur-
faces.
nDriving with tire chains and the compact spare tire
Do not fit tire chains to the compact spare tire.
Tire chains may damage the vehicle body and adversely affect driving performance.
nWhen 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 pressure warning valve and trans-
mitter may be damaged if not handled correctly.
nTo avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and
transmitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus
dealer or other qualified service shop as soon as possible. Make sure to replace the
tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when replacing the tire. (→P. 4 7 9 )