LEXUS IS 350 (2019 year). Instruction - part 31

488

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

When to replace your vehicle’s tires
Tires should be replaced if:

●

The treadwear indicators are showing on a tire.

●

You have tire damage such as cuts, splits, cracks deep enough to expose the fabric, and

bulges indicating internal damage

●

A tire goes flat repeatedly or cannot be properly repaired due to the size or location of

a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult your Lexus dealer.

■

Replacing tires and wheels
If the ID code of the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter is not registered, the tire

pressure warning system will not work properly. After driving for about 20 minutes, the

tire pressure warning light blinks for 1 minute and stays on to indicate a system malfunc-

tion.

■

Tire life
Any tire over 6 years old must be checked by a qualified technician even if it has seldom

or never been used or damage is not obvious.

■

Routine tire inflation pressure checks
The tire pressure warning system does not replace routine tire inflation pressure checks.

Make sure to check tire inflation pressure as part of your routine of daily vehicle checks.

■

When rotating the tires
Make sure that the engine switch is off. If the tires are rotated while the engine switch is in

IGNITION ON mode, the tire position information will not be updated.

If this accidentally occurs, either turn the engine switch to off and then to IGNITION ON

mode, or initialize the system after checking that the tire pressure is properly adjusted.

■

Low profile tires
Generally, low profile tires will wear more rapidly and tire grip performance will be

reduced on snowy and/or icy roads when compared to standard tires. Be sure to use

snow tires or tire chains

*

 on snowy and/or icy roads and drive carefully at a speed appro-

priate for road and weather conditions.

*

: Tire chains cannot be mounted on the 18-inch tires. Snow tires should be used instead.

489

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

Maximum load of tire
Check that the maximum load of the replacement tire is greater than 1/2 of the Gross

Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR) of either the front axle or the rear axle, whichever is

greater.

■

Tire types

●

Summer tires
Summer tires are high-speed performance 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 roads or icy roads, the use of snow tires is recommended.

When installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires.

●

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 year-round. All season tires, how-

ever, 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 perfor-

mance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

●

Snow tires
For driving on snow-covered roads or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If

you need snow tires, select tires of the same size, construction and load capacity as the

originally installed tires. 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 tires should be installed

on all wheels. (

P. 306)

■

If the tread on snow tires wears down below 0.16 in. (4 mm)
The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is lost.

For the GAWR, see the Certification Label. For

the maximum load of the tire, see the load limit

at maximum cold tire inflation pressure men-

tioned on the sidewall of the tire. (

P. 601)

490

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

Situations in which the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly

●

In the following cases, the tire pressure warning system may not operate properly.
• If non-genuine Lexus wheels are used. 

• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not an OE (Original Equipment) tire.

• A tire has been replaced with a tire that is not of the specified size.

• Tire chains etc. are equipped.

• An auxiliary-supported run-flat tire is equipped.

• If a window tint that affects the radio wave signals is installed.

• If there is a lot of snow or ice on the vehicle, particularly around the wheels or wheel

housings.

• If the tire inflation pressure is extremely higher than the specified level.

• If tires not equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmitters are used.

• If the ID code on the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters is not registered

in the tire pressure warning computer.

●

Performance may be affected in the following situations.
• Near a TV tower, electric power plant, gas station, radio station, large display, air-

port or other facility that generates strong radio waves or electrical noise

• When carrying a portable radio, cellular phone, cordless phone or other wireless

communication device

If tire position information is not correctly displayed due to the radio wave conditions,

the display may be corrected by driving and changing the radio wave conditions.

●

When the vehicle is parked, the time taken for the warning to start or go off could be

extended.

●

When tire inflation pressure declines rapidly for example when a tire has burst, the

warning may not function.

■

The initialization operation

●

Make sure to carry out initialization after adjusting the tire inflation pressure.

Also, make sure the tires are cold before carrying out initialization or tire inflation pres-

sure adjustment.

●

If you have accidentally turned the engine switch off during initialization, it is not neces-

sary to press the reset switch again as initialization will restart automatically when the

engine switch has been turned to IGNITION ON mode for the next time.

●

If you accidentally press the reset switch when initialization is not necessary, adjust the

tire inflation pressure to the specified level when the tires are cold, and conduct initial-

ization again.

■

When initialization of the tire pressure warning system has failed
Initialization can be completed in a few minutes. However, in the following cases, the set-

tings have not been recorded and the system will not operate properly. If repeated

attempts to record tire inflation pressure settings are unsuccessful, have the vehicle

inspected by your Lexus dealer.

●

When operating the tire pressure warning reset switch, the tire pressure warning light

does not blink 3 times.

●

After carrying out the initialization procedure, the tire pressure warning light blinks for 1

minute then stays on after driving for 20 minutes.

491

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

Tire pressure warning system certification

●

Transmitter



For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.



For vehicles sold in Canada

492

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

●

Initiator



For vehicles sold in the U.S.A.



For vehicles sold in Canada

493

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

WARNING

■

When inspecting or replacing tires
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents.

Failure to do so may cause damage to parts of the drivetrain as well as dangerous han-

dling characteristics, which may lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury.

●

Do not mix tires of different makes, models or tread patterns.

Also, do not mix tires of remarkably different treadwear.

●

Do not use tire sizes other than those recommended by Lexus.

●

Do not mix differently constructed tires (radial, bias-belted or bias-ply tires).

●

Do not mix summer, all season and snow tires.

●

Do not use tires that have been used on another vehicle.

Do not use tires if you do not know how they were used previously. 

●

Do not tow if your vehicle has a compact spare tire installed.

■

When initializing the tire pressure warning system
Do not operate the tire pressure warning reset switch without first adjusting the tire

inflation pressure to the specified level. Otherwise, the tire pressure warning light may

not come on even if the tire inflation pressure is low, or it may come on when the tire

inflation pressure is actually normal.

■

Caution regarding interference with electronic devices

●

Users of any electrical medical device other than implantable cardiac pacemakers,

cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemakers or implantable cardioverter defibril-

lators should consult the manufacturer of the device for information about its opera-

tion under the influence of radio waves.

Radio waves could have unexpected effects on the operation of such medical

devices.

●

People with implantable cardiac pacemakers,

cardiac resynchronization therapy-pacemak-

ers or implantable cardioverter defibrillators

should not come within 17.7 in. (450 mm) of

the tire pressure warning system initiators.

The radio waves may affect the operation of

such devices.

494

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

NOTICE

■

Repairing or replacing tires, wheels, tire pressure warning valves, transmitters and

tire valve caps

●

When removing or fitting the wheels, tires or the tire pressure warning valves and

transmitters, contact your Lexus dealer as the tire pressure warning valves and trans-

mitters may be damaged if not handled correctly.

●

Make sure to install the tire valve caps. If the tire valve caps are not installed, water

could enter the tire pressure warning valves and the tire pressure warning valves

could be bound.

●

When replacing tire valve caps, do not use tire valve caps other than those specified.

The cap may become stuck.

■

To avoid damage to the tire pressure warning valves and transmitters
When a tire is repaired with liquid sealants, the tire pressure warning valve and trans-

mitter may not operate properly. If a liquid sealant is used, contact your Lexus dealer or

other qualified service shop as soon as possible. After use of liquid sealant, make sure

to replace the tire pressure warning valve and transmitter when repairing or replacing

the tire. (

P. 486)

■

Driving on rough roads
Take particular care when driving on roads with loose surfaces or potholes.

These conditions may cause losses in tire inflation pressure, reducing the cushioning

ability of the tires. In addition, driving on rough roads may cause damage to the tires

themselves, as well as the vehicle’s wheels and body.

■

Low profile tires
Low profile tires may cause greater damage than usual to the tire wheel when sustain-

ing impact from the road surface. Therefore, pay attention to the following:

●

Be sure to use proper tire inflation pressure. If tires are under-inflated, they may be

damaged more severely.

●

Avoid potholes, uneven pavement, curbs and other road hazards. Failure to do so

may lead to severe tire and wheel damage.

■

If tire inflation pressure of each tire becomes low while driving
Do not continue driving, or your tires and/or wheels may be ruined.

495

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

The recommended cold tire inflation
pressure and tire size are displayed on
the tire and loading information label.
(

P. 595)

Tire inflation pressure

Tire inflation pressure

496

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

Tire valve
Tire pressure gauge

Remove the tire valve cap.
Press the tip of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire valve.
Read the pressure using the gauge gradations.
If the tire inflation pressure is not at the recommended level, adjust the pres-
sure.
If you add too much air, press the center of the valve to deflate.
After completing the tire inflation pressure measurement and adjustment,
apply soapy water to the valve and check for leakage.
Put the tire valve cap back on.

■

Tire inflation pressure check interval
You should check tire inflation pressure every two weeks, or at least once a month.

Do not forget to check the spare.

■

Effects of incorrect tire inflation pressure
Driving with incorrect tire inflation pressure may result in the following:

●

Reduced fuel economy

●

Reduced driving comfort and poor handling

●

Reduced tire life due to wear

●

Reduced safety

●

Damage to the drivetrain

If a tire needs frequent inflating, have it checked by your Lexus dealer.

Inspection and adjustment procedure

1

2

1

2
3
4

5

6

497

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

Instructions for checking tire inflation pressure
When checking tire inflation pressure, observe the following:

●

Check only when the tires are cold.

If your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours or has not been driven for more than

1 mile or 1.5 km, you will get an accurate cold tire inflation pressure reading.

●

Always use a tire pressure gauge.

It is difficult to judge if a tire is properly inflated based only on its appearance.

●

It is normal for the tire inflation pressure to be higher after driving as heat is generated

in the tire. Do not reduce tire inflation pressure after driving.

●

Never exceed the vehicle capacity weight.

Passengers and luggage weight should be placed so that the vehicle is balanced.

WARNING

■

Proper inflation is critical to save tire performance
Keep your tires properly inflated. 

If the tires are not properly inflated, the following conditions may occur which could

lead to an accident resulting in death or serious injury:

●

Excessive wear

●

Uneven wear

●

Poor handling

●

Possibility of blowouts resulting from overheated tires

●

Air leaking from between tire and wheel

●

Wheel deformation and/or tire damage

●

Greater possibility of tire damage while driving (due to road hazards, expansion

joints, sharp edges in the road, etc.)

NOTICE

■

When inspecting and adjusting tire inflation pressure
Be sure to put the tire valve caps back on.

If a valve cap is not installed, dirt or moisture may get into the valve and cause an air

leak, resulting in decreased tire inflation pressure.

498

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

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:

●

Wheels of different sizes or types

●

Used wheels

●

Bent wheels that have been straightened

●

Use only Lexus wheel nuts and wrenches designed for use with your alumi-
num wheels.

●

When rotating, repairing or changing your tires, check that the wheel nuts are
still tight after driving 1000 miles (1600 km).

●

Be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels when using tire chains.

●

Use only Lexus genuine balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber
hammer when balancing your wheels.

■

When replacing wheels
The wheels of your vehicle are equipped with tire pressure warning valves and transmit-

ters that allow the tire pressure warning system to provide advance warning in the event

of a loss in tire inflation pressure. Whenever wheels are replaced, tire pressure warning

valves and transmitters must be installed. (

P. 486)

Wheels

If a wheel is bent, cracked or heavily corroded, it should be replaced. Other-
wise, the tire may separate from the wheel or cause a loss of handling control.

Wheel selection

Aluminum wheel precautions

499

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

WARNING

■

When replacing wheels

●

Do 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.

●

Never 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

■

Replacing tire pressure warning valves and transmitters

●

Because 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.

●

Ensure that only genuine Lexus wheels are used on your vehicle.

Tire pressure warning valves and transmitters may not work properly with non-genu-

ine wheels. 

500

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

Turn the engine switch off.
Open the glove box. Lift up the side
with the stay, disconnect the stay
tabs and remove the partition by
pulling horizontally.

Press the tabs and remove the filter
cover.

Press the tabs and remove the filter
case.

Air conditioning filter

The air conditioning filter must be changed regularly to maintain air condi-
tioning efficiency.

Removal method

1

2

3

4

501

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

Remove the air conditioning filter
from the filter case and replace it
with a new one.

The “

UP” marks shown on the filter

and the filter case should be pointing up.

■

Checking interval
Inspect and replace the air conditioning filter according to the maintenance schedule. In

dusty areas or areas with heavy traffic flow, early replacement may be required. (For

scheduled maintenance information, please refer to the “Owner’s Manual Supplement”

or “Scheduled Maintenance”.)

■

If air flow from the vents decreases dramatically
The filter may be clogged. Check the filter and replace if necessary.

■

Air conditioning filter with deodorizing function
When fragrances are placed in your vehicle, the deodorizing effect may become signifi-

cantly weakened in a short period.

When an air conditioning odor comes out continuously, replace the air conditioning filter.

5

NOTICE

■

When using the air conditioning system
Make sure that a filter is always installed.

Using the air conditioning system without a filter may cause damage to the system.

502

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

●

Flathead screwdriver

●

Small flathead screwdriver

●

Lithium battery CR2032

Take out the mechanical key.

Remove the cover.

To prevent damage to the key, wrap the

tip of the screwdriver with tape.

Remove the depleted battery.

Insert a new battery with the “+” termi-

nal facing up.

Electronic key battery

Replace the battery with a new one if it is depleted.

You will need the following items:

Replacing the battery

1

2

3

503

7-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

7

Main

tenance an

d care

IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300 AWD/IS300_U

■

Use a CR2032 lithium battery

●

Batteries can be purchased at your Lexus dealer, local electrical appliance shops or

camera stores.

●

Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.

●

Dispose of used batteries according to local laws.

■

When the card key battery needs to be replaced (if equipped)
The battery for the card key is available only at Lexus dealers. Your Lexus dealer can

replace the battery for you.

■

If the electronic key battery is depleted
The following symptoms may occur:

●

The smart access system with push-button start and wireless remote control will not

function properly.

●

The operational range will be reduced.

WARNING

■

Removed battery and other parts
These parts are small and if swallowed by a child, they can cause choking. Keep away

from children. Failure to do so could result in death or serious injury.

NOTICE

■

For normal operation after replacing the battery
Observe the following precautions to prevent accidents:

●

Always work with dry hands.

Moisture may cause the battery to rust.

●

Do not touch or move any other component inside the remote control.

●

Do not bend either of the battery terminals.