IS350 AWD/IS350/IS300- Page 297

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6-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

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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 loca-

tion of a cut or other damage

If you are not sure, consult with your Lexus 

dealer.

■

Tire life

Any tire over 6 years old must be checked 

by a qualified technician even if it has sel-

dom or never been used or damage is not 

obvious.

■

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, which-

ever is greater.
For the GAWR, see the Certification Label. 

For the maximum load of the tire, see the 

load limit at maximum cold tire inflation 

pressure mentioned on the sidewall of the 

tire. (



P.378)

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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 recom-
mended. 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, 
however, 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 per-
formance 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 equip-
ment, make sure your snow tires also have 
radial construction. Do not install studded 
tires without first checking local regula-
tions for possible restrictions. Snow tires 
should be installed on all wheels. 
(



P.234)

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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 

appropriate for road and weather condi-

tions.

*

: Vehicles with front and rear tires of dif-

fering sizes: Tire chains cannot be 
mounted. Snow tires should be used 
instead.

■

If the tread on snow tires wears down 

below 0.16 in. (4 mm)

The effectiveness of the tires as snow tires is 

lost.