2011 Lexus IS 350 Owners Manual - Page 397

407

4-3. Do-it-yourself maintenance

4

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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.

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Tire types

1

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 perfor-

mance 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.

2 All season tires

All season tires are designed to provide better traction in snow and to be ade-

quate for driving in most winter conditions, as well as for use year round. All sea-

son 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 performance compared with summer tires in highway driving.

3 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 capac-

ity 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 restriction.

Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. (

→

P. 195)

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Initializing the tire pressure warning system

Initialize the tires with the tire inflation pressure adjusted to the specified level.

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. 528).