1998 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 212

CHASSIS REPLACING WHEELS When to replace your wheels If you have wheel damage such as bending, cracks or heavy corrosion, the wheel should be replaced. If you fail to replace damaged wheels, a tire may slip off a wheel or they may cause loss of handling control. Replacement with used wheels is not recommended as they may have been subjected to rough treatment or high mileage and could fail without warning. Also, bent wheels which have been straightened may have hidden structural damage and therefore should not be used. Never use an inner tube in a leaking wheel which is designed for a tubeless tire. ALUMINUM WHEEL PRECAUTIONS D After driving your vehicle the first 1600 km (1000 miles), check that the wheel nuts are tight. D If you have rotated, repaired, or changed your tires, check that the wheel nuts are still tight after driving 1600 km (1000 miles). D When using tire chains, be careful not to damage the aluminum wheels. D Use only the Lexus wheel nuts and wrench designed for your aluminum wheels. D When balancing your wheels, use only Lexus balance weights or equivalent and a plastic or rubber hammer. D As with any wheel, periodically check your aluminum wheels for damage. If damaged, replace immediately. Wheel selection When replacing wheels, care should be taken to ensure that they are equivalent to those removed in load capacity, diameter, rim width, and offset. Correct replacement wheels are available at your Lexus dealer. A wheel of a different size or type may adversely affect handling, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or snow chain clearance to the body and chassis. SUSPENSION AND CHASSIS CAUTION Do not modify the suspension/chassis with lift kits, spacers, springs, etc. It can cause dangerous handling characteristics, resulting in loss of control. 212