2000 Lexus LX 470 Owners Manual - Page 430

DRIVING TIPS WINTER DRIVING TIPS Make sure you have a proper freeze protection of engine coolant. Your coolant must contain ethylene-glycol type coolant for a proper corrosion protection of aluminum components. Use "Toyota Long Life Coolant" or equivalent. See "Checking the engine coolant level" on page 500 for instructions. See page 499 for recommended viscosity. Leaving a heavy summer oil in your vehicle during winter months may cause harder starting. If you are not sure about which oil to use, call your Lexus dealer - they will be pleased to help. Check the electronic ignition system for loose connections or obvious damage. Keep the door locks from freezing. Squirt lock de-icer or glycerine into the locks to keep them from freezing. Use a washer fluid containing an antifreeze solution. This product is available at your Lexus dealer and most auto parts stores. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how much to mix with water. NOTICE Do not use alcohol type antifreeze or plain water alone. When it is extremely cold, we recommend to use 60% solution for your Lexus, to provide protection down to about -50 _C (-58 _F). Do not use more than 70% solution for better coolant performance. Check the condition of the battery and cables. Cold temperatures reduce the capacity of any battery, so it must be in top shape to provide enough power for winter starting. Page 539 tells you how to visually inspect the battery. Your Lexus dealer and most service stations will be pleased to check the battery charge level. Make sure the engine oil viscosity is suitable for the cold weather. 406 NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute because it may damage your vehicle's paint. Do not use your parking brake when there is a possibility it could freeze. When parking, put the transmission into "P" and block the front wheels. Do not use the parking brake, or snow or water accumulated in and around the parking brake mechanism may freeze the parking brake, making it