2002 Lexus ES 300 Owners Manual - Page 333

CHASSIS INSTALLING SNOW TIRES AND CHAINS When to use snow tires or chains Snow tires or chains are recommended when driving on snow or ice. On wet or dry roads, conventional or radial tires provide better traction than snow or studded tires. CAUTION D Snow tires should be inflated to the same pressure as the original tires. D Never drive over 120 km/h (75 mph) with any type of snow tires. Tire chain selection Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location or type of road. Always check the local regulations before installing chains. Use SAE Class "S" type radial tire chains, with the exception of radial cable chains or V−bar type chains. Snow tire selection If you need snow tires, select the same size, construction and load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus. Do not use tires other than stated above. 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. Chain installation Install the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Do not use tire chains on the rear tires. Retighten chains after driving 0.5 − 1.0 km (1/4 − 1/2 mile). When installing chains on your tires, carefully follow the instructions of the chain manufacturer. Snow tire installation Snow tires should be installed on all wheels. Installing snow tires on the front wheels only can lead to an excessive difference in road grip capability between the front and rear tires which could cause loss of vehicle control. 319