2002 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 223

STARTING AND DRIVING LIMITED−SLIP DIFFERENTIALS (Four−wheel drive models only) Your Lexus is equipped with a limited−slip center differential (transfer) and some models are equipped with a limited−slip rear differential as optional. If one wheel − either front or rear − begins to spin, the transfer (limited−slip center differential) is designed to aid traction by automatically transmitting driving force to the wheels on the other drive axle. It transmits driving force to the front wheels if a rear wheel spins, and to the rear wheels if a front wheel spins. Four−wheel drive models with limited−slip rear differential: If one rear wheel begins to spin, the limited−slip rear differential is designed to aid traction by automatically transmitting driving force to the other rear wheel. If you are not sure whether your vehicle is equipped with a limited−slip rear differential, you can ask your Lexus dealer. NOTICE Use only a spare tire of the same size, construction and load capacity as the original tires on your Lexus because damage to the limited−slip differential could possibly occur with another tire type. TYPES OF TIRES Determine what kind of tires your vehicle is originally equipped with. 1. Summer tires Summer tires are high−speed capability 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 or icy roads, we recommend using snow tires. If installing snow tires, be sure to replace all four tires. CAUTION Do not start or run the engine while your vehicle is supported by a jack. The vehicle could be driven off the jack and could pose a danger or result in serious injury. 2. 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 all 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 performance compared with summer tires in highway driving. 2002 MY RX300_U (OM48416U) 203