2002 Lexus RX 300 Owners Manual - Page 230

DRIVING TIPS D Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the engine or other components does not occur. Water entering the engine air intake will cause severe engine damage. Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature failure, and may also enter the differentials, transmission and transfer case, reducing the gear oil's lubricating qualities. D Sand and mud that has accumulated in brake drums and around brake discs may affect braking efficiency and may damage brake system components. D Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off−road driving that has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled maintenance information, refer to the "Owner's Manual Supplement / Scheduled Maintenance". 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 296 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. See page 274 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. 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 275 for instructions. 210 2002 MY RX300_U (OM48416U)