Winter Driving Tips - Lexus 2004 LS430 Owner's Manual

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Make sure you have a proper freeze protection for engine
coolant.
Only use "Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" or similar high
quality ethylene glycol based non- silicate, non- amine,
non- nitrite, and non- borate coolant with long- life hybrid
organic acid technology. (Coolant with long-life hybrid organic
acid technology is a combination of low phosphates and
organic acids.)
See "Checking the engine coolant level" on page 466 for
details of coolant type selection.
"Toyota Super Long Life Coolant" is a mixture of 50% coolant
and 50% deionized water. This coolant provides protection
down to about –35_C (–31_F).
NOTICE
Do not use plain water alone.
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 507 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 465 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 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 hard to release.
DRIVING TIPS
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