Winter Driving Tips - Lexus RX300 2001 Owner's Manual

DRIVING TIPS
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 / Maintenance Schedule".

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 270 for instructions.
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.
208
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 291 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 269 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.
Do not use engine antifreeze or any other substitute
because it may damage your vehicle's paint.
2001 MY RX300_U (OM48431U)
NOTICE