Lexusfreak

Agreed! :o Let's not go there with the engine oil subject lol :whistles:

Perhaps ask friends, co-workers & family if they know of a good independent mechanic that can work on your Lexi.......to perform the other maintenance & repairs that you don't want to DIY.....but I think those plugs (for example) need to go soon.

Get well soon Shirlrey & let us know how you made out. I hope all your concerns are resolved quick. :)

I thought this was an intresting article & wanted to pass it on to both SUV & car Lexus owners! Enjoy! B) December 1, 2004 Bridgestone offers winter driving tips for SUV drivers Mississauga, ON - There are SUV-specific winter driving techniques that should be followed in order to avoid accidents when the sleet, snow and ice come this winter, says Mark Cox, Executive Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. "Because SUVs are big, they often carry a perception of invincibility," says Mark Cox, Executive Director of the Bridgestone Winter Driving School. "But even though SUVs and four-wheel drive can be an asset in snow and icy winter driving, they come with an increased responsibility of which all drivers should be aware." Tips for safe winter SUV driving include: Brake With Caution And Earlier: SUVs can weigh as much as two to three times a typical car. This can make stopping on sleet or ice-covered roadways tricky. Stay aware of the distance between you and the cars in front and behind you and begin your braking sequence earlier than normal. Watch Your Fuel: Driving in four-wheel drive will burn gas faster than typical driving. During colder months, fill up more often to keep your gas tank at least half full. The fuel reserve will be important if you get stuck in traffic, plus it will add more weight to your vehicle which will help with traction on the road. Turn With Care: Because of its powerful engine, a four-wheel drive SUV may get up to speed faster from a stop than many smaller cars. Be sure to allow for this faster pick-up and possibly the higher centre of gravity of the vehicle when turning corners or making lane changes. If you're approaching a turn while in motion, brake earlier than normal, remove your foot from the brake at the beginning of the turn and steer into the curve. This will provide the most tire grip to avoid skidding or sliding sideways. This tip is important to remember in all seasons. Watch Your Tires: Four-wheel drive doesn't guarantee good traction - all four of your tires need to have good tread and be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended air pressure. As the winter months get colder, air in tires contract which reduces the tire air pressure one pound per square inch for each 5-degree Celsius (10-degree Fahrenheit) drop in temperature, so check your inflation pressure more frequently during the cold months. Under-inflation will lessen the gripping action because the tire tread will not meet the road surface as designed to do. Don't Be Overconfident: SUVs are seen as big and tough, but they're not invincible and come with extra responsibilities. Practice safe, defensive driving techniques all winter long and always wear a seat belt. Additional winter driving tips can be found at the Bridgestone Blizzak Chill Zone.

lol It's my last week of nights & back on days for 2 months. :whistles: B)

bart, lol You must work nights like me eh? :whistles:

I've heard things about HMO's in the U.S. Our healthcare system is very different than our friends south of us......it's pretty much all paid for.

Ouch

daffy, I'm sure you have a block heater for your LS right? :)

Having beed educated on the engine gel issue on the ES....to be honest, it kind of makes me nervous to go very much more than that......as I do mostly sity driving since I've moved & worry about the stop & go driving I do. Lexus Canada says you can go 6 months or 8,000 KMS (roughly 5,000 miles) for severe duty service intervals......although Lexus has 'revised' their transmission fluid changes to shorter times & less miles than before so I change my oil at least 3 times every year, 4 if I drive to Florida & back. B)

Agreed bart! B)

Nothing much worse than a stiff engine and a stiff trans on a really cold morring. ← This is very true......that's why an engine block heater is a very wise investment. I'm actually suprised that it wasen't standard equipment at least on Canadian Lexus models. :chairshot: The dealer want's almost $200 to install one!!!!

kc, why not change the spark plugs with the mileage that's on your car? t would be worth it for the improved engine smoothness & idle......plus much better gas mileage. The only thing I am wondering is......are the plugs siezed now they have been in so long?

Well if it's 'compatable' with Toyota type IV (the fluid Lexus recommends for my ES) then I guess I have nothing to worry about if I switch......I hope

It looks like an awesome book!!! :) I hope they have some ES stuff in there lol. ;) I've been good this year.....I hope Santa know's that. :whistles:

I'm sure the Amsoil products have helped out lot daffy considering how cold in get's out west. I wonder if I should consider using the Amsoil synthetic ATF in my 01 ES next time (since it's apparently compatable with the Toyota type IV ATF) I need to do a tranny flush? Only problem is I like doing a complete 100% fluid change as opposed to just a 'drain & fill' The Amsoil synthetic will probably run me $10+ per litre!! :o & you need a couple bottles to 'flush out the old stuff' which comes to about 18 or so litres!! :( :cries:

You might want to consider getting 4 snows for your neck of the woods my friend. ;) Just a suggestion.....the back will have better traction, but if all seasons are still on the front, you won't be able to steer properly should you need to quick. All 4 tires should be the same for the best possible traction & safety.

I would change the spark plugs every several years.....it's important to follow what Lexus suggests in the Maintenance schedule. I don't think you will see "Tune up's went the way of the Dodo bird" anywhere in the schedule :chairshot: ......they will have to be replaced eventually as hey! Nothing last's forever, especially important parts like spark plugs. B)

What kind of damage are we talking about specifically as I wonder how serious the accident was?

Any luck with the ES Shirley?

That would be awesome & I agree! Late May is a georgous time to come up here for a visit! B) SK, perhaps we can do a big Lexus meet up here then & tour the Toyota / Lexus plant in Cambridge. :)

It dosen't hurt to make a few phone calls & shop around. B) Let us know what your findings are noddy :)

I'd like to know why the hell they are taking so long to get this problem resolved.....it's simple....either the transmission is covered or it's not The good news it in the future, I doubt anybody on this site will go with this aftermarket warranty company because of this........I guess the bottom line is be a bit more patient as it's worth it for a new tranny. :)

Proprietary yes (one can't give out all their secrets) :whistles: .......however 'IF' someone uses the Amsoil synthetic atf instead the 'recommended' Toyota type IV fluid & one has a major repair (not necessarily caused by the tranny fluid as it's 'suppose to meet or exceed Toyota Type IV & is approved as such) but would Lexus back say a warranty claim if they find out that something other the fluid recommended (IE: Toyota Type IV)? Hence my suggestion for contacting Toyota head office. ;)

Agreed! :)