Right Tires Make the Best of Winter-Driving IS 250, IS 350
Yes, you can drive your rear-drive IS 250 and IS 350 in winter. All you need is their Snow driving mode, and the right set of winter tires.
When one thinks of winter driving in a Lexus, most see a big SUV like the LX, or a crossover like the RX. Maybe an LS with all-wheel drive, too. No one would dare think to take an LC, RC or IS out on the snowy roads until the plows cleared them. Or until springtime, at least.
However, YouTuber Canadian Rider shows how exactly anyone Lexus owner can enjoy the colder months through his 2006 IS 350 and 2009 IS 250.
“One question I’m always asked is how are these cars in winter driving,” said Mr. Rider. “I’ve owned these Lexuses for quite a long time, about five, six years now. Both of them have over [186,000 miles]. I have a lot of advice for winter driving.”
Both of his cars are rear-drive, which is a challenge in Canadian winters. However, both IS cars come equipped with a secret to conquer the snow: winter tires. Both cars had all-seasons for the first few winters, which made for difficult driving.
“It honestly wasn’t the greatest experience,” said Mr. Rider, “because without four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and some sort of system like that in the winter, you lose that ability to really grip onto the snow and ice. It’s very important that you have a good set of winter tires. That is extremely important for these cars. Don’t cheap out on winter tires for these cars.”
He adds that in his IS 350, the rear gets loose quickly, something no one wants on the snow. Though his ride still steps out with winter tires, the stepping-out is greatly reduced. Throw in the Snow driving mode on both the IS 350 and IS 250, though, and the power delivery is smoothed out to minimize slippage even further.
“For winter driving, you don’t have four-wheel drive, I get it,” said Mr. Rider. “But you have a car that’s very solid, very reliable, heats up really well […] I like the fact that I can have fun with rear-wheel drive in the winter. Get a good set of winter tires on this thing, and you’re set up.”
Join the Club Lexus forums now!
