Snow Chain
12-20-13 | 09:10 AM
#16
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 208
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From: CA
I have 18s. Sure, you "can use chains". That doesn't mean all chains are created equal, and that some cheap, one size fits all chains won't damage the wheels or the fenders of the car.
Its an expensive car, with low profile tires on expensive wheels. I think if you need to use chains from time to time, its reasonable to take some time to find a good, high quality set that is designed to be used on such a vehicle with low profile tires.
Note the wheels the chains you posted are displayed on, high sidewall truck tires. Note the wheels the chains I posted are displayed on...low profile high performance tires.
EDIT- Looking into the Michelin tire chains I posted...even they are not appropriate for bigger than a 17" wheel.
Its an expensive car, with low profile tires on expensive wheels. I think if you need to use chains from time to time, its reasonable to take some time to find a good, high quality set that is designed to be used on such a vehicle with low profile tires.
Note the wheels the chains you posted are displayed on, high sidewall truck tires. Note the wheels the chains I posted are displayed on...low profile high performance tires.
EDIT- Looking into the Michelin tire chains I posted...even they are not appropriate for bigger than a 17" wheel.
I actually purchase the $60 tire cable and that is the model what fits my tire. I tested it out before I went up to the mountain yesterday and it fit perfectly. The picture on the website was just a demo picture i guess.
12-20-13 | 09:13 AM
#17
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From: CA
If you're going skiing and on california riads, the road is going to be r1 or r2 chain chain controls.
Which means awd/4wd with at least an m-s tire with good tread, or regular car with some type of chain. Snows on 2wd don't meet requirements
Technically, the 4wd is also required to carry chains though.
CA roads will be shutdown before they require chains on 4wd at the checkpoint.
Some people who cheat will just glue or put on a magnetic awd badge. They may put on snows to get the winter perf. they need.
They will turn you back if you dont have chains on right or meet reqs. Also if you get into an accident or get stuck and its because you sneaked through or took off the chains early, chp will ticket you, tow truck will bill you a grip to get you out. And you may find your your insurance is also denied if you have damages.
Which means awd/4wd with at least an m-s tire with good tread, or regular car with some type of chain. Snows on 2wd don't meet requirements
Technically, the 4wd is also required to carry chains though.
CA roads will be shutdown before they require chains on 4wd at the checkpoint.
Some people who cheat will just glue or put on a magnetic awd badge. They may put on snows to get the winter perf. they need.
They will turn you back if you dont have chains on right or meet reqs. Also if you get into an accident or get stuck and its because you sneaked through or took off the chains early, chp will ticket you, tow truck will bill you a grip to get you out. And you may find your your insurance is also denied if you have damages.
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MrHarrisMa (12-05-22)
12-20-13 | 09:15 AM
#18
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: CA
regarding the diameters measurements, the manual is talking about the diameter of the metal wire used to form the link, and that doesn't really map over well to what is the diameter of the entire link/cable; and what clearance is needed.
I think if you get any S-rated chain you will be fine. Heck, tire tread itself allows a range of 10/32->2/32=6mm in itself, so if you got more worn tires, that's some extra space right there.
I think if you get any S-rated chain you will be fine. Heck, tire tread itself allows a range of 10/32->2/32=6mm in itself, so if you got more worn tires, that's some extra space right there.
12-20-13 | 10:49 AM
#19
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,043
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From: CA
I probably would not use either of these chains on the Lexus. With the low profile tires, you're just asking for damage with these.
If I were going to use chains I would perhaps consider something like this:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=367491_0_0_
Way more expensive, but I wouldn't risk screwing up a $60,000 car with a $40 set of chains.
If I were going to use chains I would perhaps consider something like this:
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...er=367491_0_0_
Way more expensive, but I wouldn't risk screwing up a $60,000 car with a $40 set of chains.
But just in case someone else finds this thread. The Michelin Easy Grip are not approved by CA as a chain substitute. So it won't get you past the controls. For your own private use, give it a go, but if you need to pass chain controls, don't double spend on 2 traction poducts.
If you look it up on amazon, the description there has the disclaimer letting you know not approved for CA controls.
12-23-13 | 02:23 PM
#20
12-24-13 | 11:29 AM
#22
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 248
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From: PA
Yes. As a first time Lexus owner, I assumed people treated their luxury vehicles like, well...luxury vehicles, and work vehicles like work vehicles. There was a poster who put a tow bar on his 4GS. I couldn't believe it! No owner of a brand new MB would do such a thing. I assumed Lexus drivers were similar. No way I'd use my 4GS as an all-purpose vehicle. That's what lesser cars are for. 
12-24-13 | 12:00 PM
#23
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 313
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From: ontario
On page 300 Lexus is specific as to the exclusions for tire chains. Certain tire sizes and Lexus Dynamic Handling technology suite precludes the use of chains.
http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_04-06.pdf
http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do.../sec_04-06.pdf
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goelise
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12-31-08 09:10 AM
