IS 350 in snow report
#31
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I have an 06 IS 350. First snow happened to day in Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. 10-12 inches of snow. 18" all-season tires. How did the car perform? TERRIBLE. Actually, undrivable. I actually ordered snow tires and the dealership has them but I called too late for them to put them on (but that is for another discussion).
Overall, terribly disappointed. I am having my winter tires converted on Thursday. Hopefully that will help a lot. If it doesn't I'm afraid I will have to get a different car next summer. That would be too bad because I love my car otherwise.
Overall, terribly disappointed. I am having my winter tires converted on Thursday. Hopefully that will help a lot. If it doesn't I'm afraid I will have to get a different car next summer. That would be too bad because I love my car otherwise.
#32
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They make a major difference. I ordered Blizzaks from the dealer who installs them on my rims for $22 each... and they store my summer tires during the winter (and vice versa during the non winter seasons)
#33
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This report is bogus, I have a Lexus IS350 myself and I put on Nokian WR's and the car preforms exceptionally well...and I'm from Edmonton Alberta, we had -40 temperature for 2 weeks straight, and not to mention the snow was upto my knee caps.
#34
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And my 250 AWD with 19 Toyo Proxe 4's, in snow mode got along great! Only had one bad moment coming to a downhill stop on pure ice where the brakes were pumping like mad. Otherwise, it felt nearly identical in handling in the snow/slush to my 04 GX 470.
In the southwest part of town we had ice, then about 5 inches of snow in our neighborhood. Not like Chicago, but I saw plenty of vehicles stuck, or sideways, or off in the medians.
Never felt in danger of losing control. Am very thankful for sacrificing the 350 power for the peace of mind of the AWD/snow mode/Toyo Proxe combo!
In the southwest part of town we had ice, then about 5 inches of snow in our neighborhood. Not like Chicago, but I saw plenty of vehicles stuck, or sideways, or off in the medians.
Never felt in danger of losing control. Am very thankful for sacrificing the 350 power for the peace of mind of the AWD/snow mode/Toyo Proxe combo!
#35
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IL
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I had been warned and so had my winter tires put on in early November. I have the Dunlop WInter Sport M3's on my IS 350, they are 255/40/18 in the rear and 225/45/18 in front. The car handled great in the Chicago snow yesterday!!! My old car was an all-wheel-drive g35 and although the IS didnt handle as good in the heavy stuff it was better in the slushy stuff, because the g35 did not have winter tires. These tires are really amazing how they grip the road in slush and light snow.
#36
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The AWD IS is NOT horrible at all in snow i think.
It is just slow(er) on the straight line on dry road to do 0t060 mph
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#37
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Winter tires on an IS350 transforms the car in snow conditions. I know because last winter 29NOV I drove home side ways 5Km from the dealer in my brand spanking new IS with my death grip, couldn't get up the drive way, had to take a run from the neighbor's house. Luckily I had a full set of Tirerack Pirelli 240 winter wheels and tires,...what a difference. Watch out for that snow mode guys, it could be a car wrecker. It can cut in just as you're crossing a slippery intersection,...normal mode works best unless you're stuck, nice smooth inputs. My big problem this winter is I lowered my car on Eibachs,...hmmmm that may not work in my favor,...we'll see.
May have to take the daughters Matrix or the son's All-Trac for those bad days.
May have to take the daughters Matrix or the son's All-Trac for those bad days.
#39
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Never put the car in snow mode, it doesn't help at all, and I dont remmeber what its called but if your ever caught on a patch of ice and need more from your wheels just hit that car with the swiggly slipper slide type icon on the right side of your dash area so the tires keep rotating and dont cut out.
Honestly, the only problem is on an icey freeway since the car is rear wheel and if you touch the steering a wheel a bit to the left or right it responds really quickly, other then that its fine...
Honestly, the only problem is on an icey freeway since the car is rear wheel and if you touch the steering a wheel a bit to the left or right it responds really quickly, other then that its fine...
#41
#42
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i'm from chicago too. the snow storm was pretty bad 2 days ago, but i've got to say that my 250awd handled like a dream!
i tried to push the limits on turns (little to no traffic around of course) before the streets were plowed, and i was quite impressed.
i've had a g35 & 35oz so i know how hard it can be to drive in even the slightest bit of snow. any rear wheel drive car is pretty difficult to drive in snow for that matter(my condolences). you get the speed edge when it's nice out though!
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i tried to push the limits on turns (little to no traffic around of course) before the streets were plowed, and i was quite impressed.
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i've had a g35 & 35oz so i know how hard it can be to drive in even the slightest bit of snow. any rear wheel drive car is pretty difficult to drive in snow for that matter(my condolences). you get the speed edge when it's nice out though!
#43
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I don't see how it makes all that much of a difference if you're driving on ice with AWD versus RWD. Do correct me if I'm wrong, though. But it seems to me that if you're going to slide, you're going to slide... AWD doesn't change that fact. I would imagine AWD does benefit a driver by reducing fish-tailing, and if there's spotty conditions on the road, making turns might improve a bit. But really, those things are mostly reflective of one's driving ability. If it's snowing outside, logically I'm not going to take turns too fast. I'm also not going to punch the accelerator, because I know I'll fish-tail. But what I don't have control over is plain and simple traction... something only winter tires or chains can provide. AWD without winter tires slides just like anything else.
#44