MERGED SNOW tire and rims discussion
#170
Intermediate
#171
I would consider them very comparable. I have not had the blizzaks on the IS, but do have them on another vehicle. I find the R2 a bit quieter and handling to be a bit crisper than the blizzaks. Not sure of wear lifetime, but bet the R2s will last longer.
#173
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Snow Tires in the DMV?
Hi guys,
Just wanted to see if I can get some input from anyone. Just bought a 14 Lexus IS350 AWD F Sport last week and wanted to see if I needed to get snow tires for the winter? I live in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, so we don't get too much snow. And if we do, my work is pretty good on not making us go in if the roads are bad. I would rather not spend the money on buying a separate set of wheels with TPMS to switch out during the winters if I don't have to. Thanks!
Just wanted to see if I can get some input from anyone. Just bought a 14 Lexus IS350 AWD F Sport last week and wanted to see if I needed to get snow tires for the winter? I live in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area, so we don't get too much snow. And if we do, my work is pretty good on not making us go in if the roads are bad. I would rather not spend the money on buying a separate set of wheels with TPMS to switch out during the winters if I don't have to. Thanks!
#174
Lexus Champion
You'll get varied opinions but personally I would not. I had all seasons on my IS350 AWD and found it to be incredibly capable on the few snow days we get here in the PNW.
If I lived somewhere with significant snowfall, then yes, I'd get winter tires, but I would not bother on an AWD model in a location that doesn't see much snow.
If I lived somewhere with significant snowfall, then yes, I'd get winter tires, but I would not bother on an AWD model in a location that doesn't see much snow.
#175
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You'll get varied opinions but personally I would not. I had all seasons on my IS350 AWD and found it to be incredibly capable on the few snow days we get here in the PNW.
If I lived somewhere with significant snowfall, then yes, I'd get winter tires, but I would not bother on an AWD model in a location that doesn't see much snow.
If I lived somewhere with significant snowfall, then yes, I'd get winter tires, but I would not bother on an AWD model in a location that doesn't see much snow.
#176
Another snow tire question
I own a 2016 IS300 F Sport that was just purchased. I love everything about it although I question the staggered wheel setup.
I dislike the fact that I can't rotate the tires for maximum mileage with minimal handling improvement.
Has as anyone used the F Sport front wheels on the rear? Would enable same size tires, snow or summer, all round and enable rotation. Any downsides other than the cost of purchasing two wheels?
I dislike the fact that I can't rotate the tires for maximum mileage with minimal handling improvement.
Has as anyone used the F Sport front wheels on the rear? Would enable same size tires, snow or summer, all round and enable rotation. Any downsides other than the cost of purchasing two wheels?
#177
Blizzak Tire Question
Calling all tire / wheel experts. I've been looking to get a set of blizzak tires for the my 3IS AWD, I currently have the oem F sport rims. Does anyone have any idea what size blizzak's would fit? The dont come in low profile like oem tires. Thanks in advance.
#178
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Check out tirerack.com: put in your make/model/year, and they'll tell you what fits your OEM rims. They will also show you compatible wheels, and have lots of good reviews regarding fitment, etc.
I was having trouble finding 18" snow tires at a reasonable price though for my 2016 IS300 with the 18" stock wheels, as it's actually about the same price to buy inexpensive 17" wheels and snow tires than it is to buy only snow tires for the stock 18" rims, and by buying the wheels, you'll save $150 - $200/year over time since you won't need tires remounted when you switch back and forth.
I was having trouble finding 18" snow tires at a reasonable price though for my 2016 IS300 with the 18" stock wheels, as it's actually about the same price to buy inexpensive 17" wheels and snow tires than it is to buy only snow tires for the stock 18" rims, and by buying the wheels, you'll save $150 - $200/year over time since you won't need tires remounted when you switch back and forth.
#179
Check out tirerack.com: put in your make/model/year, and they'll tell you what fits your OEM rims. They will also show you compatible wheels, and have lots of good reviews regarding fitment, etc.
I was having trouble finding 18" snow tires at a reasonable price though for my 2016 IS300 with the 18" stock wheels, as it's actually about the same price to buy inexpensive 17" wheels and snow tires than it is to buy only snow tires for the stock 18" rims, and by buying the wheels, you'll save $150 - $200/year over time since you won't need tires remounted when you switch back and forth.
I was having trouble finding 18" snow tires at a reasonable price though for my 2016 IS300 with the 18" stock wheels, as it's actually about the same price to buy inexpensive 17" wheels and snow tires than it is to buy only snow tires for the stock 18" rims, and by buying the wheels, you'll save $150 - $200/year over time since you won't need tires remounted when you switch back and forth.
Well that was the issue I was having. I went to tire rack to check out the specs, and they couldn't find any 18" winter tire sizes for my vehicle. So i was looking for other comparable sizes that would fit on our rims with a slightly thicker side wall maybe, or even slightly wider. I plan on using these rims as my winter rims, and scoop up a nice pair of 18's for fall spring and summer.
#180
Driver School Candidate
OP - What kind of rubber are you currently running on your IS? All seasons or summers?
I've had Blizzaks on a RWD M3 and they performed great in the IL snow. I've also run HPAS Continentals on an AWD Infiniti and AWD Mercedes and they performed very well in the snow and in dry conditions. Rather than invest in a second set of tires or wheels have you considered running a good set of HPAS tires year round instead? The Continental Extreme Contact HPAS tires are available on TireRack and will fit your FSport wheel. I plan to pick up a set of these once the dealer installed rubber on my 350 dies and have full confidence they will get me through the IL winters. Good luck!
I've had Blizzaks on a RWD M3 and they performed great in the IL snow. I've also run HPAS Continentals on an AWD Infiniti and AWD Mercedes and they performed very well in the snow and in dry conditions. Rather than invest in a second set of tires or wheels have you considered running a good set of HPAS tires year round instead? The Continental Extreme Contact HPAS tires are available on TireRack and will fit your FSport wheel. I plan to pick up a set of these once the dealer installed rubber on my 350 dies and have full confidence they will get me through the IL winters. Good luck!