How has your 3IS done in the snow?
01-22-14 | 07:32 PM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 1
From: MN
I have RWD F Sport with Michelin X-Ice Xi3s (225/40/18 & 245/40/18) on stock 18" rims and so far it's been good but it hasn't had to go through deep snow yet. Only couple times traction control kicked in and you definitely can't take the left turns too hard otherwise you can feel the tail spin out a bit.
I would imagine AWD with same Michelin X-Ice Xi3s would be great in most winter driving conditions.
We had few inches of snow last night which made roads little bit icy this morning. On my way to work saw an SUV (I think 4 runner) on it's roof on the side of the road. Even with AWD you just need to use common sense when driving on slick roads.
I would imagine AWD with same Michelin X-Ice Xi3s would be great in most winter driving conditions.
We had few inches of snow last night which made roads little bit icy this morning. On my way to work saw an SUV (I think 4 runner) on it's roof on the side of the road. Even with AWD you just need to use common sense when driving on slick roads.
Last edited by SonyHome; 01-22-14 at 07:46 PM.
01-22-14 | 07:39 PM
#32
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 1
From: TX
IS350 F-Sport AWD here. Bought the car last week and drove in 2 snow storms with the stock all season tires. It was not great to say the least. However, I bought some wheels and Michelin X-Ice 3's and they were installed on Saturday. Had the opportunity to drive in 2 more snows and it runs circles around the other vehicles running all seasons ... and that includes the SUV's. Everyone was spinning and sliding this morning and I slowly made my way around them with no problem.
Tires are key whether you have AWD or RWD. I never believed it myself until a few years ago.
Tires are key whether you have AWD or RWD. I never believed it myself until a few years ago.
01-23-14 | 02:51 AM
#34
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 2
From: norway
The difference between a real winter tire and an all season tire is like night and day!
Studded tires work especially well on ice, and studless winter tires work even better on snow.
Both nokian, michelin and continental make excelent winter tires as long as you choose the dedicated ones, not the all season tires.
01-23-14 | 02:53 AM
#35
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 453
Likes: 2
From: norway
Completely impressed with my IS350 AWD so far this winter. I'm in Toronto, but highway commute a lot. We've had moderate snow, ice, slushy roads, light snow on ice, rain, snap thaws...you name it so far. I came over from an S4, and the Lexus is better in the winter conditions, hands down. I think it's due to a generally better chassis and suspension, and the better brake feel. (I'm on Michelin X-Ice3's which have been a really pleasant surprise too, much better than my last set of Hakkapeliitas.)
In the snow the AWD is very capable, as good as Quattro in my opinion. And I'm an admitted Audi fanboy, having owned a pile of them, so I'm not just trolling. It's been a real treat.
In the snow the AWD is very capable, as good as Quattro in my opinion. And I'm an admitted Audi fanboy, having owned a pile of them, so I'm not just trolling. It's been a real treat.
01-23-14 | 10:10 AM
#36
Driver
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 161
Likes: 2
From: NYC
IS 250 AWD F Sport here. It's around -24 degrees where I'm at right now. It snowed last week and it was an easy car to drive through, no problems. Although I noticed my steering is a lot heavier when I turn on the car in this frigid temp. But as the engine warms up, the steering feel is back to normal.
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