It's freezing here in the normally mild Pacific Northwest. I just spent a harrowing couple of hours driving my LS460 (non-touring) from Portland OR 100 miles south to where I live. Temperature in these parts is expected to stay below freezing for a while, perhaps the rest of the year. So, I'm hoping I can get some advice from forum members who live in colder climates.

Any tips for specifc recommendations for chains or snow tires?

I used the "Snow" setting on the transmission, not sure whether I noticed the impact. Maybe I was too busy trying to stay within the ruts the trucks had made in the ice on the freeway. I did get to use the steering wheel warmer. Nice but kind of silly. Seat warmers were good to have.

Any other cold weather tips for safety/comfort?

 

When braking to a stop at a light or stop sign on ice or compact snow it helps to shift into neutral first which takes all power off the drive wheels.

The same force that causes the car to move forward when you release the brake pedal from a stop also trys to keep the car moving even when brakes are applied. This condition is magnified on glare ice and the procedure can make a difference.



Pat

 

Living in Maine, I have lots of experience driving 3 LS's in SEVERE winter. Since you don't get snow very often, get a good set of all season tires to replace your summer tires.
On my previous LS400 and LS430, all the "Snow" setting did was start the car off in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear. With my current CVT, I have no idea what the "Snow" setting does.
You wouldn't think it's silly when it's -20 out!
When there's snow on the ground, go to an empty parking lot as often as you can and practice starting, stopping and turning. That's what I do.

HBH

 

I got a set of snow tires from tirerack and they work great! Just enter your car info and it will give you a recommendation.

 

I concur with both Patric and Luxury1.
No chains.
I just put on Blizzak LM-25s. They work well. But, if you don't drive in the snow often, all-season tires with good tread depth should be OK.

 

....steering wheel warmer. Nice but kind of silly.

No way! As someone who constantly forgets to take his gloves, that feature is a godsend. Its the one item of my car that my wife is really jealous over.

 

There is no explanation for the Snow mode that I can find in the manual, however on other cars I have driven, this mode engages or locks the differentials to force equal "forward" traction on all wheels, and prevents slippage on slick, icy or slushy surfaces. This is a temporary function that should be disengaged once the car starts moving as it is counter productive especially when going around turns, where the rotation of the outside wheel is greater than the inside wheel, as it could lead to premature tire wear.

 

My wife always has cold hands, so she hangs on to the steering wheel whenever I activate this heater. In the meantime, I try and find something else to do with mine...