cflutist

RX 450h AWD newbie here.

What brand of chains do you recommend for the 19" P235/55R19 tires?

The wheels are so pretty that I'd hate to scratch them up with chains from our local car parts store (like we did for our old Camry).

I live in CA and am new to AWD. Do I need chains for all 4 wheels? If not, then do they go on the front or back?

Does anyone know why there is no AWD badge on the body (I looked and could not find it, but did find the Hybrid sign).

Also, CA Dept of Transportation has R1, R2, R3 Chain Control Rules. We are good to go for R1, and all require chains if R3. For R2, several friends with AWD/4WD have told me that they have been waived through by the CHP with "All Season"/"All Weather" tires, but the law clearly states that R2 AWD/4WD vehicles require SNOW/MUD tires on all 4 wheels. So do any of you have actual experience in this area?

Thanks in advance.

Cheryl

fastnoypi

Good dedicated snow tires work great for most winter conditions. Where do you drive where you would think require chains?

cflutist

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area but occasionally drive to the Sierras (Truckee and Squaw Valley) and also to Yosemite National Park in the winter.

kitlz

Didn't know there was a snow belt in CA. I haven't used chains before, the roads are bad enough without them adding to the damage, and it's not required. Common sense dictates. How many times did you use them on your old Camry? If it's not that often, I'd say get dedicated snow tires like fastnoypi said. You didn't mention which tires you have on now. Some are better than others. And as far as the lack of AWD badge, the RX has never had one. You could probably add it if you really wanted, like on the IS or GS. Otherwise that information is buried in the VIN number.

Tom558

I had not noticed there was not AWD indication on the exterior of the RX350. We don't go to the snow very often but AWD came in handy in our Highlander.

California has serious mountains , before Alaska became a state CA had both the highest and lowest points in the US. Can only claim the contiguous US now.

JDR76

Mount Rainier in Washington State is higher.

fastnoypi

heres a product to check out that i've heard good reviews on for that occasion you are stuck and need that extra grip in the snow plus its non-damaging to your wheels.

Tom558

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Rainier vs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Whitney
Mt Whitney is 94 feet higher.

vlad_a

I would opt for a dedicated set of snow tires instead of chains. It's so easy to mess up a very expensive set of rims. I'm running 255/55R18 size for my winter set, which is perfect for my needs. Michelin X-Ice Xi2. Wider tires compensate for decreased traction in warm weather.

TorontoRX

Having lived in CA and used to have to drive to Lake Tahoe or Yosemite, there are many roads where there are signs posted (and enforced) where snow chains are required.

Now living in Canada, I can't imagine using them anymore...much less on my RX.

JDR76

Ah dang, I was thinking Mt Shasta.

oohpapi44

iTrader: (1)

Would think something like this would save the rim from scratches.




Should be pretty easy to look up the CA statute and see whether 2 or 4 chains are required. I would guess two though. My next guess is to put them on the front if really needed for traction.

vlad_a

You really want to have the rear with most traction. Otherwise, if the rear starts to slide and the front still has traction, the car will do an 180. I would say, put them on all 4.

Tom558

■Tire chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires only. Do not install tire chains on the rear tires.
●Install the tire chains on front tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4 ⎯ 1/2 mile (0.5 ⎯ 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the instructions provided with the tire chains.

See page 18 of the PDF.

I'd also verify this in your owners documents.

cflutist

Has anyone actually installed and used the various brands of chains/cable/other traction devices (that did not scratch ordamage our wheels) for driving in snow?

I've researched it on the Internet but would like to hear experiences from those who have actually used these products.

Thanks in advance.

Cheryl