findingnem

I have a 2009 IS 250 RWD. I was told by the parts guy at the Lexus dealership that NO snow chains can fit on this car b/c of the low clearance. He basically told me that if I wanted to go to Tahoe in the snow, I'd have to take some other car b/c this one wouldn't make it. What?! What's the point of having the snow function and the ski chute?

Anyhow, wondering what other IS 250 RWD owners have done. Read about something called the spikes spider. Also Thule has something called the K-Summit. Wondering if anyone out there has used either of these products and how your cars have fared?

CarbonDtls

iTrader: (4)

How about studdable tires? Chains are not the best option for the IS since there isn't much clearance with the wheel wells. So the parts guy was right about that.

I read up about the Thule K summit but if you don't mind spending $500 on something that can ONLY be used on snow I say go ahead.

kraven9

iTrader: (14)

I wouldn't get chains, get studdable snow tires.

iRock

iTrader: (12)

Good Point. Maybe its mainly used for AWD?

ChrISF

lol @ at the idea of snow tires...

just get some nice snow tires like blizzaks and you should be fine...im sure the roads are plowed up there anyway.

Jetfire

iTrader: (3)

do some research on chains. if they really don't fit. get snow tires and autosocks

http://www.autosock.com/

findingnem

It strikes me that snow tires wouldn't make $ sense given that I live in SF, and drive up to Tahoe "maybe" 6 times a year. in other words, the cost of buying new tires, installation fees, then fees again to switch out the snow tires for regular tires during non-ski season (and the time spent to take the car to ths shop to get it done)- it'd be expensive AND a hassle.

don't you guys think it'd be better to spend the $500 on spikes spiders (assuming they work)?

busdepot

iTrader: (1)

A good set of winter tires with studs is going to run you around 1200. Don't you have some all seasons that you can use? They're not ideal, but i'm sure they can get you through. my mule car is on all seasons and it can get from my house to Revelstoke, BC (where avalanches regularly shut down the highway) with almost no problems.

Driving on snow is more based on driver skill than whats tires you have.

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

Snow tire on some cheap rims will do you better. Even buying used one will work for you.

CarbonDtls

iTrader: (4)

Assuming spikes spiders work its $500 for only 2 drive wheels.