LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

X Ice 3 Snow Review

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Old 01-25-14, 04:25 PM
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warminwisc
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Default X Ice 3 Snow Review

Been on the Michelin X Ice 3's now for 5k miles or so and have a positive review. It takes a bit to get used to the slightly heavier and vaguer steering feel of a snow tire versus my V rated MXV4's but what you would expect when ya see the deep tread blocks and super siping.

Otherwise, super quiet, stable at high speeds for an H rated tire 90MPH no sweet and feel like AWD in the snowier winter we have had. Been skiing up to Bohemia 12 days where they have 220 inches so never felt in trouble at all.

These snows are fun with stab track as you can throw the LS around and snows soften the loss of traction and you do not get that abrupt kick back to center, you can have super controlled fun slides.

Road Forced zero shake zero problems. Been real hesitant to get snows but for this winter, -20 tuesday night good timing.
Old 01-26-14, 12:58 PM
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Tom57
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Same here warmin ... My first year with Michelin X Ice 3's (on my '01). Didn't know what I was missing all those years - now I do. Drove I-65 south from I-80/94 (southern tip of Lake Michigan) last weekend down to Indy in snow storm. Excellent traction feels almost like AWD. Better than front wheel drive on Sienna with new Michelin M&S tires. No concerns now driving in snow.
Old 01-26-14, 01:21 PM
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warminwisc
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Tom they are quiet as my Mxv4's and my mileage is pretty close considering I warm my car up often still get close to pre snow MPG's. I run the 245/45/18's little less fender clearance than my 17's though.
Old 01-26-14, 07:12 PM
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I have the Mich X Ice on the OEM 16's. It's a little spongier ride than the MXV4's on 17's, and slightly lower gas mileage due to the rolling resistance. But the extra traction and safety for the 3 winter months I'll run on those is definitely well worth it.
Old 01-27-14, 05:25 AM
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caddyowner
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I'm running Latitude X-ice on my Ridgeline and they grip like mad. My only complaint is that the FWD-biased 4wd system on the Ridgeline doesn't allow throttle induced oversteer.
Old 02-09-14, 03:27 PM
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jackkpts
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I would be interrested in what the tread wear was for your first winter. I am going to need new snows next winter and these sound like winners. We were reminded what winter in Wisconsin used to mean this year!
Old 12-20-14, 12:23 PM
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warminwisc
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Just tossed on the Ice. Again smooth quiet and to answer treadwear question, I can hardly see wear after prolly 10 k miles from last year. Hope I need em as there is great skiing in the UP.
Old 12-20-14, 01:40 PM
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Lavrishevo
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Do you guys do anything to prevent the undercarriage from rusting? I can imagine how much snow and salt you must see during the winter.
Old 12-20-14, 02:35 PM
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warminwisc
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Second LS, one from Palm Springs and one texas but many miles in the rust belt after I bought them. Never saw any rust on on the outside and underneath there are alot of shields and alloy parts so it is never an issue of being real noticable believe it or not and new build techniques use non corrosive coating and such. I did loose a level sensor for the lights due to rust at 150k but no other parts which crapped out cuz of rust in many miles besides rims which get pounded.

It does not really bug me but I have lived in the Owens Valley in CA and know how pristine an underbody can be.

But we get little sun and heat damage which we avoid as we are under snow 1/2 the year, lol.

Plus with the cold temps from a car purist standpoint is they handle like Porsches when it is sub 20 degrees.
Old 12-20-14, 02:38 PM
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warminwisc
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I was driving home last week post ice storm and the stability control and traction control with my 5/32 primacy's never made me feel worried it was helaciouse fun. Inclines can be interesting w/o snows.
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