Hey guys,

Been searching the forum for some time, but I cant find a clear answer as to what chains will work due to clearance issues with the 350.

I don't have the money to spend 500USD on a set of chains I am crossing the USA (New York to Washington State) and I need something for emergency's only.

If you have used some cheaper chains (under 100USD) and they did not have any issues with a IS350 I would love to know!!

Thanks!!!

 

Do you have the owners manual? In my 2012 IS350C it states no chains will fit with the 18" wheels.

 

I do not have the manual, but I will check the PDF version and see if it states it. Thanks for the info.

 

It should be on page 184 of the owner's manual, but here is the summary of winter tires and snow chains:

Selecting snow chains
Snow chains can be mounted on 16- and 17-inch tires. They cannot be
mounted on 18-inch tires. Use the correct snow chain size when mounting
the snow chains. Chain size is regulated for each tire sizes.
Side chain
(0.12 in. [3 mm] in diameter)
Cross chain
(0.16 in. [4 mm] in diameter)
Regulations on the use of snow chains
l Regulations regarding the use of tire chains vary according to location
and type of road. Always check local regulations before installing
chains.
l Install the chains on the rear tires.
l Retighten the chains after driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
n When driving the vehicle
Accelerate the vehicle slowly and drive at a reduced speed suitable
to road conditions.
n When parking the vehicle
Park the vehicle and move the shift lever to P (automatic transmission)
or R (manual transmission) without setting the parking brake.
The parking brake may freeze up, preventing it from being released.
185
2-5. Driving information
2
When driving
n Snow chain installation
Observe the following precautions when installing and removing chains.
l Install and remove tire chains in a safe location.
l Install tire chains on the rear tires only. Do not install tire chains on front tires.
l Install the tire chains on rear tires as tightly as possible. Retighten chains after
driving 1/4 - 1/2 mile (0.5 - 1.0 km).
l Install tire chains following the instructions provided in the accompanying
instructions.
CAUTION
n Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in a loss of vehicle control and cause death or serious
injury.
l Use tires of the size specified for your vehicle.
l Maintain the recommended level of air pressure.
l Do not drive in excess of 75 mph (120 km/h), regardless of the type of snow tires
being used.
l Use snow tires on all, not just some wheels.
n Driving with snow chains
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failing to do so may result in the vehicle being unable to be driven safely, and may
cause death or serious injury.
l Do not drive in excess of the speed limit specified for the tire chains being used,
or 30 mph (50 km/h), whichever is lower.
l Avoid driving on bumpy road surfaces or over potholes.
l Avoid sudden turns and braking, as use of chains may adversely affect vehicle
handling.
l Slow down sufficiently before entering a curve to ensure that vehicle control is
maintained.
186
2-5. Driving information
NOTICE
n Repairing or replacing snow tires
Request repairs of and obtain replacement snow tires from Lexus dealers or legitimate
tire retailers.
This is because the removal and attachment of snow tires affects the operation of
the tire air pressure sensor.
n Fitting tire chains
The tire air pressure sensor may not function correctly when tire chains are fitted

*Just to be safe, you may just have to bite the bullet and get snow tires. If they say you cannot mount chains on the 18's, there must be a good reason why.

 

So it looks like I can use chains for the 2006 IS350, but it might cause issues

EDIT: Someone beat me to it

 

Just to add, I do have some Bridgestone Blizzak tires, as I always use a winter set, but I was just worried that I might get stuck in a area that will require chains, like the pass over the cascade mountains.

 

i have used chains on my car and it was also lowered too.

 

I assume the OP is at stock ride height. Find whatever chains will fit your 255/40/18s AND the 225/40/18s up front. Take it from me whom has had to apply chains over the Cali/OR passes that you will want/need them and you will want to practice an install once or twice before going.

There are chains/cable cable kits that will fit, Lexus just doesn't recommend it.

 

^ Interesting though because the manual says to not use them, not that they "recommend" not to use them.
I'm sure there's a good reason they say not to use them on the 18s.

 

I was planning to travel from Cali -> Oregon -> Canada -> Oregon -> (Salt lake city)Utah with an stock height is350 on hankook v12(anyone got any recommendations for winter tires?).

Are we really not able to fit snow chains/cables on our car?

 

if you have something smaller than 18s then you sure can, also I always recommend blizzacks but I would advise going to tirerack or another website that reviews winter tires to figure out what will be best.

 

Just check out www.scc-chain.com and enter your tires size. Look for the SUPER Z6 model, they are for vehicle with low clearance. The model SUPER Z6 are cables not chains and they comes in pair.

That site will answer most of your question. Check out this link also http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20...low_clear.html Good luck searching!

 

Do you have these?