So it is approaching that time again in Ohio when the snow falls. Last year my 2008 IS 350 didn't perform very well in snow, slush, or ice. This year I am hoping to do better. Other than snow tires, what do you guys recommend to improve performance on snow? I have thought about adding weight in the trunk to increase traction between the rear wheels and the pavement, but I wasn't sure what to put back there.

 

What type of winter tires are you running? With a good set of winter tires, you shouldn't have too much issue with traction.

 

I live in Chicago and we just got our first big snowfall.
I have a RWD IS350 also and really didn't have any trouble getting around. Even on back roads that haven't been plowed yet.

I'm on fairly new Hankook Winter I*cept Evo2's and used snow mode (really made a huge difference) and had no problems.
Later in the season if I start having problems I plan to just stop by Lowes or Home Depot and picked up 50lb bags of sand to put in the trunk.

 

I actually don't have winter tires yet but am planning to buy some. Not sure on which brand or model at this point

 

I thought about using sandbags but I'm worried, because of how I drive, that the bag may break open in my trunk.

 

Get a good condition used Winter set on craigslist, and you won't have to worry about putting bags in your trunk. I run Blizzak on my RVR, and GT Altimax Artic on my IS250, I Prefer the Altimax as I notice better traction on ice. I used to run a cheap brand of winter tires on my SC400, and the traction was still far superior compared to the all seasons tires.

Good luck with your hunt, stay safe.

-Jay

 

The key to being able to drive in snow without too many problems are a good set on winter tires and being very light on the gas pedal. Winter tires make a huge difference on snow vs an all season tire.

 

Aside from snow tires, maybe using snow mode but I really don't find it much better than a light foot with normal mode. For snow tires, if you live in a place with a lot of snow that doesn't get cleared up I would suggest Blizzaks and X Ice 3s if you have constant plows.

 

I live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Not a ton of snow but it does come down fairly often during these winter months.

I have the staggered 18 inch rims with tire sizes F 225/40R18 and R 255/40R18. I am having trouble finding snow tires for the rear tire size. Does anyone have experience using a slightly smaller or larger tire on the rear wheels?

 

I believe a good set (all 4) of winter tires like the Hankook I Pike 409 should do the job. They are the best winter tires I have ever used (lived in Canada for 25 years).

http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Revie...+Winter+i-Pike

Nokian was working on this gem. Now that would have been an amazing tire.

https://www.wired.com/2014/02/winter-tire-hidden-studs/

 

I'm in chicago on brand new blizzaks. No issues at all, I also went with slimmer tires in the back as well. I'm running 225 all around. I just hit the gas and it eats through all the snow like butter. I woukd NEVER get used winter tires but that's just my opinion. Lots of posts say 6/32 or 7/32 tire tread left and call that 50% life left. Ummmm NO 6/32 for winter tires they are Dead time to toss them.

 

Just a heads up. You never toss winter tires. You're suppose to run them out through the summer once they are done with there last winter.

 

I meant for winter purposes, and no I have dedicated summer tires...

 

where in cincy? I too am a fellow is owner in the nati. I was a bit worried about the drive home today when i saw snow dropping. Its so hit or miss here i dont want to buy snow tires, only to see it stay in the 40s all season

 

One thing I do in snowy weather is use a less wide rear tire, thinner tires mean more Lbs per square inch. (same as adding weight to the trunk) I am using 8" wide with 225 tires on my IS350. The tires are summer style but are new so have plenty of tread. So far here in Utah I haven't had any problems with them.