Since the LC only offers high performance summer tires, I am somewhat worried about running them during winter months in my area. We can run daytime temps between 38-43 F often during the winter, but mostly dry. I am retired and would not drive in wet or snow conditions, or in temps approaching freezing.. If others have used these tires in similar conditions, I would love to hear your experiences and recommendations. I know this topic was explored some 4 years ago, but was hoping to get more recent experiences.

 

My Dealer’s Service Manager said down to 32 but I set my limit at 40.

 

Ended up having the car in snowy conditions with the stock performance tires. Not a good idea, got stuck. Took me a while to get it out.

 

I switched to the Mich Pilot sport all season 4. Non RF, best of both worlds when needed, great tire. You will need to go to 255's on the fronts.

 

Yes, that's where my research led for all-seasons. Probably 255's front and 285's rear to keep the diameters close.

 

It's been an abnormally snowless winter here in the Northeast. That being said, it has gotten down to the mid to high 20's on a few days. I run my summer Michelin's and drive the car year round. Yes, you lose grip, but that's to be expected. I priced out a winter package (Lexus TPMS, decent wheels, snow tires) and quickly decided I'd rather buy a winter beater, which will also help keep miles off the LC. I've got a 1985 4Runner I restored and use during snow, but now with the LC, it's hard to drive that tractor around for any length of time except for offroad/snow/beach trips. I'm looking an an older RX or GX470, potentially a GS350 AWD.

 

i.m with you pinemind. NH for me. I have a 2003 GS300 that I bought for the Mrs 20 yrs ago, it has 227500 miles on it and runs like a top and is our winter beater. Grandkids will use it if their vehicles are laid up for a period of time, but still serves us well. The 18 LC sits on a lift in the garage from Nov. to Apr. It saves in a lot of ways when it sleeps for the winter.

 

Be careful about driving the summers around at or below freezing. When inquiring, I was told by both Michelin and Bridgestone that the tires can crack at or below freezing.

 

Good info redrock, never heard of this.

 

^^^^Yes, it's another reason to avoid summer tires in cold (freezing) weather. From Tire Rack:

 

Thanks SP good article.

 

With probably a majority of their customers living in cold climates, it's disappointing that Lexus does not offer all season tires as an option. Virtually all of their direct competitors do.

 

My LC came to me here in Vermont in January with a lovely set of Yokohama hi-perf summer tars. The car was capable of getting stuck (snow & ice) on perfectly level ground, just outside its garage. I knew before I bought it that it would be the World’s Worst Winter Car. And so it is. Considering my location, I doubt any snow tars would change this. But its stablemate, a lovely old AWD LS460 with Bridgestone Blizzaks, is absolutely brilliant in the snow.

 

Cooker have you been to Winnipesaukee? I remember seeing a infrared with Vermont plates.

 

You have a nice winter alternative in the LS, but I would bet with winter tires the LC would perform satisfactorily.