Snow performance?
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 29
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From: ny
Snow performance?
My 2005 LS 430 seemed to do fine in the recent NY snow...snow mode helped as did the stabilization system.
I've a friend who sold his 2000 LS 400 because of horrible snow performance. I keep telling him the new one is much better but of course, he's skeptical.
The question is: did the snow performance change because of improvements in the handling or electronics, or do my friend and I just have different driving skills and/or expectations. Can I point him to any concrete differences?
I've a friend who sold his 2000 LS 400 because of horrible snow performance. I keep telling him the new one is much better but of course, he's skeptical.
The question is: did the snow performance change because of improvements in the handling or electronics, or do my friend and I just have different driving skills and/or expectations. Can I point him to any concrete differences?
Driver
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
The electronic nannies in the newer models help but a set of dedicated snow tires will transform a car from a slippery noodle into a much safer snow vehicle. Common sense and relaxed driving habits in the snow go a long way to getting around as well. I happen to have a second vehicle (Explorer) at my disposal for serious snow days.
Bruce
Bruce
Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 115
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From: IL
I have found that in my '01 LS430, performance in snow is not good! Worse than that, the regular and snow mode sometimes take away so much power that I have found myself in a dangerous position trying to get across a snowy median, but the car sends almost no power to the wheels and I am barely moving with oncoming cars!. I now prefer to take off the traction control and manage the wheel slippage myself. I plan to get 2 sets of tires, winter and other, but have not yet. Until then, I just try and remember that I have an awesome car that 1% of the time has a weakness that I can manage with caution. Many of us have been spoiled with front wheel drive cars and 4x4 SUV's. Take your time, be smart, and enjoy!
Driver
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
jbee - Sorry but my 2004 LS is my first Lexus. I'm assuming since all car makers seemed to have stepped up their stability control devices I would think that Lexus has tweaked it to some degree. Was VSC available in '01? My Audi had it so I would think it was there. I wish there was a way to completely turn it off like in a BMW. Lexus has their stability control set too sensitive.
Bruce
Bruce
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 98
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From: MN
I run a set of Nokian WR tires in winter and they make a world of difference on my 03 LS430.
I also don't like that the traction control dumbs down the throttle, so I do shut it off when I feel I will need to get moving when pulling out into traffic in slipery conditions
Frank
I also don't like that the traction control dumbs down the throttle, so I do shut it off when I feel I will need to get moving when pulling out into traffic in slipery conditions
Frank
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 11
From: MD
2004's - 2006's have a limited slip rear...
which helps when starting out. The snow mode for the transmission is a good countermeasure. If you intend to drive in the snow often then a set of snow tires is your best option. Any Finnish named brand will do nicely....
Rock
Rock
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