I have just finished a frustrating three weeks after taking delivery of our new 2012 RX 350 AWD. We do not need Snow Chains often, but we do travel mountain passes where "carry chains" is the law, even with AWD. We live on a hill at 500 ft and have problems every other year or so. So the needs for chains are to meet the "carry" requirement and a very occassional emergency need. The frustration has been finding chains that meet the owner's manual's specifications. I can find chains that fit the P235/55R19 tire size, but not the 10.8mm side clearance without going to cable or to very expensive "zero clearance" chains. The irony is that so many stores and e'tailers say "these will fit, just use them.." when they clearly do not meet the Lexus specifications. Getting clarification from Lexus has been a total "strikeout". Even the dealer has struck out trying to get more information from Lexus. The dealer simply says "we discourage chains...the AWD will take care of you". I agree, I don't want to use chains...I just want to carry them and have them for emergency. Looks like I am going to have to settle for 6mm cable traction devices as I can find no chains to cover the situtation.
Has anyone else had this issue? How did you solve it?
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Dave
West Linn, Oregon
