Tire Chain Recommendation for a 2004 RX 330 AWD and a 2012 Acura TL SH-AWD

Question:

Chains for 2004 RX 330 AWD and 2012 Acura TL SHAWD I have 2 vehicles, both have AWD. My Lexus would be the prime vehicle to take to the snows. Would it require chains, even if its an AWD with Michelin All Terrain tires? Size is 235/55/18 Also, what about my Acura? Its the SH-AWD with sports 245/40/19 tires. If needing chains, which wheels do I install them on? Thanks

asked by: Ken

Expert Reply:

Lexus 235/55/18
Acura 245/40/19

Snow tire chains are designed to give you additional traction in heavy snow and ice conditions, even vehicles that have AWD and 4WD. If you plan on taking a trip to an area with heavy snow or ice, it would be a good idea to bring a set of tire chains along for emergency situations. Using tire chains is not necessarily required, but they will help in hazardous conditions and there are even some areas that require the use of snow chains during certain times of the year.

I recommend checking the owners manuals of your vehicles before using tire chains. Some vehicle manufacturers place restrictions on the use of tire chains and some even state not to use tire chains at all.

If you want to purchase a set of tire chains for either of your vehicles, I strongly recommend looking into square-link chains over the cable style chains. Square-link chains will perform much better because they have an edge on each link that help grip into ice and snow.

For your 2004 Lexus RX 330, I recommend the Glacier Square-Link Chains, # TC1555. For your 2012 Acura TL, I recommend the Glacier Square-Link Chains, # PWPLC1142. Your vehicles require two different tire chains because they have different size tires and wheels. I have attached links to all of the tire chains that fit your vehicles for you to look at as well.

Tire chains are typically installed on the drive wheels of a vehicle. When installing only one set of chains on an AWD vehicle, the chains are often placed on the rear wheels, but they can be used on the front for improved steering and braking. I have attached two FAQ articles on tire chains for you to check out.