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I Want To Put Snow Chains On My Lexus GX550 Overtrail. But The Manual Says Not To Do It

A Lexus GX550 Overtrail owner's attempts to prepare for the winter prompt me to do research on whether snow chains are a good idea or not.

Despite what the looks suggest, the Lexus GX550 and Toyota Land Cruiser J250 are not the same thing. They may sit on the same platform and feature almost identical styling, but that's where the similarities end. Those who want a higher-quality interior or are not fans of the Land Cruiser's hybrid powertrain, tend to opt for the Lexus model. In the Overtrail trim, the Lexus GX550 gets you 9.84 inches of ground clearance, instead of the standard model's 8.0 inches. It is the more off-road-oriented version of the Japanese luxury SUV.

One Lexus GX550 Overtrail owner posted a thread on the Club Lexus forum regarding tire chains as he is looking to improve the capabilities of his Japanese SUV. However, I decided to dig around and there are a variety of complications that may occur if you decided to go with tire/ snow chains. Here’s what I found with the help of other forum members and a bit of detective work. 

There are undeniable advantages to tire chains, but my experience and research show that there are a fair amount of disadvantages as well as alternatives to improve your SUV's drivability in winter conditions. 

Lexus dealerships may attempt to void your warranty 

How to maximize snow grip on your 2024 Lexus GX550 Overtrail

According to the discussion starter the owner's manual does not allow tire chains to be installed. Some dealerships may attempt to use this to try and void your warranty. With the infamous Lexus/ Toyota twin-turbo V-6 engine problems, that's not something GX550 owners should be willing to risk. 

“Not allowed per the manual. Does anyone have experience using v-bar, twisted or square link chains on this model? I get snowed in and my other trucks are equipped with chains on all 4 tires. Would plan on just the rear tires for the 550. Very interested in actual user experience. Thank you." 

At the very least, snow chains may damage your inner wheel arches, and warranty claims for that damage will not be covered. 

Other cons of snow chains 

  • Increased noise 
  • Tires wear out faster 
  • Can be fiddly to fit and remove 
  • Worse ride quality 
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Snow chains can mess with the 4X4 system and void warranty (some dealers claim) 

Your best solution for optimizing your contact patch for snowy conditions is to go with studded tires. The snow studs that these tires feature provide improved traction in the snow. There are a few cons, however: 

  • Price – while there are affordable, mid-range, and premium options, studded tires tend to be more expensive than regular winter tires. 
  • Road noise – studded tires make more noise than regular tires. 
  • Road damage – the studs on studded winter tires damage the pavement 
  • Reduced grip on wet and dry surfaces – studded winter tires provide better traction, but only on snow. 

There is an alternative to studded winter tires 

It studded winter tires seem too expensive for you or you just don't want to deal with their inherent disadvantages, there is a much cheaper alternative. Liquid chains, also known as spray-on chains, actually, work. The best part is you don't even need to have winter tires to begin with.

Some years ago, I applied liquid tire chains on summer tires and drove without issue up a snowy mountain. Typically, the effect kicks in around three minutes after you apply a thin layer on your tires. Keep in mind that liquid tire chains don't last nearly as long as conventional ones. Once you apply the spray-on chains on your tires, you have about 40-60 miles at most. Once you step on a dry surface, the thin film quickly wears off. 

Let us know how you deal with snowy conditions in your area. Are you going with studded tires or do liquid chains work for you? Feel free to let me know in the comment section below.

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on XLinked-inInstagram, and Facebook.

Image source: 2024 Lexus GX