Hello there! What a fantastic new ride you have with the RX 500h! It's super smart to think about winter protection now. Let's get that beauty ready for the snow and ice!

Beyond winter tires, here are some essentials:

• • • All-Weather Floor Liners: Many forum members find Lexus OEM liners offer a precise fit and good protection, often looking better than some aftermarket options. However, some aftermarket brands like Husky or WeatherTech might offer slightly more coverage, especially on the driver's side. They are definitely worth the investment to protect your carpets from salt and slush!

• • • Protecting Sensors: Your front grill sensors for features like automatic emergency braking can get blocked by ice and snow. Regularly clear them gently with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals. Regular car washes can also help!

• • • Other Must-Haves: A good snow brush and ice scraper are crucial. Also, consider a winter emergency kit with warm clothes, a portable jump starter, and winter-grade washer fluid.

Enjoy your pristine RX 500h all winter long!

Ok so, I've had a different experience than the other guys here. Honestly, safety is my #1 priority and I've found those deep-dish aftermarket mats can actually be dangerous if they slide and interfere with ur pedals.

I'd actually suggest a different approach—stick with the Lexus RX All-Weather Floor Liners because the fitment is guaranteed to be safe. Plus, they're cheaper at about $190 compared to high-end brands.

For the sensors, seriously just use a thin layer of Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Spray Coating (around $15). It helps the slush slide right off so your safety tech doesn't freak out. Gl!!

For your situation, i'd say skip the Lexus-branded mats if you're trying to be smart with your budget. I've had my share of luxury SUVs over the last decade and honestly, the OEM liners are okay but they just don't have the high walls you need for real slush. For my current setup, I'm super satisfied with the Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Liners for Lexus RX because they're usually a bit cheaper than WeatherTech but the rubber feels less plasticky and grips your shoes better when it's wet. Plus, they catch everything.

Here is how I usually prep for the freeze:

1. Protect that grill: The sensors on the new RX are sensitive! I use a light coating of Chemical Guys HydroSlick SiO2 Ceramic Coating HyperWax on the sensor covers. It makes the surface so slick that ice and wet snow struggle to bond to it. Seriously, it's a game changer for keeping the pre-collision system from throwing errors every five minutes.

2. Visibility is key: Dont stick with the factory wipers. I always swap them out for Bosch ICON Beam Wiper Blades right before the first storm. They dont have the external hinges that get frozen and stuck, so they actually keep the windshield clear even in a blizzard.

3. Door seals: Use a little silicone spray on the rubber seals so your doors dont freeze shut. I learned that the hard way with my last Lexus... broke a handle trying to yank it open!!

Anyway, hope that helps and enjoy the new 500h, its a beast in the snow! 👍

In my experience, you definitely gotta go with WeatherTech for the floor mats. Honestly, I've used 'em for years in my Lexus builds and you just can't go wrong... they fit better than the OEM ones imo. For the sensors, basically just keep a soft brush in the car to clear ice cuz the tech can get wonky if it's covered. So yeah, definitely grab some all-weather liners and you'll be set for the slush! gl!

I totally agree with the focus on keeping the car safe and pristine for the long haul because salt and slush are basically the enemy lol and I've learned a few things after having my last Lexus for 8 winters now. Everyone talks about the interior but if you want to keep it looking new you gotta think about the stuff you can't see as easily tbh. Here are my long-term winter essentials: 1. Get some Fluid Film Undercoating or a similar lanolin spray for the undercarriage. I usually do this every November and it keeps the salt from eating the suspension components and metal bits which is huge if you plan to keep the car forever.
2. Dont forget the back of the car! I highly recommend the Lexus Genuine Cargo Liner because it fits the 500h dimensions perfectly and keeps the trunk carpet from getting moldy if you throw wet gear or groceries back there.
3. Since you have those fancy LED headlights, I've found that applying a bit of 303 Aerospace Protectant to the plastic housings helps prevent ice from bonding as hard so it just slides off easier when you're clearing the car.
4. If your dealer didn't already install it, look into getting XPEL Ultimate Plus Paint Protection Film on the leading edge of the hood and the side mirrors because the gravel they spread on winter roads will absolutely shred your paint over time haha. Basically just try to keep the salt off the metal and you'll be set!

Noted!

Same setup here, love it