d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

I used to have a 95 GS300 (my sister had one as well). They both had excessive tire wear. Everytime I stop and get out of the car (even a short few miles ride) I can smell the tire. I drove the Lex very carefully, no burn tire or quick acceleration. I quickly conclude that the GS300 was too heavy so I sold after 3 years of owning. Now I just accquired a ES300. It should be much lighter in my view. But now I had the same tire smell after a week driving it around. It had 91K (93 ES300). It was very well taken care. What happening? Is the shock worn out? Please help.
Thanks
Ryan

lexusk8

I kinda come across that observation when I drive my ES, but this happens in hot/sunny weather. This is normal, at least to me, due to the obvious fact that rubber + hot terrain = "tire" vapors. Your profile says you're from So. Cal., so I'm sure you can understand my reasoning

Carpe Diem

Do you ride the brake? Even the least little constant pressure on the pedal will heve these results.

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Yes, I am from SoCal (Orange County not River Side-so it is not that hot). But I do not believe the the weather cause that problem (I don't have the tire smell from any other car I have -Audi A4 with 18"- even I drove the A4 much more aggressive than when I drove the Lexus)
BTW the Lexus had 18x8 SSR ZXpeed.
I do not ride the brake either.
Any other hints? Thanks
Ryan

steviej

iTrader: (1)

I have an ES and use both 215/60-16s and 235/40-18s and have never had any "smell".

I would try to isolate the smell. Is it coming from the tire or the brakes.

Is the smell a burning rubber kind of smell like you would get went you lock up the brakes and leave a smoke cloud and 1/2 of rubber on the pavement.

Or is the smell like a mechanical burning....ie rapid and excessive brake pad loss due to high temps. Did you and your sister both have brakes done at the same place and use the same kind of brake pads. Some aftermarket brake pads are a little more odorous than others due to the materials used.

Do your tires have uneven tread wear?
What is the tread rating on the tires you are using (A, B C, etc)? It may be you are going with a softer tread and the life expectancy is low.

What is the exact brand, model, size of you tires. Did you use the same on the GS and the ES?

steviej

d2gs3

iTrader: (4)

Yes, the smell definitely tires burning smell. Not the brake pad. I did not notice my sister GS had the smell or not but I notice her tires wear out very quickly.
On my GS, I did not lower it so I did not notice any uneven wear. They all wear out evenly.
I ccurrently have 225/40/18 Contisport Contact on the ES300. I had all kind of tires on my GS from Yokohama Parada, Bridgestone RE to Nitto 555. They all had the burning smell.
I just hope it is a common problem for the Lexus as I had two same experiences. Hope it is just the worn out shocks or something curable. I love the Lex.
Cheer
Ryan

SC4Hundred

I think the problem is the softer Z rated tires. If you change to H rated tires, it should get rid of the problem

steviej

iTrader: (1)

I have Z rated tires and I have never smelled anything.

sj