Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza 225/70/16 - best tire I've ever had on my RX300

[ToyotaLexus]

(the first set of tires on my RX300 were the Bridgestone H/Ts that came with vehicle, which
lasted appx 32000 miles. They were followed by a set of tires Michelin Cross Terrains
which lasted appx 42000 miles)

I purchased a set of Bridgeston Dueler H/L Alenza 225/70/16 tires for my '01 RX300 last week.
Costco has a $60 off coupon and I managed to get a full set installed for a grand total of
$398.(plus 5% sales tax) Normal price is a little higher, but the Costco tire manager gave
me a slight discount because it's my 5th set of tires purchased from him.

The next day, I went on a week-long trip from NY to FL, total mileage appx 3000 miles.
During the 7 days and 3000 miles, I absolutely love these tires Most of these are
highway miles, with some city and dirt road driving.

The Alenzas are quieter than the CTs. They also handle better than the CTs, especially
getting on/off a highway circular ramp at 50mph+. In the rain, it is "slightly* better than the
CTs when it comes to hydroplaning. Braking performance is slightly better.

The only two thins I didn't like about the Aleza: (1) side wall & tread patter don't look as
intimidating as the CTs. (2) being quieter causes me to hear other noise the RX300 generates
(3) not as widely available as the CTs. if one gets damaged, it will take Costco a few days to
order a free replacement under the road hazard plan. (my set of Alenzas were the first
set of Alenzas installed at this Costco)

The Costco guys used nitrogen to fill the tires... they even deflated and inflated my spare
Bridestone H/T spare tire with nitrogen.(the spare tire has never been used since it came
with the vehicle from Japan) The green tire valve caps are pretty cool as well...

One other note, the Alenzas in this size come with white letter on the sidewall. I had Costco
mount them reversed, with black sidewall facing out. But that's just my personal preference.

[Benjamin T]

stupid question but... why nitrogen?

[ToyotaLexus]

Originally Posted by Benjamin T

stupid question but... why nitrogen?

nitrogen is a more stable gas, which means proper tire pressure no matter what the
outside temperature... at least that's what they Costco people say...

[TunedRX300]

Atompshere air has oxygen, which promotes oxidation, especially when temperature rises as when tires heat up. Race cars have used nitrogen to fill up tires for years.
CT has mileage warranty of 65000, if you get only 42000, you can get credit from Michelin.

[ToyotaLexus]

Originally Posted by TunedRX300

.
CT has mileage warranty of 65000, if you get only 42000, you can get credit from Michelin.

No, the CTs did not wear out at 42000... I always replace tires every three years, no matter
what the mileage....

[accuview]

I just got the same tires too. Love the improvements over the OEM GY Integrities.

What pressure do you keep the tires at? The shop initially used 37 PSI (even though they told me 32 PSI) and the ride was too harsh. I brought it down to 32 and the ride is much better. I am wondering if I should take it down to 30 as recommended by Lexus.

[TunedRX300]

PSI is measured at cold, (see the label on your driver door sill), measure at hot will give you incorrect reading of higher PSI.
30 PSI is a rule of thumb. Max pressure of Bridgestone Dueler and GY Interity is 44 psi; for CT and Yoko Geolander it is 35 psi. I don't believe the recommended psi is optimal for every tire made for RX300. Higher PSI gives better handling and MPG, but more road noise.

[accuview]

The PSI numbers that I mentioned are all for cold tire temps.

[Lexmex]

I have the 235 Cross Terrains, max 44. I have found for track use that 38 psi gets me best results for performance.

I also use nitrogen down here.