Hatuey99

I need to replace my facotry tires on my RX 330. Before I go out and purchase, does anyone know if I will have any problems purchasing 225/60/r18 or 245/50/r18 tires instead of the factory 235/55/r18 tires?

32kcolors

I think you can go to 245 without requiring wheel spacers, but why would you want to get the skinnier and taller 225/60?

oldcajun

Why the skinnier tires?
Better ride
Lower noise
Better gas mileage
Better acceleration

Results will vary somewhat between tire brands and speed ratings, but comparable 225X60 tires compared to the 235X55's will be very slightly larger in radius and a couple of pounds lighter. The lighter tires reduce the unsprung weight and thus improve ride comfort in addition to the more shock absorbing sidewalls. The lighter tires also help acceleration a little.
Steve

32kcolors

Point taken, but I think the tires already look too skinny at 235. I'd rather switch to a different brand with better ride comfort and reduce the tire pressure.

jjbodean

in theory, yes, however i would bet the real world results would be negligible

Hatuey99

all these points are taken and much appreciated. The main reason for the change in ties is price. 235/55 are way to expensive. lease is over in two years, then i'll upgrade to a 350.

jfelbab

I've done a lot of research at the trierack.com and find that the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza is the superior replacement tire. Approx $150 each.

Dinomon

But what sizes can be replaced with the original tries of RX330 without having any issues?

oldcajun

JJ,
You're correct, the results of the change will be fairly small since the change to the tire size is relatively small. A similar small change to a wider lower profile tire would result in small changes in the other direction. I am generally a believer that on premium cars, the manufacturer has developed a tire that is the best compromise for the intended purpose of the vehicle. However, if a particular user wanted to shift the focus of the vehicle, changing tire sizes and characteristics is one direct way to do it.
Steve

JMorton

Hatuey99:

I read on another Lexus owners' group that a tire i never heard of ... Nitto ... was given a high rating by a national consumer magazine (Consumer Reports? Not sure at the moment). A photo copy of the rating page in the mag was attached. I had recently put a new set of Bridgestone Dueller H/L Alenzas 235/55R18 on my 2004 RX330 (they cost over $200 each after all the extras, including taxes and disposal fees. Ouch!). That was 2,500 miles ago and I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever. None at all.

But curiousity made me do an Internet search for 'nitto 235/55r18'. Did I screw up in my selection of tires? I clicked on the first hit and was taken to a tire site which had me specify the year, make, and model of my RX330. It listed the tires available in the sizes which were compatible, beginning with the standard 235/55R18 as well as various optional tires in the Plus 0 through Plus 4 sizes. The site said that Plus 0 was for the original wheel diameter, and that each incremental Plus size was for a wheel size that was 1 inch larger in diameter. They showed two Plus 0 tire sizes, which may be what you are looking for and presumably would fit your existing wheels: the 235/60R18 and the 255/55R18. The Nitto was shown as available in the Plus 0 size for 255/55R18.

I don't know what kind of tread life is important to you. I haven't researched Nitto for this fact. My Bridgestones are rated for 65,000 miles. After my OEM Goodyear's tread wore out at 28,000 miles the Bridgestone tire tread life was paramount in my purchase decision.

That being said, the Nitto seems to offer a quality tire at a good price, in a size (which seems more important to you) that you could be looking for

Check it out using your own sense of due diligence.

Hope this helps.