NJ330

iTrader: (2)

ami,

How much did you pay? have you driven the tires on the snow?

LBCDan

I went ahead and bought a set of Nitto nt420s tires in the 255/50/18 size. After I got them on I decided that I really didn't like the way they looked on the OE 18 x 7 inch rims. They looked too large for the rim and the vehicle felt like it was weighed down when I drove it. I learned that you really need an 8 or 9 inch wide rim to accomodate this size tire. I hope the next generation Lexus has wider rims as the OE standard.

I took them back and exchanged them for a set of Bridgestone Dueler Alenzas size 235/55/18 and I am much happier. They have the look of a wider size tire but yet they are the original 235/55/18 size. Thanks to everyone on this forum that recommended these tires, they really look and drive great.

mandyfig

Alenza's the way to go.

LBCDan

I regret buying the Alenza's. My gas mileage dropped by an average of 2 mpg because of the extra unsprung weight of these tires (the OE Goodyear's weigh 29 lbs.). I'm going to swap them for a set of Yokohama Avid V4s tires. They weigh only 29.5 lbs. vs. 33 for the Alenza's. They also have a 8 inch contact patch vs. 7.7 for the Alenza's, that is a full 1.5 inches wider than the OE Goodyears with almost no weight penalty!

AM1

iTrader: (6)

im surprised about the nitto 420S....when i got them put on my rx...the car felt better, smoother riding, and helped to make the garbage shocks not so noticeable.

ricasoli

Hello,
I noticed your post regarding larger tire size. How did they work for your rx?
I need new tires for my rx, (second set of original size) now at 53k miles.
Do you recommend the 255 50 18 Toyos?
Thanks,

ricasoli

Which tires are better recommended for the 250 50 18 size, The Toyo' Proxy's or the Nitto 420. Or should I just stay with the original size with Dual Alenzas?

ricasoli

Hello,
Are you still satisfied with the larger size (255/50/18) Nitto?
I would like a wider tire but want make sure it is the right decision.
Please provide your insights if posible.

Thanks,

RS

asianrage

I'm bumping this, because the poster before me asked questions that I'm wondering now.

rookie07

I just straped on some ST II's with 20" rims on my wifes 350. The Proxes are 255/45/R20's. Just drove it home from the store. I'll let you guys know how it rides and how we like the tires.

~Rookie

jfelbab

Look at the published Tread Width when comparing the tires, not just the section width. In the case of the 18" OEM Goodyears vs the Bridgestone Alenzas in the same OEM size, they both had the same section width but the Alenza's had a 1.2" wider tread width. The reason many are going for a 255 vs a 235 is to get the extra tread width. It pays to check the actual tread width spec rather than just relying on the section width. This extra tread width probably accounts for the improved handling and cornering.

The Alenzas also start our life witrh 13/32nds of tread depth as opposed to the Goodyears meager 9/32nds, which help to account for the much longer tread life experienced.

I own the Alenzas and am very pleased with them after 25,000 miles of wear. That said, if I were in the market today, I'd be looking at the Yokohama Parada Spec X. This tire has a tread width that is 2" wider than the Goodyear RSA OEM in the same 235/55/18 size.
So you don't have to look this up... The Goodyear RSA tread width is 6.5" and the Parada is 8.5"

I would also suggest that the extra weight of 5 pounds per tire is significant. It will make your car feel like it is plodding over bumps and tar strips. This is unsprung weight and that makes a big difference. I know because I tried this and went back due to the ride deterioration. If you are going to try a heavier tire see if you can get the dealer to allow you to swap out the tires if the handling deteriorates.

IMO, the best choices for improved handling, ride and tire life are either the Bridgestone Alenza or the Yoko Parda SpecX in the 235/55/18 size. The Alenza comes with a 5 year, 65k mile treadlife warranty.

As to gas mileage, my gas mileage went up slightly with the Alenza's over the Goodyears. I had the transmission flashed at the same time as I put the tires on though so I can be sure the mpg increase was due solely to the new Alenzas but no one else has reported better mpg when they had their transmission re-flashed. It was the city mpg that seemed to be up a couple mpg. See this graph.

06WTRX400H

anyone have pictures of what the 255 50 18 looks like on the stuck 400H rims? I am thinking of just getting the stock 235 55 18 tires but if I can bump up to the 255 without any problems I will..

968racer

Don't the 255's give you a flat tire look? Also, I would imagine that your MPG drops as well due to greater rolling resistance. Am I wrong?