kmar

After about 3,000 miles on my new 2015 RX 350 I've noticed some feathering on the outside edges of the front tires. I have an appointment at the dealer next week to have them address the issue along with requesting them to set my HID headlights a bit higher. Should I expect these things to be covered under warranty?

kitlz

kmar, in the mile high pile of books you received when you picked up the RX is a brochure from the tire manufacturer. I'd refer to that as far as warranty. You didn't mention which brand you have. Some are better than others. We have the tire thread with plenty of opinions. Also make sure the tire pressure is correct. Dealers like to overinflate which can affect wear. Have them check the alignment. You're entitled to one during the first year or 12,000 miles.

Good luck.

vlad_a

They should take care of that. I wouldn't expect to pay anything with such low mileage.

kmar

Tire pressure has been correct since the day I drove it home. The tires are Dunlop however I don't believe this is a "warranty" issue with the Dunlop, but rather an alignment issue for the dealer to resolve. I was also thinking they should provide an alignment. Thanks for verifying this.

kitlz

kmar, I mentioned tire pressure because it's common to see them overinflated. If you believe it's the alignment, definitely bring your RX to the dealer and have them check it. Maybe they can rotate the tires too. You're getting close to the first (free) service. One other thing, tire wear was an issue for me with the Dunlops. I wound up replacing them at 16,000 miles. Sure maybe I could've pushed it a few thousand miles. But once they start losing grip, off they go.

Good luck.

fastnoypi

check the UTQG rating on the side of your tires. The softer the compound, the more pronounced the feathering might be over time. High speed cornering can also lead to the edge wear, after all your curb weight is over 4100 lbs. Alternatively, you may have too much positive camber. You want as close to zero camber in the front.

SteveCraig

Side note.
Once the feathering begins, you'll find a shorter overall life on those two tires. I've had the same issue.
Have the alignment & the balance checked.
Insist on new rubber.

kitlz

Dunlop is 280, pretty soft. This is what mine looked like right before I took them off and put on the Pirellis with a UTQG rating of 500. And I did check the tire pressure religiously and get an alignment every year.

NateJG

Anita, that looks good to me. Were you unhappy with it? Can you share:
Miles
Air pressure (cold)
Size
Model

kitlz

Nate, I'm a stickler about keeping the tire pressure and alignment to specs. Maybe an extra pound in the tires to firm up the ride a bit. But I've never gone beyond 17K on OE tires including the Dunlops. Once I don't feel safe, they're replaced. You can read more about it in the link I posted above. Some members have had better luck with the Dunlops. I hope kmar does and can get the wear under control.

NateJG

17 - ouch.

My car came with 19" Bridgestone Duelers; and at the recent 30K service, those tires are still at 6/32".

From all that I read, I was (almost) prepared for 15K miles of life out of the OE tires.

'More than happy to have doubled that warning already.

If I had to make a decision today, I'd replace them with the same kind.

Now I'll go read your thread - thanks.

klwagoner

I replaced my OEM Dunlops at 19,XXX miles. They def had some wear on them plus they rode like crap and were loud. When I got the oil changed at the Toyota dealership around that same time, they found that I needed an alignment.

kmar

I had it into the dealer yesterday. They checked alignment and found the "toe" was off very very slightly. They emphasized "very slightly", likely not enough to cause much of a concern. The service manager said something to the effect they don't usually cover an alignment under warrant, but since I only had about 3300 miles they took care of it. Acted like he went out of his way to do me a favor. They said I'd have to wait til my first 5,000 mile service for a tire rotation.

kitlz

kmar, please be sure to report back if you feel any difference. BTW, you are entitled to an alignment the first year or 12,000 miles. It's in the Warranty and Services Guide on page 18.

Show your dealer when you go back for the 5,000 mile service. And have them check the alignment again. It's complimentary at my dealer.

Good luck,

gusar

Tire rotation would be a bad idea. It will only hide the issue, not fix it. In this situation i would've insisted NOT to rotate tires to see the progress - if it becomes better (after alignment) or worse. If worse - Lexus is definitely responsible for it. After 3000 you should not see any wear on tires at all.