Best LS400 Tires
05-19-04, 06:57 AM
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Best LS400 Tires
I'm a Lexus newbie (I have a 2000 LS400) and am looking for a well-informed Lexus pro. The tread on my tires is low so I am going to buy some new tires soon - does anyone have a recommendation on the best tires for a 400? I've noticed that the 400 doesn't perform so well in snow conditions (I live in Chicago and get plenty of snow) - are there any tires you'd recommend for Chicago weather?
Thanks for any help,
Joey
Thanks for any help,
Joey
05-19-04, 11:19 AM
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Joey .........
I'm sure others will suggest specific brands ........ so I will only say that I have been very pleased with the Dunlops which came on the car OEM and would be very happy to find a comparable tire myself.
Having said that ........ I think the optimal solution for your location is actually 2 sets of tires and rims ....... one set for 3 seasons and then the other for "winter".
What tires are currently on the car and how have they performed for you?
98LS
I'm sure others will suggest specific brands ........ so I will only say that I have been very pleased with the Dunlops which came on the car OEM and would be very happy to find a comparable tire myself.
Having said that ........ I think the optimal solution for your location is actually 2 sets of tires and rims ....... one set for 3 seasons and then the other for "winter".
What tires are currently on the car and how have they performed for you?
98LS
05-19-04, 03:00 PM
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Joey,
Like "98 LS" I recommend a separate set of wheels and snow tires for winter use. I bought an extra set of standard LS wheels when I bought my first LS in 90 and probably went through only about three sets of snow tires over 13 winters. When I sold my 90 and bough a 00 LS last year, I bought an inexpensive set of Miglia Bello wheels and four Bridgestone Blizzaks - total cost about $880. Since it was my first winter with the 00 LS, I could not tell how much of the incredible snow traction was from the Blizzaks and how much from the traction/skid control which I did not have on my 90 LS. We had one 10" snow day and I could zoom away from stop signs while going uphill while SUV's were just spinning their wheels. Look for the "mountain/snow flake" symbol on the sidewall to ensure that you get real snow tires and not M+S.
For summer I stayed with Dunlops similar to the original tires and bought 225/60-ZR16 Sport 5000's which are M+S but seem to have great wet/dry traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride - cost was about $400. I thought about 245/55-16's but we (especially my wife) were not happy with the harsh ride when I tried a similar step up in size (to 225/60-15) on my 90 LS.
The nice thing about having real snow tires for winter and M+S tires for summer is that you will never be caught "with your pants down" as you transition between your two months of Chicago summer and ten months of Chicago winter. ;-) Our corporate offices are in Schaumburg so I know how bad it can get!
Here is a picture of my 00 LS with the Blizzaks and Bello wheels. I like the look of the Bellos a lot better than the chrome Platinum Series (2001 LS430) wheels that came on the car.
Good luck!
Like "98 LS" I recommend a separate set of wheels and snow tires for winter use. I bought an extra set of standard LS wheels when I bought my first LS in 90 and probably went through only about three sets of snow tires over 13 winters. When I sold my 90 and bough a 00 LS last year, I bought an inexpensive set of Miglia Bello wheels and four Bridgestone Blizzaks - total cost about $880. Since it was my first winter with the 00 LS, I could not tell how much of the incredible snow traction was from the Blizzaks and how much from the traction/skid control which I did not have on my 90 LS. We had one 10" snow day and I could zoom away from stop signs while going uphill while SUV's were just spinning their wheels. Look for the "mountain/snow flake" symbol on the sidewall to ensure that you get real snow tires and not M+S.
For summer I stayed with Dunlops similar to the original tires and bought 225/60-ZR16 Sport 5000's which are M+S but seem to have great wet/dry traction, and a quiet, comfortable ride - cost was about $400. I thought about 245/55-16's but we (especially my wife) were not happy with the harsh ride when I tried a similar step up in size (to 225/60-15) on my 90 LS.
The nice thing about having real snow tires for winter and M+S tires for summer is that you will never be caught "with your pants down" as you transition between your two months of Chicago summer and ten months of Chicago winter. ;-) Our corporate offices are in Schaumburg so I know how bad it can get!
Here is a picture of my 00 LS with the Blizzaks and Bello wheels. I like the look of the Bellos a lot better than the chrome Platinum Series (2001 LS430) wheels that came on the car.
Good luck!
Last edited by Kansas; 03-29-09 at 06:26 AM. Reason: broken link
05-20-04, 04:52 AM
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I have always had great luck with Michelin all seasons. My current tires (on my '93 LS) are Michelin X1's and they are a great riding, quiet tire, with decent (not great, but I am pretty picky) grip and great wear characteristics.
You should definitely get a dedicated winter set-up though as our cars need snows - I am in the Toronto area and trudged through on all-seasons last winter for the last time!
You should definitely get a dedicated winter set-up though as our cars need snows - I am in the Toronto area and trudged through on all-seasons last winter for the last time!
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