viskha

My CPO '01 LS430 came with new Michelins that are "H" rated. Earlier when I changed tires on a LS400 and on my Acura RL, I was told by most tire shops (including Sams) that they would not put anything on the cars that were less than "V" rated as that is what is recommended and required by the manufacturer.

The Lexus dealer tells my that "H" rated is what came with the original '01 LS430s and that is what they have to put to certify the cars.

Who is right?

nthach

it's the speed rating, there are slight differences in construction.

persian451

www.tirerack.com should have a good explanation on the speed ratings

Lexusfreak

The sidewalls are slightly stiffer & more re-enforced on the V rated tires over the H rated......tirerack does indeed explain the speed ratings well. bottom line, it's fine to go from ah H rated to a V rated tire but not wise to do it the other way around. Chances are nothing will happen, it's just not a recommended way to go.

GMILLER

I am a Lexus parts manager and I'm proud of it!!!

With all due respect to those that say the LS430 doesn't come from the factory with H rated tires, thats just the voice from someone thats ill informed. In fact, until the 04 model, there was, to my knowledge, NO V-rated tires shipped on LS430's from the factory. My info, supplied by Lexus, says there were six different H-rated tires and a W-rated. Please note there was also 17" H-rated tires supplied new from the factory.

Another source, The "dealer tire tire guide" , also confirms this. Dealer tire is the Lexus chosen source for its Lexus Dealers.

There has to be an owner or two of LS430's that saved the sticker from their car. Pull that out and it should spell it out and confirm what I have said.

I regret that a customer of ours was misled by this thread. I just wanted to set the record straight so others won't be misled in a similar manner.

Thanks,
Greg Miller
Parts Manager
Lexus of Madison
Madison, WI

Brandon@TR

Check out this thread for a list of some good articles inluding one on speed ratings...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hreadid=116978

Your car could have come with Dunlop 5000 "H" rated so H is fine to put on the car. The Lexus Dealership is correct.

Lexusfreak

Bottom line, make sure to check the sticker on the vehicle as it tells you what size & speed rating that is recommended for your car. It's intresting owever, my 01 ES 300 came factory with V speed rated tires (205 60 16) & I'm suprised the LS only came with H rated considering the power that car has. Just my 2 cents.

viskha

Thanks - the sticker does show "H" rated tires. This settles the matter (in addition to the reliable response from the dealer and Brandon).

Yes, it is surprising that the ES came with "V" rated tires while the LS came with "H" rated tires.

Thanks all for some good responses.