Keith0962

Own a 2008 Lexus RX 350. OEM tires are 235/55/18. Can I replace with 225/55/18 and if so, any issues? I really like Hankook Optimo H727 and they only are available in the 225 size, not 235. If I must stay with 235, are Michelin Latitude Tour or Goodyear Assurance ComforTred better?

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I wouldn't go narrower - will compromise handling a little... Sounds like it is a cost issue... the Hankooks are OK tires, but IMO, it is worth it to spend the extra for a better tire... Between the two you listed, the Goodyear would be better - it has a higher speed rating, the Michelin is only a T rated tire with a softer sidewall... Looking to save some money, Goodyear also offers a tire called the ResponsEdge... Pretty good tire and generally cheaper than the two you listed...

zig@tr

The narrower tire is not a good idea, basically you would have an issue where the smaller air chamber would make the tire not able to hold as much weight as the OEM tire. Most certainly the tire would be under rated for the weight of the RX. The Goodyear is the better choice of what you have listed and in IL you'll appreciate the better snow and ice traction, I have an $80 rebate on this tire until 7/30/11. If your looking for an inexpensive option I have heard pretty good feedback about the Hankook Ventus AS and we're talking about $50 less per tire.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....saffiliate=DZ1

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....affliliate=DZ1

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

I seem to have made a mistake that I didn't catch until you posted that link... Let me delete what I originally posted and fix this real quick... If you do get the Goodyears, make sure you get the V rated ones... It appears that Goodyear also builds that tire in a T speed rating as well, which I would never recommend for your truck... I confused myself with the speed ratings listed and saw both, a different one each time I looked it up...

I believe many of the RX's came with Goodyear RS-A's, which carry a 99V service description. There are many tires in 225/55-18 that would actually work just fine that carry 98V service descriptions and the load carrying is only 56 lbs difference between the two... Sadly, though, the Hankook does not, it carries a 97T service description, which is 100 lbs per tire less, as well as two speed ratings lower...

zig@tr

Just so we're not confused the Hankook Optimo H727 in the 225 size carries the 97T. The Hankook Ventus V4 I recommended, carries a 104V. Also, keep in mind that even though your vehicle came with V rated tires because you got the 18" wheels, there was models of the RX that came with 17" wheels from the factory. This is important because the models with the 17" wheels came S rated tires and the "sportier" 18" wheel models came with V rated tires. So, it's the same drivetrain and same car thus you can actually choose a tire as low as an S speed rating. This is a really good option because the lower speed rating offers a softer sidewall and will give the softest and quietest ride possible, not to mention wears about 20-30% longer.

Zig Ziegler | Sales Specialist
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Tire Rack
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mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Right, but, keep in mind that if you do lower the speed rating, you will probably not be happy with the way the vehicle handles... I've seen it time and time again when someone changes to a lesser speed rating, but then they blame the tire leaving a crappy review, blaming the tire... I especially see it in circumstances like this, where the buyer says something along the lines of "well, I never drive 150 mph, why do I need such high speed rated tires, these others are cheaper and the same or similar brand." Only to come back and say the tires are junk because his car/truck handles terribly... Sure, its a softer ride, but it definitely won't have the crisp turn in or responsiveness...

zig@tr

True... it really all depends on the end result you want from the tire. Higher speed ratings give you better steering input and overall on center feel is better, but those stiff sidewalls can really cause a jittery ride on some road surfaces. So, you would have to determine which aspect of your RX you would like to complement more.....sporty handling or quiet and smooth ride. It just depends on where and how you drive and as long as you are choosing the right tire for the right reasons you will happier with your choice.

Keith0962

Thanks to everyone for your input and knowledge on this subject. Given your advice, I think I'll go with the Michelin Latitude and get the softer ride and hopefully longer tread life, while the Goodyear and Hankook Ventus also look like good options.