If I were to use 245/45/18 instead of the stock 245/40/18 tire, would this improve the ride in terms of absorbing bumps and changes in road surface without causing rubbing?

 

Batman, you had that coming from the other thread LOL....

back to your question, I had that size and thought the same as you, yes the ride was a bit nicer, however I grew to hate the look after a while, tire looked kind of goofy with the thicker sidewall. Also it rubbed a bit...
here is what that looked like, oem suspension
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...untains-2.html

 

Pics are too small to tell. Looks fine to me. However the rubbing is a good reason not to do it.

So when people use 19" wheels, what size sidewall do they run? The alternative I am considering is 19" F Sport wheels.

 

bat
the sizing is pretty easy...., you go down one size in sidewall profile when going 1 inch up....so 245 40 becomes 245 35 19 ideally, i installed 225 40 19s on my 19s (only because the wheels were 7.5 inches wide). On the f sport I would suggest 245 35 19 for no rubbing

 

I have the 245/45/18 in the Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires. They do absorb the bumps and potholes much better, Except I inflate my tire to 31-32 PSI cold not above 33 or it is a bit harsh. The Michelins are smooth, quiet, and very good in snow. I have very very little rubbing when doing a full turn going reverse but that rarely happens and only in parking lots at times. Rubbing is so minor and nothing to be concern about.

 

Thanks Rexus300. To clarify are you saying you only get rubbing when the wheel is turned full lock?

Eyecutr is your experience the same?

I have a feeling rubbing may be a bigger issue on rwd cars than on awd cars like rexus300s given the tighter tuning circle on rwd cars...

 

Mine rubbed backing up while the wheel is turned almost fully but not quite. Let me put it this way. The left front tire will rub in the outer back portion of the tire when wheel is turned left almost fully. Rubs in the back of the wheel well (there is a plastic lining). You can use a heat gun to heat and push it out a bit and alleviates but not full fix.

 

Thanks guys. Seems like it's not worth it on a rwd car but maybe good idea on awd.

 

A better option would be to just go up to a 255/40. It will be slightly taller which is what you are looking for - but not as much as going to a 45 series. It will also be slightly wider. It will fit on the rim with no trouble.

More of a factor will be which tire you choose. Get on the Tire Rack web-site and do a lot of studying. They get a lot of owner feedback.

 

I have 245/45/18s on right now and I do get rubbing. Mostly when reversing but also occasionally when braking hard. I do have AWD, and the rubbing barely ever happens, so I'm fine with it.

 

It rubs for me on my AWD.

Looking forward to going back to 245-40-18.

 

For me, it only rubs when reverse full turn which occurs 1 time every 3-4 weeks. Its so minimal that I like them and will not go back to the 245/40/18. I have the AWD.

 

That's interesting. Are you running the 255/40?

 

Raptl1985,

What is the brand & model name of the 245/45/18s tires do you have?

 

DaSyce,

What brand & tire name are currently rolling with now? How long have you had 'em?