is350 winter tire??? need help..
is350 winter tire??? need help..
hi guys,
Which set of tire would be a good choice for winter tire?
option 1:
Bridge stone blazzak LM-60-- same brand for front and rear
cost: $939 + $100 installation
option 2:
front: Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3
rear: Yokohama W.drive
cost: 902 + $100 installation
Which set of tire would be a good choice for winter tire?
option 1:
Bridge stone blazzak LM-60-- same brand for front and rear
cost: $939 + $100 installation
option 2:
front: Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3
rear: Yokohama W.drive
cost: 902 + $100 installation
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 1
From: WA
You know, I hear this all the time and it just doesn't make any sense to me. The front tires and rear tires perform different functions and (should) have different characteristics anyhow. The fronts are used for changing the direction of the vehicle, the rears for propelling the car in a straight direction. It seems perfectly logical to me that different tires front and rear could actually be beneficial. Is there any data that proves this instability issue? If so, I've never seen it.
^ I agree with you on that but that's my common sense though. All I hear is that due to the different treads, it's the cause that the car can become unstable. I can understand if having different tires on the sides would be bad but not really on the front and rears.
I'm actually going to install different tires for my rears in two weeks or so. My front snow tires are Blizzak LM-25Vs which have good treads left but my rears are almost bald in the middle only. Obviously the LM25's are no longer made. If my car drives bad, then I'll buy new fronts but I honestly don't think anything will happen. I see so many people with mismatched tires. My friend with his AWD IS250 has three tire brands on his car. He doesn't know it's bad but he says his car's driving in snow is great even with all-seasons and different tires. Anyone got videos or experience with what happens?
OP: I'd go with option one though regardless. The Michelin tires I heard weren't specifically designed for use in North America, but in Europe where winters are slightly warmer so they aren't as good. Blizzaks supposedly are one of the best snow tires and are worth the extra considering the above and how people say different tires are bad.
I'm actually going to install different tires for my rears in two weeks or so. My front snow tires are Blizzak LM-25Vs which have good treads left but my rears are almost bald in the middle only. Obviously the LM25's are no longer made. If my car drives bad, then I'll buy new fronts but I honestly don't think anything will happen. I see so many people with mismatched tires. My friend with his AWD IS250 has three tire brands on his car. He doesn't know it's bad but he says his car's driving in snow is great even with all-seasons and different tires. Anyone got videos or experience with what happens?
OP: I'd go with option one though regardless. The Michelin tires I heard weren't specifically designed for use in North America, but in Europe where winters are slightly warmer so they aren't as good. Blizzaks supposedly are one of the best snow tires and are worth the extra considering the above and how people say different tires are bad.
While it may be possible that different tread designs or rubber compounds may be beneficial in some sort of theory somewhere, the fact of the matter is that when driving on the tires, there are essentially 2 forces at work, forward acceleration (acceleration and braking), and lateral forces from cornering.
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
Trending Topics
While it may be possible that different tread designs or rubber compounds may be beneficial in some sort of theory somewhere, the fact of the matter is that when driving on the tires, there are essentially 2 forces at work, forward acceleration (acceleration and braking), and lateral forces from cornering.
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
thanks guys,
Every shop I went to or shopping online, the bridgestone blizzak are top choice for winter tire... For me, i rather have the same brand for all four tires... Now for the mismatch brand, a local tech said is ok as long as the tires either both in front or both in rear.. I never running into this issue nor have driving different brand on front and rear so I don't have any input on the issue..
Every shop I went to or shopping online, the bridgestone blizzak are top choice for winter tire... For me, i rather have the same brand for all four tires... Now for the mismatch brand, a local tech said is ok as long as the tires either both in front or both in rear.. I never running into this issue nor have driving different brand on front and rear so I don't have any input on the issue..
While it may be possible that different tread designs or rubber compounds may be beneficial in some sort of theory somewhere, the fact of the matter is that when driving on the tires, there are essentially 2 forces at work, forward acceleration (acceleration and braking), and lateral forces from cornering.
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
If we're talking about a RWD car here, the rear tires are mostly used to provide positive acceleration forward, and lateral forces while cornering. Remember that just because the front tires are turning, the rear tires still need to maintain that lateral force going around the corner. The front tires are also handling the same forces, just in different ways, they handle lateral forces while cornering (to a slightly greater extent than the rear, but it is similar). They also have to handle negative acceleration forces when stopping, as they take most of the force when stopping the vehicle.
Putting different tires on the front and rear isn't the best idea, simply due to the fact that the differing tread design and compounds will react differently in the same situation. Perhaps the front tires are still hard at a certain temperature while the rears are much softer, you now have a disparity of grip, and the car may not behave as expected when pushed to the limit (understeer). This is obviously most pronounced when people do things like leave all-season or summer tires on the front and just run winter tires in the rear, the difference in grip is huge in different situations.
There are obviously legit reasons for running different tires in the front and the rear, such as the rears needing replacement due to wear or damage and the tire is discontinued, like chi123 is experiencing. When a situation like this happens, you'd typically try to find as close a match to the original tire as possible, and it will probably be fine, in fact I'd say you'd likely not have any issues.
In a case like the original poster's though, when you're buying all four tires brand new anyways, there's no reason to buy different tires for the front and the rear. You could pay the almost the same and not have mismatched tires, it just makes sense to try to match the characteristics as closely as possible within the confines of what you're dealing with. No two situations are exactly the same, so the same advice doesn't always apply.
It basically comes down to: match your tires on the same axle exactly, try to match front and rear as closely as possible. If you only need to replace 2 tires, try to get as close a match as you can to the other 2, if you're doing all 4, there's not really a reason to mix and match.
Jeff
very, very well put.
I run the blizzak during the winter time and there great tires. I got my last year from tirerack for 650 shipped on all four when they had deals going on. I would also not mix an match my tires. Cause in the winter time traction is what your getting from these winter tires. I dont wear nike on my left foot and adidas on my right so why do it with my car hahaha 
Pole Position
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: WA
We had a big ice storm here last winter, and my Lex came to a complete stop. Needless to say, two weeks later I was shod on new 17" rims with Blizzaks. Made a great difference when facing snow or heading up to the ski slopes (the 350 is still a poor choice as a winter car with those conditions in mind regardless of tire choice).
The only downside I have noticed with the Blizzaks is that they are a VERY soft and pliable compound. On dry roads a snap lane change sets the whole chassis wallowing side to side. Trying to correct it can be a bit of a white knuckle affair. Happened to me a few times last year and it is a bit embarrassing. Needless to say with them on your car you learn to curb your normal aggressive driving habits and maintain smooth lines as much as possible.
2 cents
The only downside I have noticed with the Blizzaks is that they are a VERY soft and pliable compound. On dry roads a snap lane change sets the whole chassis wallowing side to side. Trying to correct it can be a bit of a white knuckle affair. Happened to me a few times last year and it is a bit embarrassing. Needless to say with them on your car you learn to curb your normal aggressive driving habits and maintain smooth lines as much as possible.
2 cents
