Tires
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,654
Likes: 1,407
From: Florida
My just bought 2021 Convertible has the OE 245 and 275 Bridgestone Potenza RFT tires.
As these are almost exactly as wide as the OE rims they provide NO rim protection (I think these tires do not have rim protection as I do not see FR or RG indication on the tires) , the previous owner managed to kerb 3 rims
I have had cars with Michelin Pilot and Goodyear eagle which did have rim protection and that rubber protection made a big difference, protecting the rims when scrubbing a kerb.
I am considering getting tires with FR or to be really sure, getting one size wider: 255/40/21 and 285/35/21, but do not want to get a wobbly ride if these are too wide for the OE 8,5 and 9,5 rims.. anybody experience with one size wider?
Also, I am surprised that many use Michelin Pilot sport 4 (s) but nobody seems to use Pirelli Pzero tires which are also great, is there a reason for that, Pirelli not available in the US??
As these are almost exactly as wide as the OE rims they provide NO rim protection (I think these tires do not have rim protection as I do not see FR or RG indication on the tires) , the previous owner managed to kerb 3 rims
I have had cars with Michelin Pilot and Goodyear eagle which did have rim protection and that rubber protection made a big difference, protecting the rims when scrubbing a kerb.
I am considering getting tires with FR or to be really sure, getting one size wider: 255/40/21 and 285/35/21, but do not want to get a wobbly ride if these are too wide for the OE 8,5 and 9,5 rims.. anybody experience with one size wider?
Also, I am surprised that many use Michelin Pilot sport 4 (s) but nobody seems to use Pirelli Pzero tires which are also great, is there a reason for that, Pirelli not available in the US??
Driver
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 66
Likes: 71
From: BC
My just bought 2021 Convertible has the OE 245 and 275 Bridgestone Potenza RFT tires.
As these are almost exactly as wide as the OE rims they provide NO rim protection (I think these tires do not have rim protection as I do not see FR or RG indication on the tires) , the previous owner managed to kerb 3 rims
I have had cars with Michelin Pilot and Goodyear eagle which did have rim protection and that rubber protection made a big difference, protecting the rims when scrubbing a kerb.
I am considering getting tires with FR or to be really sure, getting one size wider: 255/40/21 and 285/35/21, but do not want to get a wobbly ride if these are too wide for the OE 8,5 and 9,5 rims.. anybody experience with one size wider?
As these are almost exactly as wide as the OE rims they provide NO rim protection (I think these tires do not have rim protection as I do not see FR or RG indication on the tires) , the previous owner managed to kerb 3 rims
I have had cars with Michelin Pilot and Goodyear eagle which did have rim protection and that rubber protection made a big difference, protecting the rims when scrubbing a kerb.
I am considering getting tires with FR or to be really sure, getting one size wider: 255/40/21 and 285/35/21, but do not want to get a wobbly ride if these are too wide for the OE 8,5 and 9,5 rims.. anybody experience with one size wider?
Using tires with a higher load rating, HL (Heavy Load) in my case, will typically improve how sharp the car feels because the sidewall deformation will be less, at the cost of some compliance. I did not notice any increase in harshness, but the car does feel more surefooted.
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 220
Likes: 223
From: NC
This is awesome, thanks so much for sharing this! My '23 conv't just turned 10.8K miles and I've replaced 3 of the 4 OEM run flats (due to nails, screws and a deep pothole on the highway). I can't wait to swap them out for new Michelins.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,654
Likes: 1,407
From: Florida
I bought my car in late September '24 and replaced the Michelin summer tires with the Michelin All Season tires and have been swapping them as the seasons change. I just put the summer tires back on Monday and was surprised that I immediately noticed the difference but my driving style really doesn't warrant summer tires. It looks like I will get around 12-15K miles on the summer tires before they get below 5/32 (which is my cutoff for new tires) while the All Season Michelin will probably get around 20K miles.
I figure that gas, tires, brakes and insurance are expenses that I shouldn't worry about or I would have bought a different car. A nominal price to pay for such a reliable car that puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel, drop the top, and hit the gas!
I figure that gas, tires, brakes and insurance are expenses that I shouldn't worry about or I would have bought a different car. A nominal price to pay for such a reliable car that puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel, drop the top, and hit the gas!
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Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 122
Likes: 69
From: NV
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 247
Likes: 178
I bought my car in late September '24 and replaced the Michelin summer tires with the Michelin All Season tires and have been swapping them as the seasons change. I just put the summer tires back on Monday and was surprised that I immediately noticed the difference but my driving style really doesn't warrant summer tires. It looks like I will get around 12-15K miles on the summer tires before they get below 5/32 (which is my cutoff for new tires) while the All Season Michelin will probably get around 20K miles.
I figure that gas, tires, brakes and insurance are expenses that I shouldn't worry about or I would have bought a different car. A nominal price to pay for such a reliable car that puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel, drop the top, and hit the gas!
I figure that gas, tires, brakes and insurance are expenses that I shouldn't worry about or I would have bought a different car. A nominal price to pay for such a reliable car that puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel, drop the top, and hit the gas!
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,177
Likes: 939
From: MA
I get less wheel spin on AS4 than the PS5.
im debating whether to even swap to PS5 this year or just ride on the AS4 that I put on to drive in cooler climate.
My AS4 are on 20” rims. My PS5 are on factory 21”wheels. I prefer the ride quality of the 20” AS4 over the 21” PS5.
For sure, when I need to replace the PS5, I will get AS4 and not have to deal with wheels swapping twice a year.
im debating whether to even swap to PS5 this year or just ride on the AS4 that I put on to drive in cooler climate.
My AS4 are on 20” rims. My PS5 are on factory 21”wheels. I prefer the ride quality of the 20” AS4 over the 21” PS5.
For sure, when I need to replace the PS5, I will get AS4 and not have to deal with wheels swapping twice a year.
Last edited by NickL; Apr 15, 2026 at 11:52 AM.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 47
Likes: 31
I have Michelin Pilot Sport 4S HL255/40R21 and HL285/35R21 tires on my 2024 LC. The external sidewalls do have rim protectors.
Using tires with a higher load rating, HL (Heavy Load) in my case, will typically improve how sharp the car feels because the sidewall deformation will be less, at the cost of some compliance. I did not notice any increase in harshness, but the car does feel more surefooted.
Using tires with a higher load rating, HL (Heavy Load) in my case, will typically improve how sharp the car feels because the sidewall deformation will be less, at the cost of some compliance. I did not notice any increase in harshness, but the car does feel more surefooted.
Just by chance I found a set Michelin Pilot Sport 4S HL255/40R21 and HL285/35R21 Mo, so Mercedes spec, were removed from a 2025 MB SL63 amg.
The owner personally picked the car up from the factory, drove it home 500Km and removed them, no idea why.. but he offered them for sale at almost half price, so I said yes..
The H(igh) L(oad)version too, so the same as FR680, these are quite rare, never seen HL before, almost no tire shops offer these HLversion.
I will get the kerb damage on 3 rims repaired and these fitted, hope I will like the way they drive..
Last edited by NoriRaine; Apr 22, 2026 at 01:22 AM. Reason: extra text
Driver
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 74
Likes: 127
From: Colorado
I just got the new Pilot Sport AS4 tires installed. They do ride nicer than the OEM Michelin Super Sport run flats they replaced. I will see how they handle, but my only reference is the original tires. I am an easy driver overall and I am always super aware of my proximity to curbs. No rash on any of my vehicle wheels and I never expected tire sidewall rubber to be my protector.