Tires
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 1,376
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: 64
Likes: 67
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: 213
Likes: 214
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: 7,641
Likes: 1,376
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!
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 117
Likes: 68
From: NV
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 229
Likes: 167
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: 2,155
Likes: 927
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.
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