I have factory ALUMINIUM 17" wheels on my 04 LS430. They leaked air from time to time and I have to pump my tires about once every two weeks. The leak is not from the tires or serious but is getting annoying. I was told that as the wheels wear and tear, the problem will get worse. I have just been offered at a very low price a set of 4 brand new Lexus Soarer SC430 18"x 7.5" ALLOY wheels. I am not sure if they have the same problem and whether it is better to ride on 18". Any advice please?

 

I think someone is just trying to sell you some new rims.

It's not "normal" for wheels to all just randomly start leaking air after a few years. I've had cars with wheels that were over 30 years old that didn't leak air. Unless you have actually bent or damaged your rims, they should hold air.

You could probably stop your issue by having a tire shop reseat your tires and add some bead lube, which is commonly used when mounting tires.

 

Have the tires taken off the wheels, and have them grind the area where the tire meets the wheel. This will stop the leaks.

When they put the tires back onto the wheels, they will use a sealant and your problems will be solved.
New wheels are nice but really, unless you have bent wheels, you can fix the issue you are having, easily and inexpensively.

 

What about your valve stems?

 

you would need spacers for sc430 wheels
Ls430 bbk and sc430 not

 

Thanks for all the advice. I have decided not to buy the new wheels but to pursue other options as advised to stop the leak. Thanks to all.

 

Nitrogen is usually not real expensive also