Run-flats vs. standard tires
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,285
Likes: 311
From: ON/NY
And in the era of COVID if you request a tow from either Lexus Roadside or AAA you are not allow to ride with the driver or even sit in your car while it's being towed. I had to pay $125 to be flat-bedded by a private company to the nearest Lexus dealer and thankfully I was allowed to be a passenger in the cab of the tow. I was 60 miles from home and had no one to come and get me. My run flat (Bridgestone) was completely ruined .
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,866
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
When a runflat goes bad, it usually can't be fixed; it must be replaced, and one of the problems in the early days of runflats, when I had them on my SC430, was that runflats were rare and not kept on hand at most places. A problem on the road, especially away from an urban center and especially on a weekend meant a very long delay to get a new tire for the car. I don't know how things are now in that regard, but I felt better when I got standard tires on the car; I added a spare to have in the car when I left town.
And, unlike an LS, that SC convertible had a pretty small trunk.
And, unlike an LS, that SC convertible had a pretty small trunk.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 32
From: California
When a runflat goes bad, it usually can't be fixed; it must be replaced, and one of the problems in the early days of runflats, when I had them on my SC430, was that runflats were rare and not kept on hand at most places. A problem on the road, especially away from an urban center and especially on a weekend meant a very long delay to get a new tire for the car. I don't know how things are now in that regard, but I felt better when I got standard tires on the car; I added a spare to have in the car when I left town.
And, unlike an LS, that SC convertible had a pretty small trunk.
And, unlike an LS, that SC convertible had a pretty small trunk.
Runflats are now able to be repaired.
There are tons of used runflat tires for sale on eBay for $50 each!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 21
Likes: 62
From: BC
I have replaced the OME Bridgestone tires as Michelin pilot sport 4s. Hugely improved the comfort and road noise. I would say, to replace these run-flat tires are a must-do step once one chooses the LS500 cuz its suspensions and handling are really outsanding.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,866
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
KIM is correct. About 18 years ago, I replaced the runflats on my SC430 with Michelin Pilot Sports, as did many other SC owners. The difference is dramatic and noticeable and quite an improvement.
I don't know if today's runflats are improved over the ones provided back then, but clearly this is still a highly recommended move.
(PS: it's "OEM" not OME: "Original Equipment Manufacturer.")
I don't know if today's runflats are improved over the ones provided back then, but clearly this is still a highly recommended move.
(PS: it's "OEM" not OME: "Original Equipment Manufacturer.")
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: Tx
I replaced my run flats with some Yokohama's. The run flats were horrible. I have hearing aides and it sounded as if I was driving a front loader the whole time, regardless of road type. As soon as I drove off with the new tires, it was as if someone put Bose quiet comfort headphones on my ears. There was very little road noise; the cabin was actually enjoyable to be in. I could hear people in the rear talking clearly without them having to lean forward or me asking them to repeat, whereas I could not before. The speaker sound actually could be lowered, incredibly by a substantial amount because of the reduced road noise. I'm satisfied. If I can't ride in the cabin of the vehicle of the Tow driver then that's just the way it is, cross that bridge when it happens. Also considering I was able to buy 4 new tires, for the price of 2 run flats, I'd say I've got a good savings for an Uber if needed.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 67
From: TN
I am also on the MB forum with the 15 S550 I bought used 18 mos ago. General consensus is: Harsher ride on run flats due to stiffer sidewalls; Better ride on smaller wheels (one member who has had several MBs only gets 18" rims); Today's run flats are better than older versions; Much griping re no spare tire. I have 20" wheels/staggered sizes and strongly considering non run flats when I need new tires. In my case with the 20" wheels, tires are summer tires as they apparently don't make all season run flats in my rear tire size of 275/35/R20.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Driver
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 92
Likes: 83
From: Illinois
This is a worthwhile thread! Thank you for starting and all the inputs. Run flat tires have been awful in my experience. Two tires with under 1,000 miles picked up a nail in the tread not the sidewall and had to be junked at ~$400/apiece, dealers indicated plug/patch not an option. And I agree with all, ride is awful, banged and thumped on irregular pavement. Avoid!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 9
From: MO
Touchscreen in use
I now have a 2021. The touchscreen is not as bad looking as in the pictures and worth it for the improved performance.
Lexus eventually should redesign the whole dash it make it look more in place.
Lexus eventually should redesign the whole dash it make it look more in place.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 32
From: California
This is a worthwhile thread! Thank you for starting and all the inputs. Run flat tires have been awful in my experience. Two tires with under 1,000 miles picked up a nail in the tread not the sidewall and had to be junked at ~$400/apiece, dealers indicated plug/patch not an option. And I agree with all, ride is awful, banged and thumped on irregular pavement. Avoid!
F-sport vs non f-sport with air suspension
Im guessing the air suspension feels very different than fsport models. I have not driven a non f-sport with air, so maybe just changing a tire might be barely noticeable
Pit Crew
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 232
Likes: 36
From: TX