Preferred Tire Pressure
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Preferred Tire Pressure
Has anyone been able to feel a difference in ride comfort between 34psi and 30psi? My RX350 rides very harsh and sends every bump in the road up my spine. It's also starting to creak and rattle (interior) at every bump with only 1100 miles on the clock. On anything other than new, smooth road surfaces it gets so bad that I just can't stand to drive it anymore for more than 15 ~ 20 minuets. I noticed tonight that all my tires are inflated to 34psi (as delivered from dealer) and the manual recommends 30psi as the ideal pressure. Obviously I will lower them to 30psi and see if I can tell the difference but I'm curious about others opinions on the subject and whether or not you can tell a difference. Lastly, why would the dealer set them to 34psi when Lexus lists 30psi as the target value? I red somewhere that some dealers set the pressure high when the car is on the lot to prevent flat spots from thumping during the test drive. Any truth to that?
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
Has anyone been able to feel a difference in ride comfort between 34psi and 30psi? My RX350 rides very harsh and sends every bump in the road up my spine. It's also starting to creak and rattle (interior) at every bump with only 1100 miles on the clock. On anything other than new, smooth road surfaces it gets so bad that I just can't stand to drive it anymore for more than 15 ~ 20 minuets. I noticed tonight that all my tires are inflated to 34psi (as delivered from dealer) and the manual recommends 30psi as the ideal pressure. Obviously I will lower them to 30psi and see if I can tell the difference but I'm curious about others opinions on the subject and whether or not you can tell a difference. Lastly, why would the dealer set them to 34psi when Lexus lists 30psi as the target value? I red somewhere that some dealers set the pressure high when the car is on the lot to prevent flat spots from thumping during the test drive. Any truth to that?
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 12,397
Likes: 453
From: GA
I have tried 34 and found it too stiff. If you had perfect roads...great. If you have so-so roads...it is annoying. I have settled for 32. Some like 35. If you do mostly highway driving, 34 would be perfect. If local and surface streets, try 30~32.
CL Community Team
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,321
Likes: 204
From: Miami, Florida
Some gals and guys like to ride a little high. I have a max of 44 psi on my 235-70-16, Michelin CrossTerrains with my RX300, and set them at 40 psi...harder ride for sure, but better MPG and it makes a world of difference on the track. I haven't worn out the center of the tires as would normally happen. If anything, I have been wearing out my outside corners from the nutty high speed turns I take.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Well...I lowered my pressure to 30psi and can't say the car feels like it rides any smoother. I still feel relatively small bumps in the road sending a jolt to my spine. I will have to give it a few days to be sure. It does feel a bit sloppy though as far as handling goes with the lower pressure. Ironically, this is the recommended pressure.
Trending Topics
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: QLD
I have my tires inflated at 40psi. I know the manual recommends a lower pressure but I dont feel bumps that badly even on 40psi. But that might just be me. I also thought that if you inflate your tires at a higer pressure they will last a bit longer.
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
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Thanks guys. This is Interesting. I have to admit I'm not tuned in to the effects of tire design on ride comfort and handling. I would be interested in knowing if there is a practical way to basically soften up the ride (substantially) via tires and/or suspension changes. If not, I believe I will need to sell the RX350 as it is becoming too much of a strain on my back to drive.
I am currently running the stock Michelin Energy LX4 tires. 225/65 R17
I am currently running the stock Michelin Energy LX4 tires. 225/65 R17
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,283
Likes: 63
From: FL
Thanks guys. This is Interesting. I have to admit I'm not tuned in to the effects of tire design on ride comfort and handling. I would be interested in knowing if there is a practical way to basically soften up the ride (substantially) via tires and/or suspension changes. If not, I believe I will need to sell the RX350 as it is becoming too much of a strain on my back to drive.
I am currently running the stock Michelin Energy LX4 tires. 225/65 R17
I am currently running the stock Michelin Energy LX4 tires. 225/65 R17
I recently changed to the Bridgestone Alenza and it rides much better than my OEM tires. Goodyear Fortera TripleTred got the nod for comfort but only by 8 hundredths of a point over the Alenzas though. I love my Alenza's.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...omCompare1=yes
The RX350 loaner I drove on the Michelins felt very jumpy or bouncy to me. If I had test driven that vehicle with Michelins prior to purchase I'd have passed on the RX.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
