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The 3rd gen RX Tire Thread
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 55
From: Ohio
Has anyone tried going with wider tires to save some money? Although wider tires should be more expensive, it is not always the case. Tire options change as well.
For winter tires, I went with 255mm on 8" wide 18" rims, so I can attest 255mm will fit (see my post above).
245/55R19 is small enough change to keep the same aspect ratio (1.5% difference in speed; +1MPH@70MPH).
255/50R19 seem to be the cheapest with no change in diameter. Stock 7.5" rims should be within spec for 255mm tires.
For winter tires, I went with 255mm on 8" wide 18" rims, so I can attest 255mm will fit (see my post above).
245/55R19 is small enough change to keep the same aspect ratio (1.5% difference in speed; +1MPH@70MPH).
255/50R19 seem to be the cheapest with no change in diameter. Stock 7.5" rims should be within spec for 255mm tires.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
Has anyone tried going with wider tires to save some money? Although wider tires should be more expensive, it is not always the case. Tire options change as well.
For winter tires, I went with 255mm on 8" wide 18" rims, so I can attest 255mm will fit (see my post above).
245/55R19 is small enough change to keep the same aspect ratio (1.5% difference in speed; +1MPH@70MPH).
255/50R19 seem to be the cheapest with no change in diameter. Stock 7.5" rims should be within spec for 255mm tires.
For winter tires, I went with 255mm on 8" wide 18" rims, so I can attest 255mm will fit (see my post above).
245/55R19 is small enough change to keep the same aspect ratio (1.5% difference in speed; +1MPH@70MPH).
255/50R19 seem to be the cheapest with no change in diameter. Stock 7.5" rims should be within spec for 255mm tires.
Driver
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 3
From: Georgia
Thanks for the thread Anita. Did you happen to notice where your Pirelli's were made? My guess is Brazil, but that size may be a low enough volume for them to make it in the U.S.
Has anyone looked at the Kumho KL21? I know a lot of people stay away from Kumho because it seems like a value brand, but we're on our third set of Kumho's on our ES300 and couldln't be happier with them, so I was considering this tire for the RX.
Has anyone looked at the Kumho KL21? I know a lot of people stay away from Kumho because it seems like a value brand, but we're on our third set of Kumho's on our ES300 and couldln't be happier with them, so I was considering this tire for the RX.
Driver
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 59
Likes: 3
From: Georgia
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 43
Likes: 3
From: NJ
Thanks for the thread Anita. Did you happen to notice where your Pirelli's were made? My guess is Brazil, but that size may be a low enough volume for them to make it in the U.S.
Has anyone looked at the Kumho KL21? I know a lot of people stay away from Kumho because it seems like a value brand, but we're on our third set of Kumho's on our ES300 and couldln't be happier with them, so I was considering this tire for the RX.
Has anyone looked at the Kumho KL21? I know a lot of people stay away from Kumho because it seems like a value brand, but we're on our third set of Kumho's on our ES300 and couldln't be happier with them, so I was considering this tire for the RX.
Reviews I've seen of the the KL21's are decent but not great. Seems like a tire geared more for comfort than handling. One of Tire Rack's comparos has both the Pirelli and the Kumho; the Kumho's scores for handling and cornering on a wet track are significantly lower than the other 2 tires tested. That would make me a little concerned.
Also, the Kumho ranks 15 of 17 in Tire Rack's Crossover/SUV category. Seems to me there are better options out there.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
Thread Starter
No, I don't play soccer!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,652
Likes: 177
From: NJ
Sevn, it's the first two letters/numbers after DOT.
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Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
Haha, no. I remember seeing the warranty brochure from the tire manufacturer with an explanation about DOT numbers a long time ago. It came with the owners manual. Pirellis don't state where they're made on the sidewall unlike most other tires I've purchased. So I had to resort to the code. British shoes for the RX, LOL!
Sevn, it's the first two letters/numbers after DOT.
Sevn, it's the first two letters/numbers after DOT.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 494
Likes: 5
From: MA
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 366
Likes: 9
From: CA
Thought it was about time to start a thread on replacement tires for the RX to benefit other members. For those of you who have changed out the OE tires, whether to an OE or non-OE brand, please provide some basic information. And keep it specific to 3rd gen RXs only.
- What tire brand/model did you get?
- Tire size?
- Price paid and place of purchase?
- What tire did they replace and mileage?
- Other tires considered (if applicable)?
- What do you like most/least about your new tires?
- Updates?
I have the 19" wheels, and also the Sport Suspension. The Yokos have made the ride much more tolerable than the OEM Dunlops I had (I eked those out to 42K miles, and it was TIME to get 'em replaced!)
The ride is still a little stiff, but that's what you get to offset the body roll and improve the handling characteristics.
I am very pleased with them thus far - about 40K miles on them since installed, and wearing well. Less noisy, less harsh, better wet grip than the Dunlops - I would definitely recommend them.
I paid about $800 for them from TireRack.com, and had them shipped to a local Big O Tire shop, where they were installed. I then paid for free rotation for life (cheaper than the dealer) and installation/balancing (about another $200).
I had considered the Michelins, but they were significantly more expensive, and I'm putting about 30K miles on the car per year. So I didn't want to take the hit every 18 months or so.
Sandi
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 502
Likes: 11
From: New Brunswick (NB)
Our '10 had OEM 18 "Dunlops on it when we purchased the car used. At 28K km ( 17.4K miles) they were about beat. Coaxed another couple months out of them before the weather changed. Very noisy at this point !
Since installed a set of new Bridgestone Blizzaks we use as dedicated Winter tires. We've been buying this tire for many vehicles over the years & have always been very happy with them.
Spring is approaching & I've been able to gather a set of OEM 19" road wheels for the car. These were dealer pull-offs with zero to about 10 miles on them.
Short listing new rubber for Summer use only to Michelin Latitude Tour HP & the Pirelli Verdi.
Looked at the Continentals Cross Contact series but unsure as I've never owned the brand on a previous vehicle.
Note: I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 on my truck & would buy but not available in a 235/55-19.
These are a very nice Summer tire.
Qualifications based on my wife's driving habits as she is the primary driver:
City streets & local highways, Summer only.
Comfortable ride is key. Road noise would be the # 2 consideration.
Performance averages at about the same for all three of these brands ?
Question:
Thinking Michelin due to what I've read here on the comfort & noise issues. Correct ?
OEM tire pressure on a 19" wheel ?
Cheers,
Since installed a set of new Bridgestone Blizzaks we use as dedicated Winter tires. We've been buying this tire for many vehicles over the years & have always been very happy with them.
Spring is approaching & I've been able to gather a set of OEM 19" road wheels for the car. These were dealer pull-offs with zero to about 10 miles on them.
Short listing new rubber for Summer use only to Michelin Latitude Tour HP & the Pirelli Verdi.
Looked at the Continentals Cross Contact series but unsure as I've never owned the brand on a previous vehicle.
Note: I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 on my truck & would buy but not available in a 235/55-19.
These are a very nice Summer tire.
Qualifications based on my wife's driving habits as she is the primary driver:
City streets & local highways, Summer only.
Comfortable ride is key. Road noise would be the # 2 consideration.
Performance averages at about the same for all three of these brands ?
Question:
Thinking Michelin due to what I've read here on the comfort & noise issues. Correct ?
OEM tire pressure on a 19" wheel ?
Cheers,
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
Our '10 had OEM 18 "Dunlops on it when we purchased the car used. At 28K km ( 17.4K miles) they were about beat. Coaxed another couple months out of them before the weather changed. Very noisy at this point !
Since installed a set of new Bridgestone Blizzaks we use as dedicated Winter tires. We've been buying this tire for many vehicles over the years & have always been very happy with them.
Spring is approaching & I've been able to gather a set of OEM 19" road wheels for the car. These were dealer pull-offs with zero to about 10 miles on them.
Short listing new rubber for Summer use only to Michelin Latitude Tour HP & the Pirelli Verdi.
Looked at the Continentals Cross Contact series but unsure as I've never owned the brand on a previous vehicle.
Note: I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 on my truck & would buy but not available in a 235/55-19.
These are a very nice Summer tire.
Qualifications based on my wife's driving habits as she is the primary driver:
City streets & local highways, Summer only.
Comfortable ride is key. Road noise would be the # 2 consideration.
Performance averages at about the same for all three of these brands ?
Question:
Thinking Michelin due to what I've read here on the comfort & noise issues. Correct ?
OEM tire pressure on a 19" wheel ?
Cheers,
Since installed a set of new Bridgestone Blizzaks we use as dedicated Winter tires. We've been buying this tire for many vehicles over the years & have always been very happy with them.
Spring is approaching & I've been able to gather a set of OEM 19" road wheels for the car. These were dealer pull-offs with zero to about 10 miles on them.
Short listing new rubber for Summer use only to Michelin Latitude Tour HP & the Pirelli Verdi.
Looked at the Continentals Cross Contact series but unsure as I've never owned the brand on a previous vehicle.
Note: I have the Michelin LTX M/S2 on my truck & would buy but not available in a 235/55-19.
These are a very nice Summer tire.
Qualifications based on my wife's driving habits as she is the primary driver:
City streets & local highways, Summer only.
Comfortable ride is key. Road noise would be the # 2 consideration.
Performance averages at about the same for all three of these brands ?
Question:
Thinking Michelin due to what I've read here on the comfort & noise issues. Correct ?
OEM tire pressure on a 19" wheel ?
Cheers,
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 502
Likes: 11
From: New Brunswick (NB)
