Tires for 21” Wheels
Pole Position
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 457
From: Pennsylvania
I've had no issue w swapping Bridgestone tires for Michelins by the Dealership. I let them know up front that i will not take ownership of vehicle unless it has Michelins. Soon to purchase new RX350 Luxury for the wife n will make same request. Lexus in the past has always used both Brands mentioned n if the one that may be assigned to us, they just take care of. No issues...swap on another vehicle that comes in I guess. I don't ask that part. Same w drilling holes on the front grill for License plate... big no go for me. Basically deal breaker for me. Even though I live in TX it's never ever been an issue w being pulled over. Never have had lic plate on her 2013 RX350 and for sure don't have one on my 2020 ES350 FSPORT . ASK n you shall Receive!
JR
JR
Pennsylvania has never required a front license plate. So none of the cars here come drilled.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 64
From: TX
Ask and you shall receive only if what you want to receive exists. I don't believe that Michelins are an OEM choice for the 21 inch new RX. I think it's Goodyear or Bridgestone. Mine has Goodyears. I don't think Michelin even makes a tire in this size, YET. Pennsylvania has never required a front license plate. So none of the cars here come drilled.
On the grill being drilled for plate it's one of the preps done at the actual dealership b4 delivery is taken, so I have Salesman put notes in computer for that particular veh as it's coming in.So far so good on the last 3 Lexus's I rereqested no drilling holes for plates. Ruins the whole front appearance imo w how vehs are manufactured now. JR
Last edited by JRey350hou; Jan 20, 2023 at 08:46 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 544
From: British Columbia
21" Michelins are available in Canada for this size FWIW. I am a big fan of Michelins.
On drilling for front plates, I hate doing that. I would look at one of the aftermarket front tow hook mounted ones. Like https://www.cravenspeed.com/2022-58/ Not sure if that will work with a 2023 though.
On drilling for front plates, I hate doing that. I would look at one of the aftermarket front tow hook mounted ones. Like https://www.cravenspeed.com/2022-58/ Not sure if that will work with a 2023 though.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 414
Likes: 64
From: TX
21" Michelins are available in Canada for this size FWIW. I am a big fan of Michelins. On drilling for front plates, I hate doing that. I would look at one of the aftermarket front tow hook mounted ones. Like https://www.cravenspeed.com/2022-58/ Not sure if that will work with a 2023 though.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 544
From: British Columbia
Up here if you are in a province with a front plate law you WILL get a ticket if you do not display it. My kid had his fall off and it was sitting on the dash until he could get home and got stopped and had a heckuva time talking his way out of it.
You should try contacting Michelin USA. Surely they can get those tires? I assume you've tried TireRack etc.?
You should try contacting Michelin USA. Surely they can get those tires? I assume you've tried TireRack etc.?
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 324
Likes: 44
From: British Columbia
The tires that come with with 21”, are they performance tires or regular all seasons?
When the 350h comes later in the year, I’m thinking of swapping out the tires for “all weather” tires if they are available.
When the 350h comes later in the year, I’m thinking of swapping out the tires for “all weather” tires if they are available.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
Our son used to work for KalTire. He said that there are more options for even numbered rims, then the odd numbered ones.
So, we will consider the 20" Nokian All-Weather tires, for we don't put that many miles/kms, and only do tire rotations.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 544
From: British Columbia
This is exactly what we are planning to do.
Our son used to work for KalTire. He said that there are more options for even numbered rims, then the odd numbered ones.
So, we will consider the 20" Nokian All-Weather tires, for we don't put that many miles/kms, and only do tire rotations.
Our son used to work for KalTire. He said that there are more options for even numbered rims, then the odd numbered ones.
So, we will consider the 20" Nokian All-Weather tires, for we don't put that many miles/kms, and only do tire rotations.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
KalTire is great since they are everywhere up here and free rotations and flat fixes. The one thing is that there is no exact replacement of the stock RX 350h tires. Oem is Michelin Primacy (I think) in 235/60/19 which is an odd-ish size. The closest Nokian WRG4 is 255/55/19 - a tad wider. About $325 a piece. Michelin does make a compatible (not identical) size in their Cross Climate tire. I like Michelins too, but I think I will stick with Nokians based on past experience.
The winter set(4) we put on rims in 2013/2014 grandfather us in; if you bought tires after that time frame, KalTire doesn't rotate for free .
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1,243
Likes: 544
From: British Columbia
AD: When you buy your tires from us, you also get a ton of extra benefits available at any of our over 250 locations across Canada (some conditions apply). What’s covered?* • 30-day no-hassle guarantee • Free Flat Repairs • Free Rotations • Free Road Hazard Protection • Free Air • Free Lifetime Balancing
Driver
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
Terminology confusion here methinks. KalTire still rotates tires on the car for free. I just did this a month or so ago. They stopped SWAPPING snows for summers for free a few years back unless, as you say, you were grandfathered in. Flat fixes are still free.
AD: When you buy your tires from us, you also get a ton of extra benefits available at any of our over 250 locations across Canada (some conditions apply). What’s covered?* • 30-day no-hassle guarantee • Free Flat Repairs • Free Rotations • Free Road Hazard Protection • Free Air • Free Lifetime Balancing
AD: When you buy your tires from us, you also get a ton of extra benefits available at any of our over 250 locations across Canada (some conditions apply). What’s covered?* • 30-day no-hassle guarantee • Free Flat Repairs • Free Rotations • Free Road Hazard Protection • Free Air • Free Lifetime Balancing
FYI, a seasonal change is $50; rotations are free.
Driver
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 23
From: BC
I was planning to drive from the dealer in our capital directly to an outlet, so minimum kms on the wheels, and put the new 20s on the RX, then drive home.
Which outlet do you think will purchase the OEMs?
I realize that the same outlet will want the new sale in the deal, but I'm just curious at this point of who it might be open to buying them.
10th Gear
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
From: NC
21" wheels and oem tires
I've read a lot about the 21" wheels and especially about the OEM tires that come with them on the rx350h and others. Most are negative. Would like to hear from those that actually like the 21" wheels and especially about the tires and their reasons. Thanks.