Hello:

I am a recent new member so I hope this hasn't been asked too many times but here goes ...I have had a 2004 sc430 for 3 years now. It presently has 54,000 miles on it. Last year, I was pretty tired of the harsh ride compared to my other Lexus cars, an 02 LS 430 and an 07 RX 350. I know it is a different car but I went with the suggestion of my local mechanic who suggested that I replace the run flats with conventional tires and what a difference!! I guess I will just call AAA if I get a flat. Has anyone else done this and if so, have you been happy? I went with Michelin Pilots.

Thanks

 

I changed mine out and then ordered the spare tire kit... yes... it's pricey, but the thought of tow truck fellow yanking, tugging, lashing, pulling or slinging the car around was not very appeasing to me. Ride improved and spare gives me peace of mind. I put on Goodyear Eagle F1s

 

I am about to get rid of mine also. I am curious though, why are the run flats so noisy? My dunlops have non aggressive tread and yet they sing. I would think that the tread design has more to do with the noise. Yet these are the noisiest tires I have ever had.

 

My guess is that because the RF characteristics require the tire to be stiffer, the extra stiffness creates more noise. (Sort of like the difference between walking in hard soled shoes and moccasins on a wooden floor.) Also, the RF get quite a bit noisier after they worn down to their last few thousand miles.

 

I am not aware of a spare tire kit. How does it store and how costly is it??

 

Here is one example: http://www.sewellpartsonline.com/par...l.asp?id=87769

Pricey yes ... but a 30 minute DIY job. You'll also find spares on ebay from time to time but not the kit and cover...

 

, add a small air compressor and we're all set

 

Replaced my run flats last year with Michelin Pilots. After looking back on allmost 45 years of driving (40 years with heavy business travel) I realized I had only 2 flats and one was when I was on my first car. I will not put a spare in because you then have no room for golf clubs with the top down. Pay attention to your tires and inflation, and get http://www.slime.com/product/281/Pow...%2370004).html This kit will get you to a service center. Additionaly buy a plug kit. You really don't want to change a tire anyway. I put one of these kits in my Audi Q7 which has a spare. I would rather pump up a tire than chang it. Your chances are good your will never have a problem.

 

Sewell sells the spare tire kit on ebay occasionally also. The best I've seen has it dipping just below $700.

Be careful with the slime kits and inflatable repair cans as the sealant can damage the tire pressure sensors and that is an expensive repair. The best non-spare solution I've seen is to buy a small compressor (like the Viair 70P) and a small repair kit (tire plugs). Short of a real blow out, that should get you to the tire shop. With a real blow out, it is either a spare or a tow job.

BTW, I've already bought a spare (for longer trips), the compressor and a plug kit. Non-runflats are due when I change out my tires sometime this spring. I plan to get the Yokohama YK520 since they have an actual 60kmi warranty.

 

I have not plugged any leaks on my wife's SC but have plugged leaks on my 2 previous cars and our Mitsubishi SUV. The SUV just this past month. The plugs work great. I have a Black and Decker Air Station compressor and got the plug kit from Walmart. Less than $60 invested and I have not had to take a tire to a dealer or tire shop for repair in years. The SC has a spare tire and I am glad it does.
The SC was just upgraded to Nitto 555 20's so I guess I am screwed now for saying this!

I totally agree with the "keep the tire pressure maintained" routine and upgraded to the Orange Electronics TPMS system when we put the 20's on. The Orange Electronics TPMS system has user settable alarms and temperature monitoring as well. Best deal out there!

 

I have the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S for like 7 years now on my SC430, no spare tires, and never had a problem

 

I haven't switched yet, waiting for the RFs to wearout. I did find a spare at a local hubcap store & rims place that fits. The tire is a little bigger (don't remember the size)than comes in the Lexus kit or the Mazda kit. It fits on both the front and back and into the tire well in the trunk. I am still thinking about a portable compressor, and a slime (or other brand) tire fixing method. I got it just for the piece of mind, but really how often do you really need it. I also have an air tank that if she calls I can fill it and take it to her. Also have AAA. And as far as the tire sensors go, once you get rid of the RFs you really don't need them, you can do a visual and see if they are low. Tire guages aren't that expensive, even a good one.

 

Slime is water based some of the other "can aresol products" can damage the sensor. That is why I chose slime. However, even if it does ruin the sensor It is still cheaper and cleaner than worrying with a spare. Some time you just gotta look at the chances of failure (very very remote) and go for it.

 

What year did Lexus stop using run flat tires?

 

I am selling my Pirelli Net Zero RFTs on my SC430 for the Michelin non-RFT.

The Pirellis have about 2,600 miles of wear and are in *excellent* condition as you would expect. Im asking $500. If interested, please let me know.