howardde

So, after 2 years of ownership, reading all the posts about how awful runflats are and how nice the ride is when you replace them, I broke down and bought 4 new Michelin Pilot Sport PS/2 non-runflat tires (got another nail in the runflat, and that did it). I just picked the car up from CostCo and the ride is, indeed, amazing! I regret not having done this 10,000 miles ago. You see, in that time I have had to replace two of the runflats due to nails (they said they can't patch them) at like $350 a pop! And I would go over bumps and the whole car would rattle, I had trouble controlling the car when I went over a bump and it was very noisy. I was embarassed, to be honest, when people were in the car because they think its a Lexus, but it sounded and felt awful.

So far, I'm thrilled and the $1,200 for new tires was worth it (shoulda bought during CostCo's Michelin sale in Feb...oh well). I also noticed that the road noise has decreased. Only thing is, I haven't gotten the spare kit yet, so I'm risking it for awhile and will just use my AAA card for a tow (cause I heard you can't use the patch-a-flat sprays with our tire pressure sensor). But I'll shell out the money for the kit soon and lose all trunk space just to have this amazing Lexus ride. It feels so smooth that I purposely headed for bumps on the way back to the office. I recommend the switch to everyone!

Seize

The Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's are awesome tires. Glad to hear they are working so well for you

abbeyrd

You can order the Conti Comfort Tire kit fromTire Rack and you don't need a spare.
http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...tkit/index.jsp

You can use it with TPS and it washes off.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

congrats. Michelin pilot sport PS2s are probably one of the best road tires you can buy for your car. I love these tires. Awesome grip and smooth too.

howardde

Has anyone purchased the ContiComfortKit? It is a lot cheaper than adding the spare tire kit. If it works, I'd order it today and actually still have a usuable trunk. Thanks in advance for the help.

dseag2

I've replaced the runflats twice... once on my '03 SC430 and now on my '06 SC430. Both times I've replaced them with Michelin Pilot Sports. I've been very happy with the improved ride and handling.

I looked into the spare kit when I had my first SC, but they are very expensive and take up most of the trunk space when the top is down. I just purchased a tire inflator and a can of Fix-a-Flat. I got a nail in one of my Michelins with my first SC, and the hole was so large I could hear air leaking out. I used Fix-a-Flat on a Sunday and the tire was still inflated on Monday when I took it in for replacement. You just can't leave it on too long or it will damage the tire pressure sensors. That's my solution.

martini3

that's great news. welcome to the club.
teeman3

howardde

I checked out the ContiComfortKit and noticed it says this about the TPS:

"The sealant is compatible with direct, valve-mounted tire pressure sensors since the sensors can be washed and adhering residue can be peeled off easily when the tire is repaired."

But then it say this at the site for the replacement latex for the kit (http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/...lmtparts.jsp):

"Note: This product cannot be used on vehicles equipped with direct tire pressure monitoring sensors in the wheels. Use of this product on these vehicles could result in damage to the sensor inside the wheel. Please contact your sales specialist at The Tire Rack for more information."

So are they saying that if your TPS is valve-mounted, you're okay using their product, but if your TPS is "in the wheel," don't use it? What type of TPS system do we have in the SC430? I don't want to buy it if it'll ruin the TPS.

Thanks.

abbeyrd

I called Tire Rack and he said that we had valve-mounted tire pressure sensors. I asked him what was the difference was between that and direct tire pressure monitoring sensors. Our are mounted on the inside of the valves whereby the direct ones were help by a band around the wheel. Whether he is correct is anyone's guess. There are a few here who have replaced their sensors so maybe they can tell us. I just found the below info on this site:

Lexus TPMS ***Important***

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Lexus

An Update on Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems and Aftermarket Wheels

A direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) will be standard equipment on every vehicle sold in the U.S. after September, 2007. The criteria for TPMS standardization is that the vehicle must have only four wheels (no dual-wheeled trucks or motorcycles), and weigh less than 10,000 lbs.

All new 2007 Lexus vehicles have a direct valve sensor TPMS (see TPMS Facts below) but the older LS-series used the indirect system. Lexus currently uses Pacific sensors (carried by The Tire Rack) for all direct system-equipped Lexus vehicles up to the 2006 model year. The size of the sensor shouldn’t be a problem for many wheels, but if the valve hole is in the middle of the wheel’s barrel, the sensor will not fit properly. Wheel manufacturers are aware of the issue and are rushing to get most of their wheels TPMS-compatible.

The Tire Rack's fitment specialists have carefully determined which wheels that are currently available will be compatible with the system installed on your vehicle.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

glad to see that you got your lexus ride back

howardde

Well, I just couldn't get comfortable with the ContiComfortKit not ruining the wheels and TPS, so I ordered the Lexus OEM Spare Tire Kit. I rationalized it by figuring that our cars cost $62k+, so what is another $650 for peace of mind. I have no clue if I'll actually be able to install it correctly as I am awful at fixing things. Thanks everyone for your help.

dseag2

For me, it wasn't the cost of the kit. It was having virtually no space in the trunk with the top down.

BTW, there were threads on the non-runflat topic years ago (I was around), and it seemed everyone agreed at the time that the optimal tire pressure for the Michelin Pilot Sports was 36psi. That's where I keep mine and love the ride/handling.

chewbone

costco did a nice job for me as well. also i broke down and bought the spare tire kit from a gent in california, listed on this website. got a discounted price, everything he sent was lexus...carpets and even decals. now we have a spare and other than someone that needs to carry a golf bag in the trunk the spare still leaves sufficient room for trips to the store etc.

abbeyrd

This is a message from the Tire Rack that I received on whether I can use the Kit for my 2006 SC 430

Re: Conti Comfort Kit

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This topic has been an ongoing debate. Based on our testing and the information we have from the sensor manufacture, this product would not be recommended for use on this car. The sensor design is vulnerable to damage from the use of this type of product. It's much more sensitive than the older model sensors because of the backing plate design of the sensor. It could easily become clogged or plugged by the sealant.

howardde

Thanks for checking with Tire Rack...that makes me feel better about going with the spare tire option. I drove over to the Master's this weekend and the difference in ride without the runflats was night and day. I am more than thrilled with my decision.