1OldDog

I just bought a 2004 SC430 with 46,000 miles and very happy with the purchase. (I am a long time owner of other Lexus models and have always wanted an SC430.) This car has runflats on it and I know that causes the ride to be less than stellar, so replacement tires were in the future anyway. In checking the tires this morning I noticed the tires are directional and that the rotation arrows are backwards on both driver side tires. They have probably been on the car this way for 8-10k miles. I’m wondering if: 1) the tires are ruined; 2) this could be the cause of the slight pull to the right I am experiencing; and 3) how dangerous it is to continue driving on these. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Also, any recommendations on good, non-runflat tires? I’m more interested a smooth ride than I am competition type tires.

Thanks!!

Coleroad

Yes it could cause a pull. It may increase tire wear. It will change grip for the worse in wet conditions. I think the best touring tire is the Michelin pilot sport a/s3. Great wet dry stopping. Good wear, quiet. They are a more costly tire.

Harold57

I'd bring it to a tire dealer shop and get their opinion on it.

Coleroad

Just have the tire shop put them on the wheel correctly.

LexMan2003

My understanding of directional tires is that their only benefit is (supposedly) better traction in snow or rain. I don't think your situation would result in premature wear, ruining them, or pulling. I can't imagine the original seller putting them on backwards, so it probably happened during a rotation or perhaps some other work that required the removal of the wheels. The mechanic didn't pay attention when he/she remounted them.


I just purchased my SC430 recently and I'm not happy with these runflats. Unfortunately, they only have about 2k miles on them and I hate to be wasteful. The first opportunity I have to remove them, I will.


I have always been happy with Michelins and I already researched new tires. I would agree with Coleroad and go with the Pilot Sport A/S3.


COSTCO, one of my favorite stores, sells them, and currently has a nice promotion going thru 1/27.

slawless

You should have a tire shop properly mount the 2 drivers side tires as soon as possible. If you look at the grooves in the tread on directional tires it often forms a V. as the tire turns and comes in contact with the road the apex of the V contacts first followed by the rest of the V. Water in the grooves is then effectively pumped from the center, along the grooves of the tire outward. If the tire is on backward, water will be pumped toward the center of the tire greatly increasing the risk of hydroplaning.

I think some idiot mounted all for tires on the wheels the same way and slapped them on the car without looking. (2 should be in one direction, 2 the other) I usually get my tires from TireRack. When I take the car to have them mounted I remind them they are directional. When I pick up the car, I check for proper orientation of the tires before I leave.

Also do yourself a favor when you have any work done that involves removing a wheel. Tell them to properly torque the lug bolts. ( About 90 ft-lbs ) I am tired of breaking tools trying to get over tightened bolts off.