I have been living with the 245/45 series tires now for two weeks. It has been suggested by a number of people on the forum that the 45 series is a better tire for our cars than the 40 series that is stock. About three weeks ago my tire pressure light came on and I discovered that one of my tires had a puncture right near the sidewall and tread. A couple places said it was not repairable. With only 4/32 on the tires at that point I didn't see the point in getting just one tire. I had these since 2017 and was happy with them. I bought the car in 2009 and switched to the Continental Purecontact DWS tire from the runflats. I have been running the same tire since. I think I was on my third set. I decided to give the 45 series a try. I got the exact same tire model so the comparison should be valid. I know that you get a bit of a softer feel when you get new tires. Going from 4/32 to 11/32 never hurts. However, the difference in the way the car rides is very noticeable. Much softer ride than the 40 series. I like it a lot. How do they look. You can see a bit of a difference, but I don't object at all. Pictures are attached. You can decide. I have not had the car on the interstate to test the speedometer, but I did compare it to GPS at both 40 and 50 MPH and the the GPS and speedometer agreed. I think others on the forum have done the same and weigh in here. So bottom line is if you are looking for a better ride. I suggest the 45 series tire rather than the 40 series that is stock.

 

Does the tire bulge out compared to the wheel? My car is slightly lowered on coilovers and I'm already rubbing in big bumps and medium speed corners. I do have like 25mm 30mm spacers though. Sorta thinking if I can fit more tire on stock wheels.

 

Not much but it does a little. If I were you I would stick to what you have already done. This is for stock situations.

 

Thanks for the info.

I'm going to get tires next week and was planning on 45 vs 40.

Love those wheels.

Cheers

 

Just a reminder if you are moving up to the 45's from the 40's that COSTCO will not install the 45's because they were not the OEM size.

Dennis

 

Does anyone have a call on what those wheels are? I presume they're 18 inches—diameter not mentioned in this dated thread. Thanks.

 

Yeah, you're right. Now I have to live with 40's. Not bad though.

 

GmanSC

If I remember correctly they hassled you over installing non run flats until you mentioned that you had a spare at the house.

Dennis

 

First, this is not a dated thread. I just started it. Second those are Tourmaline wheels. They were available from Lexus in 09. I don't think they are available anymore. They are 18 inch and are a direct replacement for the OEM wheel. No mods at all. I think a couple of us on the forum have them. I bought them in 09 as replacements for the 5 spoke 06 OEM wheel. I sold the OEM wheel to a guy in Oregon for $150.00 each. He wanted the replacement for his pie plate wheels. At the time as I remember, I paid about $230.00 each for the Tourmalines.

 

Yes . Your memory is still good. Costco is doing by the book ( why? ). I had to lie that I bought a spare in order for them to sell the regular tires. Ridiculous!

 

I just verified with Costco that they WILL install a 45 series tire on my SC.

 

I just verified with Costco that they WILL install a 45 series tire on my SC.