rugmankc

Hi guys,

In a bind, need to make a quick decision. I bought a new 2016 RX350 AWD in July of 2016 and have 33,308 miles on it. It came with 20 inch wheels and Michelin Premiere LTX tires. First time owning low profile tires and realized today the mileage will not equal the 16 inch Michelin LTX's I had been using on my 2002 RX300.

I am at 4/32's and going on a trip where snow and/or ice may be encountered. Even without that, I am concerned with hydroplaning.

I can't find, after doing some research, any better tires. Tire Rack ratings etc. I am not concerned with price. What has been the best performing tires on your 350's, assuming you are running 20 inch wheels. Especially on wet roads and snow. 80% of my miles are highway.

I would like to put new tires on before this upcoming trip.

Thanks for any advice---


Ken

FastFord

Hi Ken,

You probably have the best tire for your driving situations and needs. The OEM ones will not be as good as the replacement LTX, you should find the news ones even better and last a bit longer as well.

I do not find these tires very good in the snow. But being a little further North winter lasts longer here and winter tires are almost a necessity.

I am biased towards Michelin, but do believe that the Premier LTX is a great tire. I am not a fan of ANY OEM tire as they are not the same as the replacements.

4\32 is getting a little thin for any kind of snow...I would be changing them out before your trip....

rugmankc

Thanks FastFord,

That's the conclusion I am coming too after my research. Wish they were better in snow. Although, Tire Rack has them at 7.7 in snow and I did well here the last two winters in southwest Ohio. I think i did fairly well on mileage compared to other posts on Tire Rack. Didn't realize low profile were that poor on mileage though. But, I got Lexus' upgraded wheels and with the 20 inch tires, they look great.


Sorry on the picture size. Not good at this stuff--

Freds430

Needed tire six months ago and bought the Michelin's. Pleased with them. Don't think you can go wrong with either Pirelli's will save you $160.

#1 https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...D&autoModClar=

#3 https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...D&autoModClar=

rugmankc

rugmankc

I talked to Michelin and Lexus Dealer. They are going to have Dealer inspect tires and "make me an offer" on compensation.

Taking it in Monday.

ravenuer

Sounds promising, let us know how you make out.

mikemu30

Those are not really low profile at all. Plenty of sidewall.

rugmankc

Will Do. Hoping for the best.

rugmankc

lol well low compared to what I always ran. maybe I should have gotten a lot more miles then.

80% highway. 73mph average. regular rotations. 34-36psi. tires are actually even depth all around.

60k warranty and only 33k at 4/32 tread depth

the tires start at 8.5/32 as opposed to, i believe, 10.5 on the regular LTX's i used previously.

many on Tire rack had similar experience. but, you never know their driving habits.

ravenuer

I believe all my Michelins started out at 10/32nds. They've all been replacements, not OEs. Now that you mention it, I'm going out to the garage and measure my OE Michelins on my RX. It's only got 2900 miles on it, so they're still new.

rugmankc

I took my numbers from Tire Rack. Think they are correct.

ravenuer

Rugman, Just came in from the garage and the OE Michelins on my RX with 2900 miles have 8/32nds on them. When I put new Michelin Defenders on my 2010 RAV4 V6, I measured them at 10/32nds. They now have 49600 miles and are averaging 6/32nds on them. So I think I'm on track to do very well with them.
I never realized OE and replacement tires were so different. What possible reason would car manufacturers have for specifying "thinner" tires?

rugmankc

Not sure. I don't think my Premier LTX's are OE, not sure. But, the 8.5/32 was from Tire Rack. I can see a dealer like Ford when they ran Firestones on their SUV's, buying large amounts and having them less depth than if we went out and bought them new. Money savings with that type of volume.

mikemu30

Cost no doubt but I've never noticed any difference.