Tires, tires, tires

7006 messages, Last post on Oct 29, 2009 at 11:24 AM

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What is this discussion about? Tires, Wheels, Steering

Edmund's Feature Article: Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road

For dedicated winter tires, also have a look at the Snow/ice winter tires discussion topic.

Outline

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#4493 of 7006 Re: Tire Size - 17" vs. 18"? by dorothyk by capriracer Jan 31, 2005 (1:05 pm)
IMHO, the aspect ratios have been dropping too fast - faster than shocks can be improved to get the same ride harshness. This seems to be a race driven for handling supremacy. I'll bet the 17" wheels won't fit, as brakes are usually enlarged at the same time. And the speed rating? These vehicles are sold worldwide, so while the US can't go that fast, there are parts of the world that can! And more capability always equals more safety. Replies to this message: lobsenza (Feb 01, 2005 6:57 am)
#4494 of 7006 by ruking1 Jan 31, 2005 (1:51 pm)
Replying to: dorothyk (Jan 31, 2005 9:47 am) Just about anything over 17 in wheels are really for "bling". As Capriracer has indicated, the shocks (actually the whole shooting match) really have not kept up for the aftermarket plethora of choices of wheels, tires, brake rotors, brake pads, springs, shocks, struts, etc. etc. From your postings I do not get the feeling that you will test the aftermarket wheel market!? But really to be an informed consumer of aftermarket stuff requires a whole different interelated field of knowledge, normally this can be lost on the non enthusiast! Since on the Lexus, one or the other is/will come standard, you can almost rest assured that either combo has been engineered for the parameters of the car. So if you indeed do have a choice (all things being equal) the smaller wheel/tire will probably offer better ride comfort. I have already mentioned that the larger tire will most likely cost MORE. Of course, heaven help you if you do any damage to your wheels! Oem Lexus wheels are BIG bucks! Also since there is SO much aftermarket choice in wheels, you might want to make sure if you select aftermarket stuff, know the logistics behind repair and replacement.
#4495 of 7006 looking for low noise tires for Acura Inte. 96 by herbeapuce Jan 31, 2005 (8:04 pm)
Replying to: tidester (Jan 09, 2005 3:24 pm) Hi here my driver profile: I'm in Canada, province of Quebec where the roads are bad... I am not an agressive drive typically on highway I do 120 Km 20 miles a day max I expect my tires to last 60,000KM or less, I don't mind. BETTER RIDE COMFORT , actually LOWER NOISE COMFORT is more like it... I don't know what my tires are and I HATE the noise they make. the tread noise is very important for me. a little tread noise will drive me crazy My car is not modified. So what do you think I should buy for summer and winter tires? anybody has some good internet links to views objective reviews about tire noise...? TIA stef, montreal.
#4497 of 7006 by lobsenza Feb 01, 2005 (6:57 am)
Replying to: capriracer (Jan 31, 2005 1:05 pm) There may be a difference in both ride comfort and handling between the 2 tires. One may be more of a handling tire, the other may be more of a ride tire. There also may be some other changes with the tire differences. I suggest taking a test drive (of both, if possible) to see which one you like better. Make sure the tire pressure is correct before the test drive, since that will influence the results. I just special ordered 2 Toyota Siennas for customers to get them equipped the way I wanted them equipped and a better price. I am sure the same can be done for Lexus.
#4498 of 7006 by steve_ HOST Feb 01, 2005 (7:28 pm)
"The wheels that come on a new car or truck are specifically developed to work on that particular vehicle," Traverna says. "It's a full system approach. Balancing ride and handling is a trade-off, and you can't get a free lunch." The Danger of Dubs (Inside Line) Steve, Host
#4499 of 7006 Need Advice C320 Tire and Wheel Upgrade by wulf007 Feb 01, 2005 (8:04 pm)
Replying to: fredly (Mar 21, 2000 3:08 pm) I recently purchased a 2002 MBZ C320 with AMG package. Previous owner kept his $7000 rims and tires when he got a new C55 and replaced them with stock 205/55/16 tires and rims. I want to upgrade to MBZ AMG package, 225/45/17 fronts and 245/40/17 rears, but that ride seems awfully harsh and noisy with low profile high performance tires. It was suggested that I try 235/45/17 in front (taller tire gives more sidewall and thus softer ride) and 245/45/17 in the rear. Would this work or would it be better to address the ride and noise problem through choice of tire? Next question. I was going to try the Bridgestone Turanza LH V rated tire as a good compromise between high performance and grand touring tire but apparently they don't offer a 245/40/17 or 245/45/17. Both MBZ rep and my independent mechanic recommend Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. They got good reviews on Tirerack but I would hate to shell out that much money and feel like I am riding on rocks. Any advice would be appreciated. Replies to this message: kyfdx (Feb 01, 2005 8:12 pm)
#4500 of 7006 Re: Need Advice C320 Tire and Wheel Upgrade [wulf007] by kyfdx HOST Feb 01, 2005 (8:12 pm)
Replying to: wulf007 (Feb 01, 2005 8:04 pm) The 225/45-17 and 245/40-17 combo is the same as the BMW 330i sport package... It is a pretty firm ride, but if you get an all-season tire, it will help a lot.. the Michelin or the Turanza LS-V should both ride pretty well for that size.. If you can go 225/45-17 all the way around (should be okay, if you get all the same size wheels), there are a lot more choices... I don't even think you can get the Turanzas in both of those sizes... I don't think you can go taller..
#4501 of 7006 by ruking1 Feb 01, 2005 (8:16 pm)
I have tried the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S on my brother in laws BMW 330i. They are truly a great tire! But as you and he has said: pricey. The car first came with Bridgeston Turanza's and they also felt pretty smooth. I have also put 56,000 miles on the GY Eagle F1 Supercars and 12,000 miles on Toyo Proxes T1's.(265-40-17, 295-35-18) So in your sizes I would say also the GY Eagle F1 D-3's are another great tire. I really like the Toyo's for the balance between dry and wet handling. The Toyo's are much smoother than the Supercars but give up a little in dry traction. I would say the Supercars have absolutely fantastic dry grip, but will probably feel like riding on rocks to you.
#4502 of 7006 Michlein Pilot Sport A/S by lobsenza Feb 01, 2005 (8:54 pm)
I bought them for my 2002 Lincoln LS at the recommendation of Tire Rack and many members of the owners club. They are fabulous tires and worth the extra money. The difference is most noticable in the rain, they never slide (I can't comment about snow and ice since we haven't had any in TX).