Ask the Car People.SM


Toyota Sienna Tires/Wheels/Run-flats

351 messages,  Last post on Jan 22, 2011 at 5:33 PM

You are in the Toyota Sienna Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Tires, Wheels, Van

Messages Page 33 of 36

#312 of 351 Why don't people think? by indydriver

May 02, 2012 (6:38 am)

We test drove AWD vs FWD and noticed the difference in ride and handling immediately. You'd have to be numb not to notice. Then, if you do your homework, you will discover that for $2300 Toyota gives you a low tech FWD biased AWD system, 230 extra pounds to drive around every day, which results in a loss of 2 mpg each and every drive. A little more homework would reveal that RFTs cost $300 each--twice a decent grand Touring tire--and most importantly, weigh 25% more. In the Sienna's case, that's 7 additional pounds of unsprung weight hung on each corner which (as we see) makes a very noticeable difference in ride and handling. Ever wonder why no one else offers an AWD minivan?
 
If you are concerned about winter traction, the vast majority of drivers will be much better served by a FWD van with a second set of wheels and Blizzaks for half the price of AWD. It is not Toyota's fault that they offered this design compromise and ill-informed buyers don't understand what they are trading away to get AWD. So, blame yourself.
 
OK, so you made a poor decision. Now what? Go to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care Center and have them rotate your Bridgestone RFTs for no charge. Then, have them check the alignment for no charge. If the alignment needs adjustment, pay them 2x for lifetime alignment an get it checked every time you rotate your tires. Check air pressure at least monthly and fill to the recommended pressure, which is 35 on my van. If you switch to non-RFTs, you must carry a spare somehow. Do not compound your mistake by subjecting your family to a vehicle that can get stranded. BTW-The Bridgestone Tire Advisor currently recommends the new Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia as its top-of-the-line for FWD Sienna. This new tire incorporates the latest LRR technology into their premium SUV/light truck tire and looks like a fantastic choice for Sienna. Just do not drive without a spare, please.

#313 of 351 Re: Why don't people think? [indydriver] by ateixeira

May 02, 2012 (10:09 am)

Replying to: indydriver (May 02, 2012 6:38 am)
Good advice - I got a flat tire in Bridgeville, DE, right in the middle of a 2.5 hour trip. I was more than an hour from home/beach condo. It was late at night with 2 kids sleeping in the back.
 
Thankfully the (full-sized) spare was good. I check pressures even on the spare.
 
Would have been a total nightmare without it.
 
My Miata has no spare, a can of fix-a-flat instead, and I refuse to drive out of town with that car.

#314 of 351 Toyota sienna 2012 tires by dhabud

Jul 24, 2012 (5:20 am)

#315 of 351 Tires on Toyota Sienna 2012 by dhabud

Jul 23, 2012 (9:37 am)

What kind of tire do you have on your 2012 Toyota Sienna.
 
On my 2012 Sienna XLE FWD I have Firestone FR710 tires.
 
I saw another 2012 Sienna XLE at a Gas station and it had some michellin tires. I asked the owner if he replaced it, he told me it just came with it. He had exactly same car as mines (no AWD)
 
I would like to know why tires are different.

#316 of 351 Re: Tires on Toyota Sienna 2012 [dhabud] by capriracer

Jul 24, 2012 (5:19 am)

Replying to: dhabud (Jul 23, 2012 9:37 am)
It is unusual for vehicle manufacturers to source different brands of tires for a vehicle - except where different sizing is involved.
 
However, Toyota seems to be the exception. They frequently multiple source tires. I suspect it is a fear of losing a supply of tires that match the specs.

#317 of 351 2011 Sienna tires & struts at 40K miles? by teriannlv

Sep 17, 2012 (1:03 pm)

#318 of 351 2011 Sienna tires & struts at 40K miles? by teriannlv

Oct 27, 2011 (6:34 pm)

I have a 2011 Sienna LE that I drove across country several times this spring and summer. I had all the regular maintance done and noe I am told that I need to replace all my tires and rear struts after just 42K miles. I am not an off roader and 90% of the miles on this car are freeway miles.
 
This just doesn't seem right that these parts would wear out so soon (michelin tires).

#319 of 351 Re: 2011 Sienna tires & struts at 40K miles? [teriannlv] by fibber2

Oct 28, 2011 (5:01 am)

Replying to: teriannlv (Oct 27, 2011 6:34 pm)
Determining whether you need tires is pretty much a no-brainer for any adult to determine. You can use the 'top of Lincoln's head on a penny' to determine whether you are down to 2/32", or better yet hit an auto parts store and for less than $10 buy a real gauge so that you can monitor wear patterns with real accuracy. Seriously, if you cannot tell for your self whether you need tires or not, you really need to ask someone to show you how!!
 
Determining the need for shocks & struts is certainly more difficult, and I strongly suggest that you get more info on why from your dealer, or better yet get a second opinion. Are they leaking? Do you have unusual tire wear patterns that suggest poor wheel damping control? Does the van continue to bounce? Either way, I agree - a year old van with under 50k should not need replacements unless you do really poor roads, carry excessive loads or tow.

#320 of 351 Re: 2011 Sienna tires & struts at 40K miles? [teriannlv] by victor23

Jul 27, 2012 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: teriannlv (Oct 27, 2011 6:34 pm)
I basically agree with another poster. You don't even need a Lincoln, much less anything for $10, to say if you have to replace tires, just look at them (after asking someone or googling what to look at). My tires last only about 20k on the front, but my Sienna is 2005, and our driving is mostly city/suburban with a mixture of high-speed highway. As to struts, watch for tale-telling signs, or better ask for a second opinion (but don't inform them about the first one). About half of shops' recommendations are usually bogus.
 
Having said that, I had a similar diagnosis once. In reality, it appeared to be low-quality tires (not the worst, mind you, Yokohama Avid TRZ) prematurely wearing out at the rear in a patchy pattern imitating that of bad struts.

#321 of 351 Re: 2011 Sienna tires & struts at 40K miles? [teriannlv] by batavia02

Sep 09, 2012 (10:12 am)

Replying to: teriannlv (Oct 27, 2011 6:34 pm)
we have a 2010 sienna with 64 k miles on it and we are going to have to replace the tires again we put firestone fr380 in at 33k miles just went to the firestone shop and the firestone rep says the siennas all go through tires at 25 to 35 k miles i dont know about toyota reliabilty but i do know the siennas seem lousy on tires and yes i have roated and have front end aligned if i buy a van again it wont be a toyota mabe i will try the odssey,and dont let me forget to say the battery died around 30k also i have had gm suv's that went over 70k before i had to replace there battery.

Messages Page 33 of 36

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement