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Lexus RX 400h Tire/Wheel Questions

53 messages,  Last post on Oct 20, 2012 at 10:08 AM

You are in the Lexus RX 400h Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Lexus RX 400h, Tires, Wheels, Hybrid Cars, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 6

#44 of 53 Re: State of the Lexus 400h tire saga [jaybee2u] by dinerlee

Oct 12, 2011 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: jaybee2u (Apr 22, 2011 12:04 pm)
I have the same problem of getting only about 20,000 on tires on my 2006 400h. After reading your post, I contacted my Lexus serviceman. He said the problem is that the 400h is rated to go up to 160 mph, which requires tha it be provided with a tire with a "V" speed rated tire; that tires have speed ratings from A to Z, with A being the hardest tires, and Z for high speed cars like Vipers and Corvettes. The "V" speed rated tires give the softest ride and meet requirements based on the 400h's 160 mph speedometer. In some states, it is not legal to to change to a lower speed rating tire, but in my state (NC) it is okay. If I changed to an H rated tire, for example, the tire would get more miles and would not wear down excessively simply because the car is a 400h, but it would give a harder ride. He said the cars came with a label (i think he said it was on the windshield?) that said the car had high performance tires limited to 20,000 to 25,000 miles. He said the Michelin MXV4 remained quietest throughout life of the tire. In a way, what he said makes sense because the MXV4 and any other tire I looked at that was rated for this car had NO mileage guarantee from the tire manufacturer AT ALL for ANY car, not just the 400h. Does this sound right to you?

#45 of 53 Re: State of the Lexus 400h tire saga [dinerlee] by felixleighter

Nov 03, 2011 (1:03 pm)

Replying to: dinerlee (Oct 12, 2011 1:47 pm)
I think that is correct. I am at just under 25,000 on my 400h and the fronts will need to be replaced very soon.
 
I had a Mazda RX-7 with V rated tires and had the same problem - the rubber is softer for better road grip and a higher speed rating, and consequently wears faster.
 
I have come to realize the 400h tries to be all things to all people: performance, quiet ride and gas savings - which is why we bought the car. I think the cost for that is in tires.
 
I am glad I found this forum, now I can tell my wife that it is not just my driving that has worn down the tires. I have been getting a lot of heat on that one! (even though she is partially correct). I can now tell her what I learned here.

#46 of 53 Winter Snow Tires for 2007 Lexus RX400H by 2007rx400h

Nov 15, 2011 (8:05 pm)

Which are the BEST winter snow tires for this vehicle? Has anyone had problems with Goodyear Eagle LS which is the recommended winter snow tire?
 
Thanks!
 
P.S. I live in Vancouver , B.C. where we are expecting a cold winter spell.

#47 of 53 Re: Winter Snow Tires for 2007 Lexus RX400H [2007rx400h] by capriracer

Nov 16, 2011 (6:52 am)

Replying to: 2007rx400h (Nov 15, 2011 8:05 pm)
Goodyear Eagle LS's are all season tires, not winter tires.

#48 of 53 Re: Winter Snow Tires for 2007 Lexus RX400H [capriracer] by 2007rx400h

Nov 16, 2011 (11:15 am)

Replying to: capriracer (Nov 16, 2011 6:52 am)
Thank you for the prompt reply. I'm hoping someone can recommend snow tires specifically as I already have the all-seasons.

#49 of 53 Re: Winter Snow Tires for 2007 Lexus RX400H [2007rx400h] by wwest

Nov 20, 2011 (10:15 am)

Replying to: 2007rx400h (Nov 16, 2011 11:15 am)
I'm just to the south of you and my F/awd '01 RX300 remains shod with nice comfortably riding, QUIET riding, summer use only tires througout the year.
 
Summer tires have more roadbed contact surface area so the majority of time those often better traction than ANY wintertime specialty tire. For those occassions of need I always have a set of tire chains on board, 2 sets during the winter, rears go on first, fronts only in the extreme,..... NEVER happened.
 
Wheel spacers all around so rear suspension clearance doesn't interfer with chains.

#50 of 53 Re: State of the Lexus 400h tire saga [jaybee2u] by wwest

Nov 20, 2011 (10:15 am)

Replying to: jaybee2u (Apr 22, 2011 12:04 pm)
You asked for a rational explanation and that's what I gave you. In order to keep your hybrid battery charged to the level that would result in "steller" 0-60 times regenerative braking MUST be used whenever possible. Since regen braking is only available for the front wheels, absent F/awd, your brake pads there might last for 100,000 miles, to the detriment of tire ife however.
 
Me...?
 
Just disappointed, VERY, that Lexus chose to outfit the RXh for "boy-racer" type mentalities instead of going for FE.
 
And I'm still waiting for a Venza/h with that new 4 banger up graded to DFI and the Venza's "new" electromechanical clutch system for implementing F/awd. The clutch could be engaged anytime the brakes are applied, absent VSC activation, thereby more evenly distributing the front vs rear tire wear.

#51 of 53 Re: Winter Snow Tires for 2007 Lexus RX400H [wwest] by 2007rx400h

Nov 20, 2011 (2:15 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 20, 2011 10:15 am)
Oh dear. I've just ordered a set of 4 Dunlop Grandtrek S6 to be installed this week. (Wonder if these would serve as well as the Goodyear Eagle RS-A during the summer?)
 
I was concerned about driving to Whistler during the winter months with just summer tires.
 
Thank you for your timely response!

#52 of 53 2007 lexus rx 400 by babs12

Jan 25, 2012 (2:48 pm)

I put bridgestone alera s on my car when the micelins gave out . I have 54, 000 miles on them and am still going. That being said. I have been unhappy with increased road noise since I changed. Also, on cold mornings there is a thump as if the tires are square! until they warm up.
weird I know...feminine perspective.

#53 of 53 Last lexus by ckratch

Oct 20, 2012 (10:08 am)

finally discovered this forum. totally agree that lexus is failing our loyalty. I will buy one more set of tires then dump this problem. Too bad for future owner. My fault, I should have done my homework. Not normally a person to sue to solve my problems howerer, I will happily join a class action if initiated.
charlie

Messages Page 6 of 6

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