Tire question
#16
While I believe that Michelin makes an H-rated version of the MXV4, Michelin-equipped ES vehicles come from the factory with the V-rated version. At least, that is what my ES 350 came with. While I'm not sure that I know why a vehicle like the ES needs V-rated tires, the V-rated version of the MXV4 is somewhat more expensive than the H-rated version.
True - but most ES owners report better performance with the H version - some say the V rated Michelins are almost as bad as the Bridgestones.
#17
I will have owned my ES350 for exactly one year in a few days. During that year, my actual calculated gas mileage has been 31.6 mpg with the V-rated Michelins. Until the cold weather started late last fall, it was at 32.6. It dropped a bit in the cold weather and is now recovering as the weather has warmed. I can't image that I'd do any better with the H-rated tires even with my somewhat conservative driving style and very little driving in stop-and-go conditions.
#18
I will have owned my ES350 for exactly one year in a few days. During that year, my actual calculated gas mileage has been 31.6 mpg with the V-rated Michelins. Until the cold weather started late last fall, it was at 32.6. It dropped a bit in the cold weather and is now recovering as the weather has warmed. I can't image that I'd do any better with the H-rated tires even with my somewhat conservative driving style and very little driving in stop-and-go conditions.
#19
Sorry lesz - wasn't referring to gas mileage performance - just ride quality and tread wear - many folks on the tire/wheel thread said they really like the H version. I must say though that your mileage is impressive - don't think my wife gets close to that - just short trip driving though. I think she gets somewhere around 24 - we're ok with that. Sorry for the confusion.
With regard to gas mileage, I have no question that the two biggest factors that make the difference between good mpg and bad mpg are driving style and where one drives. For me, I certainly drive more conservatively than I did even 10 years ago, and, with living out in the country, I do very little urban driving. Even with that, I think I could do even better with my mpg if I lived in an area with flatter terrain. The very hilly terrain where I live, I'd guess, is taking away at least 2 or 3 mpg.
#20
Actually, you gave me no reason whatever to be confused. As I re-read your earlier post, I see nothing that should have led me to believe that you were talking about gas mileage. I think that I'm the one who was guilty of creating confusion. In any case, I'm not sure what more I could ask for in terms of comfort with the Michelin V-rated tires. I think that, for those who have issues with ES ride quality, the biggest factor is likely the difference between vehicles with 18 inch wheels and those with 17 inch wheels.
With regard to gas mileage, I have no question that the two biggest factors that make the difference between good mpg and bad mpg are driving style and where one drives. For me, I certainly drive more conservatively than I did even 10 years ago, and, with living out in the country, I do very little urban driving. Even with that, I think I could do even better with my mpg if I lived in an area with flatter terrain. The very hilly terrain where I live, I'd guess, is taking away at least 2 or 3 mpg.
With regard to gas mileage, I have no question that the two biggest factors that make the difference between good mpg and bad mpg are driving style and where one drives. For me, I certainly drive more conservatively than I did even 10 years ago, and, with living out in the country, I do very little urban driving. Even with that, I think I could do even better with my mpg if I lived in an area with flatter terrain. The very hilly terrain where I live, I'd guess, is taking away at least 2 or 3 mpg.
#21
Based on tirerack ratings and customer comments the V rated has better tire wear and performance. Looks like they put the H tires on the 300h vehicles. Doubt any member could compare them since they have either V's or H rated tires.
#22
I find it curious how things have changed over time. In the mid to late 1980s, H-rated tires were considered to be "high performance" tires, and most sports cars came out of the factory with them. At that time, only a handful of the more exotic sports cars came with V-rated tires. Now, even a car like the ES350, which is far from being a car designed with performance and handling in mind, comes out of the factory with V-rated tires. I seriously doubt whether the vast majority of ES350 or ES300h owners would notice one bit of difference in terms of performance or handling if you switched their V-rated Michelins for H-rated Michelins or the other way around.
#23
My 15 years experience with both Lexus service and independents is that they both are unwilling to putting H rated tires on a car if they know it came equipped with V's. I am sure this is a purely legal issue but be warned.
#24
I'm not sure but I think Michelin is phasing out the H rated primacy and replacing them with the premier H rated which I don't think has much of a record on Tire Rack yet. I get my tires from America's Tire and the Primacy H rated has a 9.0 rating versus 8.6 for the V rated. Personally, I don't think you could go wrong with either Michelin but I've had at least 6 sets of the H rated with exceptional performance and tread wear - that's probably why I've stuck with them. Also, when shopping for the ES, I was kind of swayed by the tire/wheel thread on this forum - like I stated before, lots of rave comments for the H rated over there - so replaced the bridgestones with the michelins the day after we took delivery - the ride quality is like night and day. You are right though - I can't personally make a comparison cuz I've never had the V's - my comments are only based on what others have said.
#25
There's a lot of ES's with the H rated michelins on them - H is rated to 130mph and the V is rated to 149 - I'm not sure if the ES is capable of 130. Are you aware of a specific legal issue? Don't know if major tire retailers would install them if they would be subject to legal issues.
#26
I have had my Es300h for about 16 months now and about 6500 miles.
I found out today that there is a nail in one of the tires and the dealer is telling me they can't repair the tire because it is too close to the edge and they suggested I replace it and they could do it for 230 or so with the same tire.
I told them no because I'm not really happy with these tires.
What would be a good replacement?
I'm not versed in cars and tires
Thanks
I found out today that there is a nail in one of the tires and the dealer is telling me they can't repair the tire because it is too close to the edge and they suggested I replace it and they could do it for 230 or so with the same tire.
I told them no because I'm not really happy with these tires.
What would be a good replacement?
I'm not versed in cars and tires
Thanks
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...for-es350.html
Hope this helps
Bill G
#27
I'm not sure but I think Michelin is phasing out the H rated primacy and replacing them with the premier H rated which I don't think has much of a record on Tire Rack yet. I get my tires from America's Tire and the Primacy H rated has a 9.0 rating versus 8.6 for the V rated. Personally, I don't think you could go wrong with either Michelin but I've had at least 6 sets of the H rated with exceptional performance and tread wear - that's probably why I've stuck with them. Also, when shopping for the ES, I was kind of swayed by the tire/wheel thread on this forum - like I stated before, lots of rave comments for the H rated over there - so replaced the bridgestones with the michelins the day after we took delivery - the ride quality is like night and day. You are right though - I can't personally make a comparison cuz I've never had the V's - my comments are only based on what others have said.
Last edited by Max707; 06-14-14 at 10:19 AM. Reason: Correction
#28
Only difference is a 500 wear rating and the low roll rated ones have a 440 rating. I assume the ones on the 300h are the low rolling resistance ones. On tirerack the top rated are the 500 wear rated tires. Both tires have the MXV4 on the side wall, only difference I could find is the 500 versus 440 wear rating? So my question is the 440 wear rated tire an H rated tire? If not maybe tire rack does not carry the H rated tire. Kind of confusing?? I'm just glad my ES350 came with the Michelins.
Last edited by lesz; 06-14-14 at 11:45 AM.
#29
the new continental pure contact with eco plus would be a great replacement for your hybrid ES. according to tirerack, theyre one of the best performing tires with great snow traction. plus, theyre low rolling resistance will make them great on gas mileage.
#30
The speed rating should appear on the sidewall of all tires. For example, on the MXV4 V-rated tires, you should see 93V. The 93 is the load rating, and V is the speed rating.
According to Michelin's own website, the MXV4 V-rated tires and the MXV4 H-rated tires (as well as the MXV4 T-rated tires) all have the same 60,000 mile limited warranty, but the V-rated versions have a wear rating of 500 and the H-rated versions have a wear rating of 620. The difference in wear rating doesn't surprise me because, typically, higher performance tires use a compound that wears faster, and they also often start out with shallower tread depth. The MXV4 V-rated tires, for example, only start out with 9/32 of an inch of tread, but the MXV4 H-rated tires start out with 11/32 of an inch of tread. That extra 2/32 of an inch of tread, by itself, would translate into about 33% more miles for the H-rated version than for the V-rated version.
According to Michelin's own website, the MXV4 V-rated tires and the MXV4 H-rated tires (as well as the MXV4 T-rated tires) all have the same 60,000 mile limited warranty, but the V-rated versions have a wear rating of 500 and the H-rated versions have a wear rating of 620. The difference in wear rating doesn't surprise me because, typically, higher performance tires use a compound that wears faster, and they also often start out with shallower tread depth. The MXV4 V-rated tires, for example, only start out with 9/32 of an inch of tread, but the MXV4 H-rated tires start out with 11/32 of an inch of tread. That extra 2/32 of an inch of tread, by itself, would translate into about 33% more miles for the H-rated version than for the V-rated version.