I need to replace all of my tires on my 2003 GS430. I currently have the Yokohama YK520 245/45 R17 tires on the 7 spoke 17" oem rims.


The Lexus manual indicates the oem tire size is 235/45 ZR17. Are there are any benefits in going with the 245 size tire compare to the 235 size tire? Will the 245 size tire affect my speedometer?

I am interested in getting the Accelera Alpha 235/45 ZR17 97W XL tires if I decide to go with the 235 tire size. I can get a really good deal from a family friend. He is willing to hook me up with the Accelera Alpha tires 235/45 ZR17 97W XL for $85 each and that includes mounting and balancing. Is this a good deal for 235/45 ZR17 97W XL tires? Has anyone tried Accelera Alpha tires and how is their quality?

I know you guys will say not to go cheap with tires and I understand why but I need replacement tires for now and I also plan on upgrading to 19" or 20" rims in a year or so. My car is used manly as a baby land yacht and it is not modded for extra performance. I also do not drive the car far or a lot. My average round trip is less than 10 miles and local roads. I may also travel 100 highway miles once every other month to visit family.

Thanks in advance for your time and help.

Jim

 

In theory you should get a slightly higher reading on your speedometer. One benefit is that the 245 tire will protect your rim better from curb marks.

I usually go with cheaper tires and have yet to be disappointed. Keep in mind though that I mostly drive on (dry) weekends and do not track my car. Most of the cheaper tires perform badly on the wet. However I have decent Uniroyal tires on the GS and they do not perform well in the wet either...

So IMO, just go for the cheaper tire for now and get decent ones on the new rims.

 

I have some 245/45's on my oem 17's... ('98-'01 GS4/GS430 "Sport Pkg" wheels) I like the 245's better...

 

[QUOTE=YviE;5842387]In theory you should get a slightly higher reading on your speedometer.

Actually due to the slightly higher overall diameter of the 245/45, the "True" Vehicle speed will be slightly higher, but the difference is almost negligible. But in reality the speedo would display a slightly lower mph than the actual vehicle speed as the wheel/tire is spinning a tiny bit slower at the same mph.

 

I have Toyo 235/35's on my OEM 17's. Nice dry weather tyres, acceptable in the wet (don't push it too hard though).

 

You mean 235/45's, right? (not 35-series on your OEM 17's!) ha

 

Go with 235/45. That's what the wheels were intended to use, so why not buy the right size?

 

Thanks for correcting me.