bigzip

Does anyone know if run-flat tires on the GS300 AWD can be repaired? I called a tire dealer and he said they could, however the owners manual says on page 552, "when you drive your vehicle after the low tire pressure warning light comes on, the tire must be replaced. Do not use the repaired tire". Does that mean if I run over a nail and puncture my tire it can't be repaired?

Also, how does the technology of the low pressure warning sensor work?

LexFather

Tire Pressure Monitor System


The Lexus Tire Pressure Monitor System [7] has sensors that constantly monitor the tires in case of a sudden pressure loss. When the sensors detect critically low tire pressure, you will be alerted through an indicator light in the dashboard and an audible buzzer.
http://www.lexus.com/models/gs/safety.html

AS for run-flats, I don't think you can repair like a regular tire. But I am not sure.

DaveJ

bigzip, I saw the same thing in the manual last night. My dealer let me borrow a GS300 demo for Saturday night and Sunday.

I also question these tires. First there are multiple disclaimers that the tires may wear out by 20K miles. I now I read that after 1 flat the tire may be shot.

I would rather not have the run flats, but I doubt if there's a choice. The tires on my GS300 are Dunlop SP Sport 5000 A/S, what are yours? I checked the Dunlop website and this tire does not show as a run flat. So I'm not sure if the tires on my demo are really run flats, or if the Dunlop webwite just doesn't show the tire.

I found this brief summary regarding run flat technology at Tirerack.com:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...at/runflat.jsp

bigzip

My tires are also Dunlop SP Sport 5000 A/S and just after the A/S is "DSST" which signifies run-flat. The run-flats are an option on the GS300 RWD but come standard on the AWD.

I can't see replacing a $180 tire just for a nail hole. A Goodyear tire dealer told me that run-flats can be repaired. Lexus and Dunlop are probably just protecting themselves from any lawsuits that involve damage or injuries from a repaired tire.

DaveJ

bigzip, thanks for clearing up the tire information. Mine are also run flats. Do you know if a standard tire will fit in the GS300 spare tire well?

bigzip

I haven't actually tried to fit one in the wheel well but the diameter of the well measures approximately the same size diameter of the tire and wheel on the car.