Armand

I have an '06 GS300 with 12K miles (bought with 7k miles). The car has Dunlops on it and jesus are they noisy. I took the car to the service dept (because I thought it was something more serious, didnt believe a lexus would make that kind of noise), the tech got in and took me for a ride then just said "yup that's tire noise, not your bearings or axle".

Is there any ammo y'all can give me to petition the dealership (Longo in El Monte) to change the tires?? I've been doing business with Longo's service dept for 11+ years.

While on the subject does anyone else experience this. While driving and there is a rut or large gap/crack in the road, the car feels like it's caught in the gap and the steering wheel goes crazy. For any of you motorcycle riders, it feels the same as when your tire gets caught in a crack. I mean if I let go of the wheel I'll end up one lane over. Same if I hit a bump or other imprefection on the road the steering wheel just cranks hard to the left or right. Now maybe that's normal, I just feel it's way too sensitive and really makes driving a chore just to keep the car in my lane. The GF has a Solara and its suspension/steering doesn't go crazy and is more forgiving to the minor road imperfections.

Thanks

ek9vboi

iTrader: (3)

I almost doubt they will replace the tires for you since you did buy it used and its got around 12k on the tires. Those tires wear out around 15-20k I believe... start looking for a new set or turn up the volume.

19psi

the pulling is called tramlining. wide low profile tires do that, just their nature. more grip, response and overall performance leaves a couple trade offs.

AlBoston

what size are the rims, 17 or 18 inch? I think since you got it used you might not have much to stand on.

lexus4dfw

Those tires have a very low treadlife, around 15k or so. I would say you have zero chance at any dealer help with that many miles and bought it used. Like others say its time to shop for new tires.

ahearn

My car came with Dunlops (which I had the dealer change to Michelins) and a window sticker, warning the buyer that the tires would last no longer than 15,000 miles.

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

maybe your good relationship with longo may help especially if you bought it used off their lot, but otherwise you may need to bite the bullet and get some tires yourself if they bother you that much...I bought some general exclaim uhp tires and they are sooooo quiet, love em

flipside909

Agreed. Being a long time customer they usually find a happy medium to a situation. See what they can help you out with on the tire issue. doesn't hurt to ask.

Armand

Thanks PSI I didn't know there was a name for it, this is my first experience with the low profile tires, my 95 & 01 GS didn't come with low pros.


Thanks EYE...I bought the car from Longo's lot and it was (according to them) one of their VIP loaner cars. If the tires wear out as quick as everyone has said then it's no wonder the noise seems to be getting louder...didn't know I was so close to the end of the tire's life span.

I was looking at the Mich A/S' but will check out the general exclaim uhp.

Thanks everyone for the help.

19psi

you should look at some kumho's also. they make an excellent tire.

bokmeipai

iTrader: (1)

This is called Tramlining when your car feels like it's caught in a groove. This is caused by the low profile tires and type of tire you have. The wider the grooves/ tread pattern the more this will occur. This can happen to any car not just Lexus. This is a tire issue not a Lexus issue.

bokmeipai

iTrader: (1)

In the brochure it states in fine print that the low profile tires are only good for 15k miles.

whlkev

imo, that's on the super conservative side, I really don't know how these can't even last more than 20k for some people, but i got more than 35k miles on my 19" runflats low profile tires

EyeKutr

iTrader: (5)

Not all Dunlops are rated for 15000 miles, my first 06 gs300 had dunlop 17s and the tires at 14k miles had 7/32 tread, new is around 10-11 so it depends.....that car did not have high performance tires (nor sticker on window)

19psi

underinflation plays a huge part in the wear for most people.
i've been running 40 series tires for years and never experienced poor tread wear on any of them. of course, i don't mind changing tires every 18 months or so anyway, i get bored with the same ones aftera while.