Armand

Took in the '06 GS because I was experience the "shakes" all over the car when hittin' 70-80mph, thought it was time for a balancing. Longo Lex calls back and says the front tires need replacing. These are the original tires (225/50R17) with 17,300 miles on them. Visually they looked to have enough tread on them (I didn't use a gauge).

In the meanwhile they loaned me a 2008 IS which I had to drive to Palm Springs for business. While driving the IS i noticed the ride was more quiet than my GS and I didn't experience the "tramlining" with the IS the way I do with my GS. I believe the IS has the bridgestone potenzas.

Is this because of the type of tire used on the IS? Im thinking of getting the same for the GS since they work well (quiet & no tramling) on the IS although I realize these are 2 different cars.

What tires do y'all recommend for the '06 GS? Preferably something that lasts longer than 17,000 miles.

gserep1

The POTENZAS are good tires. Just understand that 17 inch performance tires wear faster than smaller tires. There is a warning on the side windows of all new Lexus cars equipped with high performance tires. They DO wear faster, unfortunately.

There is a trend towards moving to 18 to 22 inch wheels and tires. That is a fact of life when you get the looks and performance of bigger tires.

Some hints:
1. Keep performance tires inflated.
2. Rotate and Balance tires often
3. Keep your alignment within specs. I have mine checked between 5 and 10,000 miles, especially since I inadvertently hit so many potholes here in San Diego. Every time you hit a hole you are potentially throwing your car out of alignment.

Take care

rominl

iTrader: (4)

did the IS have 17k miles on the tires too? if so, that's as inaccurate as a comparison you can put together. all tires feel good and especially quiet when they are new. it can be a problem when they are worn.

your tires have 17k miles, i think lexus states that the tires can wear about that time and that could be causing the problem.

if you want quietness and better wear, look for some all season tires with better treadwear. summer tires are not for you. and i believe the potenza on the is are summer tires and they wear fast

Armand

Thanks for the tips. It's tough coming to grips with having to replace tires once a year when the past 2 GS' I owned were getting 35K+ miles on the tires before needing to be replaced. I guess it's about give and take here.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

it's definitely a trade off, whereas a lot of people say that the stock tires on the 2gs were crappy with no handling whatsoever (which i agree)

it's always a personal choice after all. if the ones you have are already summer tires, then 17k is "reasonable". get some normal all season tires and you will be happier, as long as you don't expect the same kind of handling