Winter Tires/Rims NX350h - what's a good plan?
#16
Thanks for the insight.
I've room in the garage so storage will be ok.
We don't do winter sports but enjoy winter drives up to Whistler and likely to Banff. I suppose my biggest reason is being extra sensitive to safety with having newborns this year and driving them around.
I'm such a noob when it comes to cars, I didn't realize TMPS would be so critical when it comes to swapping out wheels sizes and tires for the NX. We would didn't even think about it for our previous car, a 2012 Mazda 3; just booked a tire swap at Costco ($75 CAD) when the time came in the year.
I've room in the garage so storage will be ok.
We don't do winter sports but enjoy winter drives up to Whistler and likely to Banff. I suppose my biggest reason is being extra sensitive to safety with having newborns this year and driving them around.
I'm such a noob when it comes to cars, I didn't realize TMPS would be so critical when it comes to swapping out wheels sizes and tires for the NX. We would didn't even think about it for our previous car, a 2012 Mazda 3; just booked a tire swap at Costco ($75 CAD) when the time came in the year.
We drove up to Whistler one Nov several years back. The added confidence was definitely nice. It's just very rare.
If the infrastructure was better around here for it, I might be tempted to do it again. At least on 1 primary vehicle.
#18
So just to confirm, if I got the trim that came with 20" wheels (P235/50R20) it should be safe to downsize to the base model size (P235/60R18) assuming I get smaller, compatible wheels for winter tires right?
#19
You are right.
#20
I have a set of winter tires from my 2010 RX450h which should totally work with the new NX (P235/60R18). I am going to give that a try on my NX for the winter.
#21
Intermediate
Absolutely
I'm not going with them for my wheels or tires though due to costs. I got some used 18" wheels for a decent price and I'm looking it for a deal on the actual tires. I've got storage in my garage so no issues there.
I'm just looking at which tires will be best. Going from the comments in this thread, people seem to be recommending Bridgestone Blizzaks...
#22
I spoke with the service guys at Regency Lexus Vancouver and they said you can downsize to the 18" wheel spec for winter with no issues.
I'm not going with them for my wheels or tires though due to costs. I got some used 18" wheels for a decent price and I'm looking it for a deal on the actual tires. I've got storage in my garage so no issues there.
I'm just looking at which tires will be best. Going from the comments in this thread, people seem to be recommending Bridgestone Blizzaks...
I'm not going with them for my wheels or tires though due to costs. I got some used 18" wheels for a decent price and I'm looking it for a deal on the actual tires. I've got storage in my garage so no issues there.
I'm just looking at which tires will be best. Going from the comments in this thread, people seem to be recommending Bridgestone Blizzaks...
#23
Intermediate
How many seasons do you typically get out of your winter set using X-Ice and Contact 7? On my former IS, I fitted them with All-weathers so I didn't do the annual swap. Didn't have a ton of long drive in the winter only to a few spots around The lower mainland in and around Vancouver so I never really bothered and the AWs gave me decent performance to meet my needs then.
When the run flats wear out, I might do that again
#24
Great feedback. @zanewyn I'll add those to my list and do my compare.👍🏽😎
How many seasons do you typically get out of your winter set using X-Ice and Contact 7? On my former IS, I fitted them with All-weathers so I didn't do the annual swap. Didn't have a ton of long drive in the winter only to a few spots around The lower mainland in and around Vancouver so I never really bothered and the AWs gave me decent performance to meet my needs then.
When the run flats wear out, I might do that again
How many seasons do you typically get out of your winter set using X-Ice and Contact 7? On my former IS, I fitted them with All-weathers so I didn't do the annual swap. Didn't have a ton of long drive in the winter only to a few spots around The lower mainland in and around Vancouver so I never really bothered and the AWs gave me decent performance to meet my needs then.
When the run flats wear out, I might do that again
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LStoneX (09-01-22)
#25
Haven't bought the winter tires or OEM tire pressure sensors yet but the first step for me was buying compatible 18" rims from my Lexus dealer. And yes, those rims are made specifically for the 2022 model year using wheel studs instead of lug nuts. Hence the holes have a tapered surface to them instead of a flat surface that is standard with every other rim I've seen. So that really cuts down the selection (the dealership sells only one compatible rim but in both 18" and 20" sizes).
#26
Haven't bought the winter tires or OEM tire pressure sensors yet but the first step for me was buying compatible 18" rims from my Lexus dealer. And yes, those rims are made specifically for the 2022 model year using wheel studs instead of lug nuts. Hence the holes have a tapered surface to them instead of a flat surface that is standard with every other rim I've seen. So that really cuts down the selection (the dealership sells only one compatible rim but in both 18" and 20" sizes).
#27
I don't know the details of the wheel issue. If the taper is in the bolts or somewhere else.
If it's about the bolts you may not need to worry about it.
I did winter swaps on my RC. I had 2 different sets of lug bolts. One for the summer wheels and one for the winter wheels. The bolts were not cross compatible with the wheels, but both worked on the car.
Those were both Lexus wheels, but I guess I'm wondering if an extra set of lug bolts would improve your options.
If it's about the bolts you may not need to worry about it.
I did winter swaps on my RC. I had 2 different sets of lug bolts. One for the summer wheels and one for the winter wheels. The bolts were not cross compatible with the wheels, but both worked on the car.
Those were both Lexus wheels, but I guess I'm wondering if an extra set of lug bolts would improve your options.
#28
Intermediate
Haven't bought the winter tires or OEM tire pressure sensors yet but the first step for me was buying compatible 18" rims from my Lexus dealer. And yes, those rims are made specifically for the 2022 model year using wheel studs instead of lug nuts. Hence the holes have a tapered surface to them instead of a flat surface that is standard with every other rim I've seen. So that really cuts down the selection (the dealership sells only one compatible rim but in both 18" and 20" sizes).
If you've got the money, by all means buy from Lexus. But it is not necessary by any means.
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bt10 (02-08-24)
#29
What can I say? The parts department guy walked me over to the sample display of rims on the wall. All of them except for one show a flat surface where the conventional lug nut sits flush to the surface around the holes. The one that he pointed out is specifically for the 2022 NX (and labelled as such on the placard) has a distinct taper around each hole that accommodates the tapered shaft of the wheel studs. The difference is quite obvious and the parts guy left no doubt that the only rim I should be buying for my vehicle was that one.
I assume you could see this for yourself if you were to remove one of the studs from a factory 2022 NX wheel. The wheels cost about $260 Cdn each, which is about the same cost as other nice alloy wheels I've previously purchased for my other vehicles from non-dealerships. BTW, if you're doing wheel changes yourself, using a wheel alignment pin (M14 x 1.50 thread) makes things so much easier. Simply remove the top most wheel stud first and replace it with the alignment pin before unfastening the remaining studs.
I assume you could see this for yourself if you were to remove one of the studs from a factory 2022 NX wheel. The wheels cost about $260 Cdn each, which is about the same cost as other nice alloy wheels I've previously purchased for my other vehicles from non-dealerships. BTW, if you're doing wheel changes yourself, using a wheel alignment pin (M14 x 1.50 thread) makes things so much easier. Simply remove the top most wheel stud first and replace it with the alignment pin before unfastening the remaining studs.
#30
Driver School Candidate
I've always tried to downsize rims whenever possible for winter wheels/tires. A little extra sidewall meat is nice if you slip and bump a curb. I've had Blizzaks and X-Ice and been very happy. But I was blown away by the Hakkapalitas on my wife's Infiniti QX50 a couple years ago. Now that's my winter tire of choice if its available in the size I need. I'm currently running them on my '22 Outback Wilderness and they kicked butt last winter. Looking at getting an NX450h+ and if I can find a good set-up, that'll be my choice.