mitchman

We don't like the fact that you can't rotate the tires (front to rear) on our 2009 IS250 because the rims/tires are different sizes. We have a crazy idea/solution and wondered if anyone could advise us if it would work or not.

Step 1) Buy another set of factory IS250 rims
Step 2) Buy a set of 4 summer tires (all the same size) and mount them on the 4 wide rims to run in the spring/summer/fall.
Step 3) Buy a set of 4 winter tires (all the same size) and mount them on the 4 narrow rims to run in the winter.

Will the wider rear tires/wheels on our IS250 fit on the front without rubbing? We don't plan to lower the car or make any other modifications.

Thanks in advance.

Sango

iTrader: (10)

I did recall seeing a thread that someone was doing option #3. Does work but it may look a bit funny looking at the car from behind thou. May affect a bit of the odo thou.

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

What size are your wheels? 17's are the same width front and rear, only the 18's are wider in the back. If you have the 17's, all of your wheels are the same already, just larger tires in the back.

If you did want to run the same size all around, you'd need to run smaller than the rear is now, because putting the larger size from the back up front can cause rubbing (see other thread just posted about the shop that put his rear tires up front).

The AWD models use the smaller 225/45R17 tires on all 4 corners, the rears look weird having the smaller tires on it. That's basically what you'd be doing if you did this.

I run 17x6.5" wheels in the winter with 205/50R17 tires on all 4 wheels.

Jeff

mitchman

Thanks for the quick replies!

We have the 18 inch wheels so the rears are wider than the fronts.

I wonder if the guy who's shop mounted the wheels backwards (front to rear) had lowering springs or not?

I guess I should just get off my lazy butt and swap the wheels front-to-rear to see if they really do rub.

Yeah, the narrow rears would look funny, but it's just for the winter months (snow, etc...)

laobo979

iTrader: (5)

I use 225-45-18 on my stock all around and it's a little narrow. But it not that weird of a look and it's great winter tire.

mitchman

Okay, I was wrong. The tires on the car (from the factory) are:

FRONT 225/45-17
REAR 245/45-17

The fronts are a little stretched on the rims. Any chance the OEM rims are the same size front/rear and the only difference is the tire size? (this is a 2009 RWD IS250)

Jeff Lange

iTrader: (1)

All of your wheels are the same size, 17x8", only the tires are larger in the rear.

Jeff

mitchman

Thanks. But why would Lexus do that? Just for looks?

So once these wear out (probably the fronts) we'll just buy a set that are all the same size. Maybe 245/45's or 235/45's.

Thanks again.

EDIT: I guess I still need to test to see if the rears will rub when used as fronts. That may be the other reason Lexus did big and littles.

Jetfire

iTrader: (3)

wider tires = more traction since it's RWD. that and it looks hawt with wider tires.

that's why drag cars look like this

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

wide rims in front = scrape.....

mitchman

Drag racing is boring. (in my opinion) I like driving a car that handles well. That's why I'm thinking larger front tires (same size as rear) would reduce the chronic understeer that's built into the IS250.