aschneider

So I recently bought an 08 RWD IS250. The dealership was sketchy and as it turns out car has multiple issues. Needed new struts and CV axles which I have since replaced. It needs new back tires and probably an alignment. However, I can’t drive the car over 60 MPH in the rain on the highway. I know there are a few things I can do to improve this but I’m just curious if this is a common thing with this car anyways. Because I’m not driving like a maniac and the rear tires aren’t completely bald. I’ve never had a car preform this terribly and I’m worried it might be something more than the alignment/ tires. Thanks in advanced.

primavera

It's more likely your tires, not the car. Some tires even with the sufficient amount of tread are complete junk in the rain. Hydroplaning (or aquaplaning) is when your tires skid or slide on a wet road surface, and you experience a loss of traction. Normally, your tires push away water on the road to make direct contact with the asphalt. When there’s too much water, the pressure pushes it under your tires instead. This creates a layer of water that separates your tires from the road, and causes you to lose your steering, braking, and acceleration.
Make sure the tires aren't worn and are properly inflated. Most importantly slow down, avoid puddles and don't use cruise control in the rain.

Can you identify DOT (production date stamped on the sidewall)?.

AMIRZA786

I have a 2010 IS350 Sport, I've driven it in the pouring rain and once in snow (over the Grapevine going towards Bakersfield, CA) and have not had any issues with slipping. I have Michelin Pilot Sports so that could be one reason. But I also find traction control is very good and screams at me at times when going too fast on a turn

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

FWIW if the rear has the toe all jacked out of shape it can assist it towards a loss of traction. I wouldn't expect this unless it was curbed hard knocking it out of alignment.
That said, have the alignment checked and if it needs new tires, get them and you have a baseline...

primavera

Have you done the alignment after replacing drive shafts and shocks?

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

Need more details from the OP. Tire maker/model? Picture of amount of tread left? Maybe even an alignment readout?

A pet peeve of mine is people sticking the absolutely cheapest tires they can buy, put them on the car, and wonder why they perform so poorly, especially on a luxury car. Not saying the OP did this, but it's definitely something I've noticed a lot.

AMIRZA786

You mean like a $99 for 4 Bias ply Pep Boys special?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

^^^
lol! BP FTW!
Great for smoke, drifting, and sliding tho! But they really hate anything other than 0 camber +/-0.25

AMIRZA786

I should pick up a set for smoking tires & drift day!

82ndABN

Since we have drifted towards a cheapo tire experience - in another time - on my 95 Impala SS - I mounted the space saver spare from my car, and a buddy who parked next to me at a car show, volunteered his - specifically to participate in the burnout competition. Those factory spares wore OLD-HARD-Pep Boy rubber and when it was my turn I planned to turn them into molten rubber.

Never happened. They slid and squirmed, but NEVER bit or really heated up proper like a real tire.

Plastic fantastic - but I NEVER expected less than half the sticktion - wasted efort.

It was so ridiculous - sounded like yapping puppies - horrific sound as they slithered back and forth - behaving unlike ANY other tire I have ever experienced.
An embarrassing disaster, no smoke - all JOKE!