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My NX450h+ came with Bridgestone Alenza run-flat tires. I would like to replace those before next winter with non run-flat true M&S all weather tires (I will buy a tire kit as there is no spare tire).
My preferred choice would be Nokian WR G4. I have used Hakkapellita winter tires for years on my previous cars and they were exceptionally good. For the type of driving I do, I don't really need true winter tires (very little snow in Vancouver except for 2 or 3 weeks a year and I don't ski anymore) but I need an all weather tire which is close to a winter tire. Nokian WR G4 seems to be what I am looking for. However, they are not (yet) available in P235/50R20!
In fact not many tires seem to be available for that wheel size.
Do you have suggestions on alternatives?
BTW, I was disappointed to see that there is space under the floor of the trunk with pre-molded cavities for a jack, a lugs wrench etc, but it's all empty. There are even two metal catch to lock a scissor jack in place...
I realize this is due to the runflat tires but I was still expecting at the very least a lugs wrench. C'mon, it's only a $20 item! If they don't provide a jack and accessories, then they should provide a flat empty tray without molded compartments to receive the jack and accessories, it would be more useful for storing other stuff underneath the trunk floor IMHO... The space for a jack and accessories underneath the trunk floor.
I'm planning to do the same when my 350h arrives. I agree that we get little snow here in Vancity, but when we do, everywhere's a mess🤪.
I plan to use the factory fit tyres for a bit though. Then when they're due for change, switch to a true all weather set. For next winter, I'll just get some winter tyres on spare rims. I'll also go with the 235/60R18 rather than the 235/50R20. Easier to find and I think will provide better service on winter towards than the larger tyres.
I'm planning to do the same when my 350h arrives. I agree that we get little snow here in Vancity, but when we do, everywhere's a mess🤪.
I plan to use the factory fit tyres for a bit though. Then when they're due for change, switch to a true all weather set. For next winter, I'll just get some winter tyres on spare rims. I'll also go with the 235/60R18 rather than the 235/50R20. Easier to find and I think will provide better service on winter towards than the larger tyres.
I don't know much about tires size. The Nokian WR G4 does exist in 235/60R18(107V). What impact would a 235/60R18 instead of the 235/50R20 have? I would need new rims, right, and would there not be any clearance problem? Sorry for my ignorance! Thanks.
I don't know much about tires size. The Nokian WR G4 does exist in 235/60R18(107V). What impact would a 235/60R18 instead of the 235/50R20 have? I would need new rims, right, and would there not be any clearance problem? Sorry for my ignorance! Thanks.
I'm in the greater Toronto area and we get more snow than Vancity. I also plan to downsize to 235/60R18 for my winter set. Cost of the tires are lower with the 18" and much better for winter. The size is very similar and you will not have clearance issues. The tire is thicker and when you put the two together the size is about .15 inch difference. You can see the tire calculation below. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r20-235-60r18
I don't know much about tires size. The Nokian WR G4 does exist in 235/60R18(107V). What impact would a 235/60R18 instead of the 235/50R20 have? I would need new rims, right, and would there not be any clearance problem? Sorry for my ignorance! Thanks.
Like @lsft said, no issues whatsoever. It's actually the size that comes with the lower trims for the 350h. The standard and premium trims come with 235/60R18 tyres, so that size is designed for the car.
Originally Posted by lsft
I'm in the greater Toronto area and we get more snow than Vancity. I also plan to downsize to 235/60R18 for my winter set. Cost of the tires are lower with the 18" and much better for winter. The size is very similar and you will not have clearance issues. The tire is thicker and when you put the two together the size is about .15 inch difference. You can see the tire calculation below. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r20-235-60r18
Yup! More rubber between your rims and the road is always good, particularly in the winter.
I'm in the greater Toronto area and we get more snow than Vancity. I also plan to downsize to 235/60R18 for my winter set. Cost of the tires are lower with the 18" and much better for winter. The size is very similar and you will not have clearance issues. The tire is thicker and when you put the two together the size is about .15 inch difference. You can see the tire calculation below. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc...0r20-235-60r18
Like @lsft said, no issues whatsoever. It's actually the size that comes with the lower trims for the 350h. The standard and premium trims come with 235/60R18 tyres, so that size is designed for the car.
Yup! More rubber between your rims and the road is always good, particularly in the winter.
Thanks, I feel better knowing I can get the Nokian I want when I will decide to replace the current tires!
I would consider using 245/50R20 as their diameter difference is only 0.3" (29.3"-235/50R20 vs 29.6"-245/50R20). https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Sure there will be a little speed offset to worry about, but even at 90mph, the difference is below 1mph (90 mph-235/50R20 vs 90.9 mph -245/50R20).
Unless you are driving your Lexus through rough conditions (e.g. offroad, etc.), this should not cause any major problems.
I would consider using 245/50R20 as their diameter difference is only 0.3" (29.3"-235/50R20 vs 29.6"-245/50R20). https://tiresize.com/comparison/
Sure there will be a little speed offset to worry about, but even at 90mph, the difference is below 1mph (90 mph-235/50R20 vs 90.9 mph -245/50R20).
Unless you are driving your Lexus through rough conditions (e.g. offroad, etc.), this should not cause any major problems.
Thanks for the info. The 245/50/R20 is an option as the Nokian WR G4 exists in that size... However, the 235/60R18 is already on the basic trims of the NX450h, so they are "approved by Lexus" already!
I did not realize I would have multiple alternative size options! Your option has a financial advantage: I would not need to buy new rims!
Hi, first time posting from Sweden. I have enjoyed reading thei forum and hope to contribute something to the general knowledge.
I too took delivery of a 450h+ F-Sport recently, chosen for the adaptive suspension after test driving 3 models. The Alenza runflat tyres are, to put it mildly, disappointing. They are the noisiest tyres I have ever known. and at "normal" pressures of 2.5 bar it is impossible to hold a conversation at motorway speeds, especially on stretches with the non-slip / good drainage surface, which is most of the total distance. (Think of our climate.) I plan to get winter tyres on 18" rims, probably Good Year Ultragrip Ice with "Sound Control" technology and also change out the summer tyres when the sales come in March '23. There will be a good choice of sound deadening tyres by then so that the car can begin to behave like a Lexus should, i.e. quiet!
Winter tyres are not that popular here in Ireland though I always fit them. My first winter with the 450h+ F-Sport but I cannot seem to get run flats anywhere. I assume there is no issue to getting a regular winter tyres and a repair kit (never run a car with run flats before neither) though there is not a huge amount of room in the boot under the floor.
You must always make sure you let your car insurance company aware of changes to tyre specification as it can cause you problems in the event of your car being involved an accident. This is classed as a modification.
I'm definitely putting Hakkas on my car next winter. I've had them on my Outback Wilderness the past two winters and they're amazing. Debating about size to go with. Can we fit 17" wheels on an NX450h+ F-Sport? It appears 18" is the smallest that TireRack and DiscountTire will configure. I always downsize rims when going with winter tires just so there's more sidewall meat to take any curb impacts. I'm thinking about going with a slightly bigger tire than the stock. Maybe 1" bigger diameter to get maybe 1/2" more ground clearance. I know that will mess up my speedo, but the car has plenty of torque, so I'm hoping it doesn't cause any real issues.
Earman, didn't your undertray come with a tow hook in addition to that awesome screwdriver? I just got my car this week. I've added a can of fix-a-flat in there, along with a small Li-Ion jumper box and some gloves. Going to take car on a cross country trip this summer, so I'll be adding other stuff as well.
FWIW, Those Michelin CrossClimates are probably the best all-season tires I've ever tried in the snow (haven't tried Nokian's all-season options). I had them on a car a friend loaned me when I was waiting for my Subaru to arrive and was really surprised.