Hello - fellow Lexus RX 300 users,
I am at a point where I should replace all 4 tires and would like to know your suggestions about the make of tires I should use. The cheapest ones are Prodigy and start at 85 each, Michelin is 154 each. Someone told me it has to be michelin for these cars - is that true?
Also what kind of fuel do you guys use in your rx300? I use 87 but someone told me to use the more expensive one.
Thank you,
lrx300

 

Not sure about tires as Im not a tire expert; but; as for fuel; I would say just stick with 87. Ive been using 87 since i got my 300 over 4 months ago and its worked out pretty good so far. If there isnt a sticker on the inside of the filler lid which i doubt there is; then dont because you probably will be wasting $ imo.

 

I've had several brands on my Lexus and the Michelin did perform better, as in my gas mileage was better.
BUT,
I'm not sure now that this is a Michelin affect. I'll explain, bear with me. I bought an'05 Pilot (known for ****ty mpg) and yet I was getting 20 -22 mpg. Even driving into D.C. stop and go, it was consistent 20.5. My tires had 41.5 psi in them Honda calls for 32psi. So I finally bit the bullet and let air out and made them all 32 so I wasn't driving on bicycle tires as my boyfriend said.... Mileage dropped to 14-17, did I mention these are Michelin tires?. I've been arguing about putting air back in and told I would be unsafe etc..Pissed me off but today I stumbled upon this article on load inflation that said all tires aren't the same and may need more than what our car says.
So Michelin may work well because they don't need an inflation adjusting. Or depending may need more air as I experienced for a substantial improvement in gas mileage.
I will follow up regarding my experiment with the change in inflation on my cheap tires after a few tanks.
hope this helps.
Kimberly
http://toyotires.com/sites/default/files/page-files/LoadInflation_Table_P-LT_102913.pdf

 

The first generation RX call for a minimum octane of 87. the car has knock sensors that allow you to use the lower octane fuel. The knock sensor replacement will happen when the 'crystal' is fully used. If you keep driving your car will go in safe mode and higher octane won't keep you from having to do this replacement that was engineered by someone with hands of an infant and no common sense.
I bought my RX with 89k on it at 156k the knock sensors went. I only put 87 in and usually from Costco. I'm at 191k. So for the last almost 9 years that's the gas she's had. If you're doing something other than driving to and from places or need performance I see no reason to spend the extra $$$. There are probably other opinions on this but that's been my experience. hope it helps.
Kimberly

 

If you are getting more mpg from the Michelin tires vs others at the same inflation pressure, it can be due to a typically higher UTQG rating on the Michelin's. A slightly higher rating suggests a more durable compound which will have less rolling resistance at the expense of grip than a softer compound tire.

 

ok so we have a verdict on the fuel. Still not sure if i should go with the Pordigy tires at discountire or the more expensive michelin? thanks