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So I've found a tire place that will give me payment options. The tires that came on my 2005 RX330 are Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 Radial XSE 235/55 R18 V99. They're not made anymore. They can get me, for a price, the Defender LTX MS. The problem, they're an H speed rating and not a V. This shouldn't matter right? I don't drive over 85, and that's only in the freeway to keep from getting slammed! Is it okay? I'm REALLY in need of these tires before they blow out and before it snows a ton!!!
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!!!
I have the Defender ltx ms tires on mine and they're great. Deepest tread channels I've seen and they're great in the snow.
Thank you. The guy is looking to see if there's anything to compare with these without spending a $1,000, but I think I'm going to go with the Michelin!!! Thanks again
Unless you are going with an slightly different size, the 235/55/18 for the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a T-speed rated tire, not an H or V. Having said that, we have them on our 2004 RX330 and are very happy with them.
Unless you are going with an slightly different size, the 235/55/18 for the Michelin Defender LTX M/S is a T-speed rated tire, not an H or V. Having said that, we have them on our 2004 RX330 and are very happy with them.
Thanks for your reply. You're right, the dealer messaged me and said they were a "t". I really want these tires, I've read and heard nothing but positive about them. My concern now, after a bit of research, is that they're roughly $1,000 installed. The financing will make the total @ $2,170. I'm trying to make sure they're what I need and the correct everything before travelling down the financial freeway with them! Your help is much appreciated, thanks again!
So I've found a tire place that will give me payment options. The tires that came on my 2005 RX330 are Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 Radial XSE 235/55 R18 V99. They're not made anymore. They can get me, for a price, the Defender LTX MS. The problem, they're an H speed rating and not a V. This shouldn't matter right? I don't drive over 85, and that's only in the freeway to keep from getting slammed! Is it okay? I'm REALLY in need of these tires before they blow out and before it snows a ton!!!
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!!!
These tires have to be aliens, nothing but good except the price. Anyway, engines, no problem; tires and the ilk, not so much! The tires in my RX330 were beautiful when I bought it in March of this year. After the last 6-7 months of driving, mostly in town but up and down the SUPER winding roads of the mountain 3-4X a month, they're almost bald. Mostly the front left us the worst but the front right is about there also. I should have rotated them at six months, but that ship has sailed! My query is does that much wear happen from the ridiculously winding roads or does it sound like it's mechanical, front end alignment or something?? It seems fast to me that they're so worn and I will ask when I have them replaced. I would rather ask here first since you're not going to benefit financially from the answer! Any ideas are much appreciated. Thanks!
( and please stay tuned, same bat time same bat channel, for the "I just got an OBDll from China with no directions" episode!)🙄
We have used Michelin Primacy MXM4 before and found them wearing out pretty fast. Then we went with a set of Michelin Latitude Tour and couldn't be happier, quieter tires and more durable than the MXM4. BTW, we only use Michelins.
After the last 6-7 months of driving, mostly in town but up and down the SUPER winding roads of the mountain 3-4X a month, they're almost bald. Mostly the front left us the worst but the front right is about there also.
My query is does that much wear happen from the ridiculously winding roads or does it sound like it's mechanical, front end alignment or something?? It seems fast to me that they're so worn and I will ask when I have them replaced.
Welcome to Michelin tires They are an excellent tire for handling and traction under adverse conditions. However, this excellent handling and traction comes at a price, which is that they wear out faster than most tires. The brand new Michelin tires that were on my car when I bought it had worn out in under 30K miles. It is a Michelin trademark.
Welcome to Michelin tires They are an excellent tire for handling and traction under adverse conditions. However, this excellent handling and traction comes at a price, which is that they wear out faster than most tires. The brand new Michelin tires that were on my car when I bought it had worn out in under 30K miles. It is a Michelin trademark.
Yep, good thing don't come cheap. My opinion is I'd rather spend a little more, live with / enjoy it everyday, rather than spending less and hate/regret it.
These tires have to be aliens, nothing but good except the price. Anyway, engines, no problem; tires and the ilk, not so much! The tires in my RX330 were beautiful when I bought it in March of this year. After the last 6-7 months of driving, mostly in town but up and down the SUPER winding roads of the mountain 3-4X a month, they're almost bald. Mostly the front left us the worst but the front right is about there also. I should have rotated them at six months, but that ship has sailed! My query is does that much wear happen from the ridiculously winding roads or does it sound like it's mechanical, front end alignment or something?? It seems fast to me that they're so worn and I will ask when I have them replaced. I would rather ask here first since you're not going to benefit financially from the answer! Any ideas are much appreciated. Thanks!
( and please stay tuned, same bat time same bat channel, for the "I just got an OBDll from China with no directions" episode!)🙄
1. check the alignment. look online for a free coupon at Firestone Service, for example.
2. why Michelin only? look at other brands also.
3. Tires "end" before the warranty expires, and this is marketing - Brands will credit some % to you, and you have to buy their tires once again.
So I've found a tire place that will give me payment options. The tires that came on my 2005 RX330 are Michelin Energy MXV4 S8 Radial XSE 235/55 R18 V99. They're not made anymore. They can get me, for a price, the Defender LTX MS. The problem, they're an H speed rating and not a V. This shouldn't matter right? I don't drive over 85, and that's only in the freeway to keep from getting slammed! Is it okay? I'm REALLY in need of these tires before they blow out and before it snows a ton!!!
Any help is appreciated! Thanks!!!
My daughter has a 2005 RX330 and we've had very good luck with the Michelin Primacy series. I wish they made a Primacy for my 2019 RX350 in a 235/55R20 size.
My daughter has a 2005 RX330 and we've had very good luck with the Michelin Primacy series. I wish they made a Primacy for my 2019 RX350 in a 235/55R20 size.
I'm not knowledgeable about the differences between V and H speed ratings, but below is a comment which may be of interest. Michelin does make a Primacy MXM4 V rated tire which appears to fit the 235/55R18 wheel, but double check it.
History
The letters "H" and "V" represent speed ratings. Speed ratings originated in Germany in the early 1980s to give consumers information on how fast they could safely use the tires on the autobahn. Passenger speed ratings are designated L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U and H, stepping in rated speed from 120 kilometers per hour up to 210 kph. V rating is the next step for speeds up to 240 kph. Z, W and Y are ratings for speeds over 240 kph. The rating is the speed the tire has been tested to for continuous safe driving. The English equivalent speed for H-rated tires is 130 mph and V-rated tires are good for up to 149 mph.
Types
There are two ways the speed rating will be indicated on the tire sidewall. The older method puts the speed rating next to the "R" for radial in the size. For example, 225/50HR16 would be an H-rated tire and 225/50VR16 would be the same size tire except V-rated. The current standard for tire size and information looks like P215/60R15 89H, where the 89 is the tire load capacity and the H indicates the speed rating.
Considerations
Car manufacturers optimize the suspension and handling characteristics of a car for the type and size of tires originally installed. Although there is a lot of crossover, the H-rated tires will be available in more taller profile sizes and, as the tire profile gets lower, more tires will be available in V-rated or higher speed ratings. Switching from H-rated tires to the higher speed V-rated ones may require the selection of a different size tire. There can also be a significant price difference between similar tires as the speed rating increases.
Benefits
The step from H-rated tires to V-rated is going from quality passenger car tires to performance tires focused on handling. H-rated tires will have rubber compounds and tread designs optimized for all weather performance and long tread life. Performance tires, including many V-rated models, are optimized for dry road traction and handling. A driver who likes to drive aggressively and test the performance levels of his car would be happier with V-rated tires. H-rated tires are suited for a driver looking for long tire life and a comfortable, safe ride.
Warning
Tire and auto manufacturers recommend against fitting a car with tires of a lower speed rating than the original tires. In many European countries, it is illegal to install lower speed-rated tires.
N 87 mph / 140 km/h - Temporary Spare Tire
P 93 mph / 150 km/h
Q 99 mph / 160 km/h - Studless & Studdable Winter Tires
R 106 mph / 170 km/h - H.D. Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph / 180 km/h - Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph / 190 km/h - Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph / 200 km/h
H 130 mph / 210 km/h - Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph / 240 km/h - Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars
Z in excess of 149 mph/240 km/h
When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest tire speed rating that would ever be required, in excess of 149 mph / 240 km/h. While Z-speed rated tires are capable of speeds in excess of 149 mph, how far above 149 mph was not identified. That ultimately caused the automotive industry to add W and Y speed ratings to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high top-speed capabilities.
W 168 mph / 270 km/h - Exotic Sports Cars Y 186 mph / 300 km/h - Exotic Sports Cars
Most recently, when the Y-speed rating indicated in a service description is enclosed in parentheses, such as 285/35ZR19 (99Y), the top speed of the tire has been tested in excess of 186 mph / 300 km/h indicated by the service description as shown below: 285/35ZR19 99Y - 186 mph/300 km/h
11-09-19, 12:24 PM
Tire update
