Hal56

I have the Dunlops--in a couple of years I figure the tire makers will offer more choices for the 19 inch rx and specifically the 450.

Almost every car I have had when I needed new tires I upgraded them and was rather happy.

This included my vette which had GY run flats and I switched to the Firestone Firehawks which are quieter, run smoother and less wheel hop on curves.

Same with a Taurus SHO--not the Run flats but upgraded tires.

Been happy with tire rack prices and ratings--

tazdevl

FYI great deal on tirerack.... Latitude HPs in our size for $129 per. About $90 off per tire. Difference is US vs Euro manuf.

jamesonbro

I am picking up a 2010 RX 350 in several days. The dealer wants $3550 for a set of winter rims/tires and installation (with TPMS). I contacted another shop who will do the job (tires and non-Lexus rims but no TPMS) for $1500.

The dealer made it sound like I was taking my life in my hands doing this - and that only a Lexus dealer should use Lexus rims with TPMS activated, otherwise I might die in a car accident..

Questions:

1 - is this reasonable?
2 - if i install tires/rims (non-lexus) without the TPMS, will a light be shining on the dash in my face for 3 months? If so, how to deactivate it?
Thanks very much

tazdevl

Dealer is being an idiot and trying to take you for a ride.

tazdevl

So the question is... does anyone have OE 19" wheels and Michelin Latitude HPs?

Cruiter

Yes, and they offer a good quite ride with just the right amount of firmness IMHO.

They've been rotated once now at the 5k service and with nearly 8k on them I don't notice any wear.

tazdevl

Reason for my asking... Michelins have a UTQG (treadwear life) rating of 440, the Bridgestones are 300 and Dunlops are 280.

Trying to understand why the hell Lexus would put some tires on some RXs that have a treadwear rating 50% less than the Michelins.

Big issue in terms of customer value and something I find inexcusable.

I'm contacting Lexus Corp and requesting they change my tires out for Michelins.

data2009

Please let us know when you hear from Lexus (did you call or write a letter?).
The Bridgestones I have are awful. I was planning to get rid of them myself, but its not a bad idea to fight for them.

tazdevl

Missed call from specialist today. Argument to make... and it's factual is that Michelin UTQG rating (DOT treadwear rating) is approximately 50% more than Bridgestones and Dunlops. 19s come in all 3 tires... from a consumer value perspective, there does not appear to be any rhyme or reason why one car got one brand vs the other.

Why wait for me? More people that call the more likely they'll realize the issue.

FYI letters don't work these days unless they come from a lawyer. Always easy to call.

tazdevl

Didn't make much headway with the specialist for a complete tire change, but I did get a service credit. Recommendation if anyone is planning to buy is to refuse delivery if the vehicle comes with Bridgestones/Dunlops until the dealer puts Michelin Latitudes on.

Just got the Michelin Latitudes put on and all I can say is what a world of difference vs the Bridgestones. My RX rides great and is so much quieter on both city streets and at highway speeds.

After driving identical 2010 RXs over the holidays... AWD, J built, same options/accessories, 19" wheels, etc... only difference is color, it is a complete mystery why Lexus didn't put Michelins on every vehicle. I will say I think the Dunlops (mother's RX) do ride better than the Bridgestones (my RX) but the Michelins are superior to both.