JohnLX300

iTrader: (2)

I have switched from V to H rated Ecopias! I got my set from Costco. The Bridgestone V-Rated Ecopia tires have no mileage warranty while the H-Rated had a 70k mileage warranty.
My original tires had an awesome ride so I kept it with the same brand. And these have the same awesome ride as before!

Bob04

I switched from ecopias to michelin h-rated a few weeks ago and they are lightyears better is ride, comfort, and noise level. Not sure how much of it was the rating or the brand.

mspearl95

Its the brand all the way. Michelins are always better. The bridgestones always have such negative feedback, I’m surprised Lexus even still uses them.

DMPesso

Yup same. Just changed to the Michelin’s because I couldn’t stand the stiff and noisy ride on the Bridgestone’s. It’s amazing how the tires completely transformed the car. Smooth and quiet now like it should have been


GET THE MICHELIN PREMIER LTX V RATED. There is no need to go to H rated, it’s the Bridgestone tires that are giving you the harsh ride. It feels like riding on rocks in comparison to Michelin

dotbowels

Has anyone gone from V to H speed rating on their 20 inch Tires? Besides speed diff which is meaningless to me, will there be control and handy issues? Stopping issues. My friend said he switched with no issues and tires last a lot longer. Thanks

Cocal

Not a problem, you're not likely to reach the limit of H ratings which is 130 mph (V is 149mph)

dotbowels

i read this at other sites and it seems it’s more than speed.....

I did a lot of research and called several tire shops… I was told by Costco and others that even if you don’t ever drive as fast as the speed rating (H is 130mph and V is 149mph), the safety (esp. braking grip and resistance to heat), performance (handling as well as traction), and tire constructions (quality of compound, number of nylon spiral layers, and sidewall-tread joint, among others) are distinctly different.

also.Tires with higher speed ratings offer handling benefits that thrill some drivers, but there are tradeoffs. Since they’re usually made with softer rubber compounds and stiffer construction they offer better cornering, stopping power and steering response. But expect a little less ride comfort, lower performance in cold conditions and shorter tread life

Cocal

The only "other" thing is that as you go faster the tire heats more and so this must be taken into account when building it.
What's YOUR worry?

dotbowels

will it void the warranty on the suv?

Cocal

Not at all, and the warranty on the vehicle has nothing to do with the tires.

GSFRX350

Sorry, I forgot to mention tyre life, mine have done 50,000 kms now, still ample tread left, well away from the indicators still.

Unless you plan on going above 130, for long periods in high heat areas it's not going to be even close to a problem. Lexus probably put V rated on because the car can go to around 140 mph.
The Speed Rating would be my last consideration on tyre choice, look for ride, noise, handling, roadholding, wear in the order YOU want and pick a tyre that best fits with your needs and has a H rating at least. You pay a lot more for that V, and a tyre shop most likely will try to upsell you because there's more it in for them.

I know you're concerned but just read up on it on the net, so much info out there.

GSFRX350

I'll add too that here in Australia we have very stringent requirements with how our cars maintained, modifications are frowned upon and insurance is very hard to get or very expensive on anything that's not stock. Speed ratings ARE NOT one of the things insurance companies worry about as long as it's rated for our highest limit which is 130 km/h which suggests it's not a safety concern for them.

Nail34

Better cornering with an RX, no one in their right mind could or would push an RX around a corner fast enough to evaluate better cornering, it's definitely not a sports car.
Stopping power, by how much??
Steering response, when driving your car could you tell whether you were on an H rated or a V rated tire?? Could you tell the difference in riding comfort or lower performance in cold conditions (just adjust the psi)??
How much shorter is the tread life?? Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the Bridgestone tires V rated?? How was the tread life??
If it's not a safety issue drive an H or V and enjoy it, you'll never know the difference.

GSFRX350

Very true, my original tyres were Bridgestone V rated, changed to Kumho's which were half the price and felt much better overall and are H rated. No hesitation in using H rated tyres on this car.