PB430

Took my SC in for its 15 K Mile service over the weekend and asked them to look into why my wheels are making a grinding/moaning noise. They told me that the brake pads were fine (70% left) and that I needed to buy new tires. I drive this car very casually, no racing around, spinning the tires etc. and this seems hard to believe. Are run flats so different that their life expectancy is that much less than regular tires?

Anyway, if, assuming I am not being taken (the tires look fine to me on inspection), what replacemcents do you recommend? I know everyone says that the non run flats provide a much better ride. Any specific brand recommendations. Thanks for your help!

prex

I just replaced mine at 17,500 miles over the weekend with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S'es.

Completely different car. Can't say enough good things about them. The car rides like it seems it must have been intended to.

ContiComfortKit in the trunk, AAA card in the glove compartment, pressure sensor on the dash, am not too worried, although i probably will come to regret not having a spare.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

just get something that's non runflat, and the ride will be so much better. i recommend the a/s, they are awesome tires, with superb tread wear and comfort

Gojirra99

I have the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S too & very happy with them.

BigHat

Wish they would make a tire that would allow the tire pressure indicators to still work.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

?! it's about the tire sensor that's on the wheel, not the tire.... even if you put on non-runflat tires on the stock wheels you can still use the tire sensors...

Gojirra99

It's not about the tire. It's about whether you can attach the sensors to the aftermarket rims.

sexylexysc430

My Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's work fine with the RF sensors. They've let me know if I've needed to get more gas (most newer places will use nitrogen instead of air) put in them on numerous occasions. If you don't get your tires installed at Lexus, just make sure to tell the tire store to watch out for the pressure sensors that are located *in the valve stem*.

JCtx

What's that? Does it damage sensors?
I'm thinking about a tire-plug kit and an air compressor, just like I do on my motorcycle. I was going to stick to runflats, but they're driving me nuts. I'll probably switch them when it's time (in about 5 years... only 3K miles in 2 years). I run the risk of a flat on my bike too; didn't think of that before
JC

rominl

iTrader: (4)

just make sure you don't use any of those tire repair kit where you "inject" some liquid or so into the tire. the sensors are gone right the way

lexuslover

i am taking the plunge, folks! going for the michelin pilot sports a/s like everyone has been raving about. still a little nervous about not having runflats, but i swear the ride is killing me and probably the suspension too. there is this one bad freeway seam on the 805 that is destroying the car at 65 mph and i can't avoid it everyday.

i have my 20k service appt for 9/6 and i am hoping that the body creaking/twisting will get resolved then.

oh, i might keep the RFs in the garage until the lease is up in another year and a half (so i don't get dinged by LFS for not having RFs on the car). is that a bad idea? how can i store them so they don't get screwed up?? any advice appreciated! thanks everyone.

p.s. costco is having another michelin deal through 9/4 - save $50 on set of 4 michelins.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah get the a/s, they are very nice. i ahve them on my gs now and i can't be happier. it's not as soft as the pzero nero in some sense, but it has much better handling and quietness

lexuslover

hey, what price are you all getting for these tires?

Gojirra99

I paid C$500+ each for the Michelin Pilot Sports A/S up here in Canada & they are just for 18"
I got them when the US/Canadian exchange rate was around 0.65 two years ago, even then it's expensive compared to the U.S. . Today the exchange rate is 0.84, that makes them sounds outrageously expensive eh ? Yes I've checked around too, they are in the $500 range across Canada. I could have ordered from the states & would be cheaper even with taxes & shipping, but then I would have to ship them back & forth when I have problems with them. Now I have local service, but a big price to pay for the convenience

rominl

iTrader: (4)

check tirerack for prices, if they have them in stock in the NV warehouse, shipping is very cheap, and no tax. in fact, i actually found it cheaper to get from tirerack last time compared to costo

i don' tknow about sizes of 18s. i got them in 20s so they are tons more expensive