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Has anyone considered, or had any experience with, a tire with an XL load range versus one with an SL load range? I am considering either for my 2007 SC430.
I am looking at otherwise identical (except for speed rating and, off course, load range) MIchelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus tire, in XL and in SL. The XL carries a 45,000 mi warranty, whereas the SL carries only a 30,000 mi warranty.
I have read that the XL tire has reinforced sidewalls, and that the ride can be a tad harsher but handling can be a tad better. I say 'tad' because I have also read that the difference is not so great.
Given the difference in warranty, I am tempted to get the XL. If so, I will have to be satisfied with a V speed rating, which is not unreasonable.
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Bill
I had the xl's on mine and I was happy. If you experience much in the way of potholes, I would get the extra load rated tires.
I am a little confused about the tire thing. You talk about running flat tires, I see some SC’s where the tires in the front look smaller, and then mine which appear to be the same size, but make my car look bigger than a 2006. My car is a 2004. Need a little education here guys! I like that aerodynamic look.
I am a little confused about the tire thing. You talk about running flat tires, I see some SC’s where the tires in the front look smaller, and then mine which appear to be the same size, but make my car look bigger than a 2006. My car is a 2004. Need a little education here guys! I like that aerodynamic look.
So I am not quite sure I understand your post. If you could add some pictures, that would probably help us.
Here is some info that might help you. For the sake of this conversation we are going to call the combination of a RIM (The metal part in the middle) and a TIRE (The black rubber part) a WHEEL.
The SC430 has a standard rim size of 18 inches. Then you add a standard size tire and it all fills up the wheel area.
You can get 19 inch or 20 inch rims as an upgrade. If you get a bigger rim you get more flashy metal in the middle, but you have to get a special tire that is not as tall. These are called low profile tires. With the right size, you get a wheel combination of the tire and the rim that fits inside the wheel area. The drawback is a lower profile tire gives you a harsher ride.
That is why wheels look different on different cars, but they all end up the same size.
Originally Posted by Hookedongo
I am a little confused about the tire thing. You talk about running flat tires
So a separate issue is RUN FLAT TIRES. Those are tires that you can drive on, even if they are flat. This allows you to have a car without a spare tire. Having a tire that doesn't go flat sounds awesome, however they need to make the tire extra heavy duty. When they do that, the tire doesn't offer a very good ride. That is why many people here tell you to get rid of your run flat tires.
I am a little confused about the tire thing. You talk about running flat tires, I see some SC’s where the tires in the front look smaller, and then mine which appear to be the same size, but make my car look bigger than a 2006. My car is a 2004. Need a little education here guys! I like that aerodynamic look.
The factory equipped were 245/40R18 run flat tires but many people switch to regular tires of the same size. All Lexus are designed with certain tire size to generate optimal performance and reliability and our SC is no different. Deviation from factory tire size is basically trading performance/reliability for looks--larger wheel looks good but gives bumpier ride and worse acceleration/braking performance, not to mention wearing out shots/suspension faster.
Also, run flat tires are made to handle running for only 50 miles after going flat without ruining the tires. You can't run forever without air in the run flat tires.
Hello, Found a discussion from 2016 regarding the large retailers tire Barum Bravuris made by Cont. If anyone has this brand would you mind sharing an update on your Barum tires. I only drive about 3 to 4k a year on non rainy days...I found the tire recommended in numerous places and thought I’d search our Club and found your post. I realize your particular tire has been replaced with another but at $81. still seem like a great value Thank you !
if you use the quote button or reference the post number, others can easily locate the OP and possibly help provide an answer…
this forum is all about helping others with their SC430s.
I replaced the 40 series with 45 series to improve the ride quality. Lost a small amount of hard cornering due to the taller tire. Good trade off IMO. Speedo now correct.
i've been considering moving to a 245/45/18 in the front and hopefully a wider 275/285/45/18 in the rear. any concerns with rubbing with the higher profile?