MP2019UX

Hi All,
I'm brand new here but have had my 2019 UX for a little over a year. About 3-4 months ago I noticed that my tires appeared to be shredding. Big chunks of rubber missing or loose flaps of rubber flopping around on my tires. When I asked the Lexus service guy about this, he said it's called "feathering" and it's normal for run-flats. He also said there are no safety issues with this happening. The tires are at 50k miles and wearing. I have never been a fan of run flat tires and would love to get regular tires. My concern is not having a spare (and nowhere to store one!) or a jack. I drive A LOT and would hate to be stuck on the turnpike with no spare.

So, I'm looking for advice. Replace with run flats? Take the chance and go for regular tires with no spare. Lastly - IS feathering normal or is that just their way of blowing me off?

Thanks all!

tofuprod

Get regular tires and carry a patch kit in your trunk with a portable air compressor. I know it's not the most ideal but non RFTs handle far better and the ride comfort is superior too due to less stiff sidewall.

I ditched my RFTs a couple of weeks ago at 30k miles, while they still had plenty of tread, I just hated the slip-n-slide performance in the winters here in Chicago, got Michelin Cross Climate 2s on my new wheels, couldn't be happier. Seeing that you're in PA, I would highly recommend getting the Michelin CC2s as well. Do a little research on it, I think you'll be quite surprised at how well they perform even when down to last 32nds. A few others I recommend and have run in the past are Pirelli Cinturano P7s, Goodyear Eaglesport All Seasons and Continental DWS/06s.

I've personally never heard of tire feathering issues on RFTs, unless if factory comes from camber/toe issues such as cars with RAS (rear active steer) such as my prior G35 coupe, it wouldn't almost have a cupping to the edges and would produce a low hum while driving.

Thaiwoo

Never heard of tire feathering before. What I found on Google is abnormal uneven wear. Nowhere I saw that junks of the tire were coming off. I would get rid of those tires fast.

I had a Grand Cherokee SRT8 for 10 years which I switched over from run flats to regular tires. Never had a problem but then I did not drive it daily either. Much smoother ride. Did as tofuprod said, had patch kit and a compressor in the car for emergencies.

MP2019UX

Thank you both for the advice. I’ll definitely look into a patch kit. The cross climates look like a great choice so I’ll be ordering those to replace the RFTs.

Kato23UX

Tires feathering/chunking/shredding occurs for a number of different reasons. Typically from gravel roads, rough roads. Also occurs due to hard cornering, bad alignment, or worn suspension components. Most tire shops can inspect the tires to see if they require replacement. They will look to see if any of the belt package is exposed, or if any large chunks are missing that will affect ride comfort.

These are the things that I looked for when I used to work in the tire industry (over 14 years).

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

I just noticed this on my UX, taking it to the dealer to have them looked at. Never seen anything like it, pieces of rubber are just gone.

rickeveru

I have small bits of rubber lifting off and when I went to do the seasonal changeover of tires, Costco refused since they claimed the tires were unsafe. Apparently, if exposed, the steel wire in the tires can rust/expand. Dealer claims I went over something but it's not only one tire that has the issue so I disagree with their view

Funride

I really cringe as I ask this question, but does using a patch on the tire mean I have to take it off and patch from the inside of the tire, or something else? That really doesn't help me if I'm stuck on a busy highway or on a dark road at night.

I'm at 50k miles and will be OK until November when I will replace the tires I really want to get rid of the run flats but also don't want to do something stupid with no spare in the car.

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

Not sure what you mean, you don't patch run flats at all. They can drive for 50 miles with a hole in them then you have it replaced.

Funride

Understand - we were discussing how to handle a flat if we replace our run flats with regular tires since there isn't a spare.

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

Gotcha. Can of fix a flat or call roadside assistance I think are the only 2 options. Or get a spare, but then it takes up space in the back.
I've had a similar debate with myself, I think I'm going to stick with run flats. They aren't too bad here in FL, it doesn't snow obviously.

Shades44

Hi! I purchased my 2020 UX F sport at 20K miles off a lease December 31st. Currently at 27500 I have also noticed the tread "flaked off" in 2-3 areas. Small strips of tread are missing. Not too serious but something to keep an eye on. I know I will not be getting RFT when it's time for a new set. On my commute there are a couple of higher G corners I would not take with passengers so that could have an impact.

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

My service guy at our local Lexus shop said he's seen it on the Bridgestone RFs more than any other tire. He recommended when it's time to swap them out to go with another brand of RF, which I will be doing.

rickeveru

I totally agree that it's the construction of the tire. Problem is that when you need the tires, other brands are not available for the UX. You would have to practically stock up on a set lol.

UXFL

Also in FL and agree. Going to keep the run flats when it comes time to replace.