Rx400h Tyres - Types And Sizes

[Hybrid Rex]

OK, 18000 miles and time to start thinking about new tyres on the front.

I have access to a good discount on Avon Tyres but the nearest size they do is 255/55R18 as opposed to the standard 235/55R18. Has anybody fitted 255's and are there any problems (with clearances etc)?

The 235/55R18 seems a bit of an oddity and not everybody stocks them so, if not the 255 Avons, what are the current tyres of choice for RX400h owners (and the best place to get them)?

[JBPRX400h]

OK, 18000 miles and time to start thinking about new tyres on the front.

I have access to a good discount on Avon tyres but the nearest size they do is 255/55R18 as opposed to the standard 235/55R18. Has anybody fitted 255's and are there any problems (with clearances etc)?

The 235/55R18 seems a bit of an oddity and not everybody stocks them so, if not the 255 Avons, what are the current tyres of choice for RX400h owners (and the best place to get them)?

If you go to LOC USA forum you will find a recent thread about tires (sic)!!!

On the last but one posting there is a comment from someone who has fitted 255/55R18s to his 400h

Hope this helps

[Hybrid Rex]

Thanks for that, having looked on there it does seem that the clearances are at best minimal, and I had already wondered about the effect on rolling resistance and fuel consumption with the wider tyre.

So, with potential rubbing of the tyre and a 1-2mpg drop in fuel consumption, I think I will stick with the original 235's. Anybody got any preferences with make (looking for quiet, comfortable, long life), and best places for deals?

[jbanfie]

Hi Rex,

I did a thread on tyres a couple of months ago: nothing to do with 255's though, here's a quick summary

Availability poor you have to order them generally, only really two choices - Dunlop or Bridgestones (my 2006 RX was delivered with Dunlops, but they all come with Bridgestone's now - don't know why).

I was quoted prices from £195 to £135, lowest price coming from local independent tyre specialist. The good thing is, as they all have to order them, all they can do is give you a quote, which you then take to the next place. You have to shop around, cause otherwise you'll be taken for a ride.

People also raved about Costco if you have access to them.

Interestingly all the quotes from internet places were not as good.

If you can get around £135 for the Bridgestones then I'd take it, any better and I'd like to know how.

Cheers

Jon

[Hybrid Rex]

If you can get around £135 for the Bridgestones then I'd take it, any better and I'd like to know how.

Cheers

Jon

Got the Bridgestones for £135 each, fitted. Had to ring round several local dealers and then haggle a bit.

[ihpj]

I personally do not rate the Bridgestones, although my RX has them fitted (it had 4 x new tyres and new alloys when we bought it) but find them too harsh a tyre. Had a loaner RX400h which had Dunlops - they were much better IMHO. But when it comes to replacement time, I will go to Costco and go for the Michelins Diamiris (sp?) as I rate them over anything else available.

[jbanfie]

Nice one Rex, sounds good.

I'm now now interested in this talk of Michelin's. Why better?

Short story - Wife's Peugeot 307 gets delivered with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso, front's gone after 18,000 miles - rubbish. I'd always had Pirelli P6000 Powergy (J) on my Jag X-type and the rears had done 50,000 miles, so I had the Rosso's replaced with P6000 Powergy. Still going at 51,000 miles now, so have done around 33,000 miles and still have loads of tread - yippee.

So my question is, which of the few tyres available for the RX give the best mileage? As I never drive my 400h on the limit I'm not after a soft tyre, I want low noise, comfort and miles and miles and miles.

My original Dunlop's (on the front) got swapped at 10,000 (at my cost) because the tracking was out ("you've probably kerbed the car, sir!" - still rings in my ears), replaced with Bridgestones that have now done 9,000 and are fine.

Your experiences ladies and gents

Cheers

Jon

[jazz_lives]

Going back to fundamentals.

Do all tyres, when new, have the same depth of tread?

[Hybrid Rex]

I got 18000 out of my Dunlops on the front and have now had the original Dunlops, which have quite a lot left on them, swapped to the front with the Bridgestones put on the rear.

I'm not aware of Michelins available in the correct size. While ringing round all I got offered was a choice between Bridgestone, Dunlop or Kumho.