Tyre Question

[giorgoXXI]

I need to replace one of my tyres due to a puncture, so trying to find the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A as originally fitted with the car. The tyre size is 255/35R19Y.

As I understand, some tyre models have special variants for specific manufacturers. The Lexus code is "VZ", my question is what is the difference between the same tyre with and without the "VZ"?

If I go to Kwikfit for example it only asks me for the usual tyre size, diameter etc, but not the manufacturer, so I am wondering how important is the manufacturer variant? Would the standard version of the tyre fit?

[Tango]

The 'VZ' just means Bridgestone original Equipment so you just need to fit a tyre with the same speed rating of 'Y' which is safe for up to 186 mph/300Km/h. Don't fit tyres to your with a lower speed rating or load index as fitting lower speed rated tyres or tyres with a lower load index may invalidate your insurance. Although the UK speed limit is just 70mph, most insurance companies will insist that the tyres of the correct speed rating are fitted to your vehicle.

Does the 'standard Potenza' have a decent rim protector?

I have Mitchelin Super Sports on my IS-F as didn't rate the Bridgestone PS2's that were original equipment. Also increased the tyre width on the rear to 275's.

[giorgoXXI]

The 'VZ' just means Bridgestone original Equipment so you just need to fit a tyre with the same speed rating of 'Y' which is safe for up to 186 mph/300Km/h. Don't fit tyres to your with a lower speed rating or load index as fitting lower speed rated tyres or tyres with a lower load index may invalidate your insurance. Although the UK speed limit is just 70mph, most insurance companies will insist that the tyres of the correct speed rating are fitted to your vehicle.

Does the 'standard Potenza' have a decent rim protector?

I have Mitchelin Super Sports on my IS-F as didn't rate the Bridgestone PS2's that were original equipment. Also increased the tyre width on the rear to 275's.

Thanks for the reply.

But say for example this site:

http://lovetyres.com/tyre/Bridgestone-Potenza-RE050A/255-35-19

On the right hand side there are different options and prices for the same tyre dimensions and speed rating, its just the two last letters that vary (and I have seen the same on other sites). It is confusing, while on Kwik fit there is no mention about VZ or any other letter, so I am not sure what are the differences. I am just curious to know, I'll probably buy from blackcircles anyways since it specifically has the Lexus symbol on it (can't go wrong with that):

http://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/bridgestone/re050a/255/35/R19/Y/96/f?returnurl=%2forder%2ftyres%3fversion%3d2.0&tyre=20824172

I don't rate the rim protection of the Bridgestone, as my rims are not in a very good state! But since I only need one tyre replaced at the moment I can only choose the tyre that matches the existing ones.

[Tango]

It's just an indication that they are fitted as standard equipment by the manufacturer, I'm very pleased with the Super Sports, even if they're not fitted as standard equipment to Lexus, although they are by Audi according to the designation http://www.blackcirc...0&tyre=21574977