Tire Change

[intron]

I have a 1993 es300. The tires are old. I'd like to know where to get the tires replaced. I live in Bethesda, Maryland.

Thanks a lot. :)

[SW03ES]

I grew up in Bethesda ;)

I'd say Costco or TireRack if value is the main concern. All the local places are very pricey.

I've ordered tires from TireRack before and had Bethesda Import Specialist which is back behind River Rd almost to Westbard, they did a good job.

[Lexusfreak]

Welcome intron!

What are you looking for in a tire & how much are you looking to spend?

[byf43]

Welcome intron!

What are you looking for in a tire & how much are you looking to spend?

Exactly.

How much are you looking to spend? Are they 'standard' size tires, or, are they for oversize rims?

There are soooooooo many different places to buy tires in/around Maryland.

You will have to decide what the best tire and price is.

One hint, though. When I acquired my '93 es300, it had (and still does) "Mastercraft" tires on it. It is my understanding that they are made by "Cooper Tires".

They are good tires, once they get warm.

When cold. . . . they develop "Flat" spots, especially when the car sits for a few days.

[intron]

THANKS for the replies above.

Since the car is old, I don't want to spend much on it,,,say better less than $500. And I dont know how to replace them by myself.

It is the first time for me to have a car...

Thanks again!

[SW03ES]

You can't replace them by yourself, you don't have the tools ;)

The cheapest way to go is to order them from TireRack and have them shipped to a local installer, like I said I've used Bethesda Import Specialists they're listed on TireRack's website.

You avoid sales tax on the tires that way too...

[byf43]

THANKS for the replies above.

Since the car is old, I don't want to spend much on it,,,say better less than $500. And I dont know how to replace them by myself.

It is the first time for me to have a car...

Thanks again!

Unless you have the proper dismounting/mounting/balancing equipment, you will need to go to a shop/store that can do this.

I've bought tires from Sears, BJ's Wholesale Club, Goodyear Stores. . . . you name it.

Here's a run-down of MY preferences.

B.F. Goodrich. I LIKE their tires. They are owned by Michelin. So are Uniroyal. I wouldn't give 15¢ for 4 Uniroyal tires, but, BF Goodrich are good. Michelin are really good, too. The ranking is Michelin, BFG, Uniroyal. I've owned 1 set of Uniroyal and they were noisy, noisy tires.

I have a set of BFG "Traction T/A" tires on a Scion right now. They stick like glue to the road.

I've had BFG on just about all of my cars and trucks at one time, or another, for the last 35 years.

Goodyear. I like their tires, too. The "Eagle GT" and "Eagle LS" (I think that's the right name) are really good.

I put a set of Eagle GT on my son's Celica GT. He has 65,000 miles on them.

Eagle LS were on my Dodge Dakota from the factory, and my Scion xB. Over 30,000 miles on the Dak. I put 45,000+ on the Scion before changing them to the BFG.

Firestone. I wouldn't own a set of them, if you gave them to me. :chairshot:

[intron]

Should I just choose Bethesda import specialists as a installer when purchasing, or should I contact Bethesda import specialists to make an appointment before I buy the tires?

Thanks.

You can't replace them by yourself, you don't have the tools ;)

The cheapest way to go is to order them from TireRack and have them shipped to a local installer, like I said I've used Bethesda Import Specialists they're listed on TireRack's website.

You avoid sales tax on the tires that way too...

[Lexusfreak]

What size tires do you need.....205 65 15? That should be the stock size. If so (and considering your budget) I would seriously consider these as your best overall value...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?ti...inSpeedRating=H

Don't forget to get a 4 wheel alignment when you get them installed. I would go with SW's recommended shop to have them installed too.......as he (like me) is very fussy when it comes to who we let touch our cars. ;) You should be in very good hands.

[Blayd]

Look up "vulcan tires" they sell these cheap sunny tires that arent real good quality but they last a good while and there about the cheapest u can find

[Lexusfreak]

Look up "vulcan tires" they sell these cheap sunny tires that arent real good quality but they last a good while and there about the cheapest u can find

Cheapest tire I could find in that size was something called 'Dean' Never heard of them personally & they were $57 each with only an S speed rating. I don't think a tire like that has any business being on a Lexus....but that's a personal opinion. The Yokohama's I suggested above were only $76 a piece.

Spend a little extra to get a good brand name that will perform well (especially in foul weather) over the next several years is my suggestion.

[SW03ES]

You'll want to select them as an installer, and then I'd call them and let them know the tires are coming, once they arrive they'll call you to schedule an appointment. Its a small little shop, but they do have alignment equipment and do a really good job.

I think the Yokos LF cited are a good and economical choice. I wouldn't buy offbrand tires, and certainly not S rated tires. Economy is fine, its an old car but your tires are the only thing that connect you to the road. Better safe than sorry.

[intron]

Thanks friends all above. I've had my tires installed in costco last weekend. I chose BFgoodrich.

Thanks again.