I have a leased 2007 G35 with the 18" wheel and tire package (Bridgestone Potenza REO50A). Lease is up in 7 months, and I'll probably drive 8,000 miles between now and then.

My rear passenger tire has a nail in the sidewall and can't be repaired. I could have it plugged but that's not safe.

It also looks like the tread is getting low, so I probably need to get all the tires replaced sooner or later.

Should I go ahead and replace all 4 now? Do I have to replace them with REO50A's, or can I get something lower-end? Will Infiniti flip out if there's anything else but REO50A's on there???

BTW, I live in west LA if anybody has any good recommendations in the area.

Thanks,
Scott

 

Typically leases are written is such a way where you can't have mismatched tires installed. Also Infiniti nor anyone else can tell you what type of tires to put on your car. I would suggest replacing tires now and enjoy your ride safely for the next 8 months till your lease is up. I've had great experiences (3x) in buying from tirerack www.tirerack.com. The sales people are knowledgeable and will take the time to answer your questions before purchase. They will also help you locate an installer local to you where tires can be shipped and you just bring your ride in for the install.

 

Thanks for the quick response!!

I managed to dig up my lease paperwork and it says that tires have to be matching and at least 1/8" of tread left.

It also says "tires of similar type quality to those at the beginning of the lease" which is very subjective...

Anyone have ideas as to which make/model of tire would be safe and cost effective to pursue beyond the REO's??

I gotta imagine that everyone goes through this at some point during a lease, so please share your experiences!

Scott

 

Similar type quality means they must have similar specifications.

In other words, make sure at least the speed ratings are the same, and have some fun while you're at it since you only have to go 8000 miles

 

Mike, thanks for the helpful response!

Is quality defined by the load/speed rating or by UTGQ - uniform quality tire grade?

For example the Kumho Solus KH16 has a is a 94V in the front (versus a 95W for REO's) but a 440 A A quality rating (versus a 140 A A).

The REO's win on the speed/load, but the Kumho's win on the quality rating...

It sounds like "quality"= speed rating, but just wanted to confirm.

 

meaning you have go put some more crappy tires on it. I hated those tires. Good thing I had the tire warranty on them or I would be out 8 tires. I picked up nails like a MF when I had those.

 

I have had good luck with Toyo T1r's, you should just get a set of those.

 

As long as the speed rating is there, you shouldn't have a problem. The reasoning behind this is that if you get a lower speed rating, the next owner can potentially have a problem with the tire blowing out a high rate of speed (unlikely, but manufactuers have to cover themselves; this is why our cars have governers).

I've yet to hear anyone getting problems with having 'less sticky' tires on at lease return, but most people on lease just stick with OEM, since they rarely go through more than 1 set. If you like the grip of the OEM, get em and have some fun. I doubt you'd go though 7/32" of tread in 8000 miles unless you're doing burnouts. Just make sure you have at least 4/32" at the time of inspection.

 

The person who returned the lease (that i eventually bought) replaced the tires with brand new tires about 6000 miles before they gave the car up.

Unfortunately for me, they stuck with the same crappy goodyears eagle RS-A's.

 

nexen n7000 or n5000

Cheap and high ratings, a little noisy though.

 

when i bought my used 03, they had cooper tires..dunno how they rate. but i would do some research n find the "cheapest most compatible tires" since its a lease...if ur only gonna drive another 8000, that racks up pretty quick, unles ur a spirited driver on a daily, then invest in something worth ur 8months time..

good luck, let us know what u choose. im sure it will help others in a lease situation needing tires. =)