How much will tyre compound affect ride quality?
Discussion
I may get sent off to mumsnet for this...my car currently has 195/45/R16 tyres and I'm finding the ride quality to be a little harsh. I was thinking of upping the tyre size to 185/50/R16 in order to add a little more cushioning to the ride. I currently have Hankook S1 tyres, do you think the combination of slightly bigger tyres and softer compound will make a noticeable difference? I don't really mind how quickly the tyres will wear on a softer compound, I only use the car for commuting (around 100 miles per week).
If all else fails I may just buy 15" rims with bigger tyres instead.
If all else fails I may just buy 15" rims with bigger tyres instead.
kambites said:
The compound of the tread section doesn't have much effect at all. What does make a significant difference, is the rigidity of the side-walls.
The design of the tread blocks has a significant effect on road noise levels too, if that matters.
Road noise is a little bit of a concern, I wouldn't really mind if the ride were softer. I don't really know how the Hankooks would compare to other tyres in regards to sidewall rigidity, I would assume they are quite tough though.The design of the tread blocks has a significant effect on road noise levels too, if that matters.
PumpkinSteve said:
Road noise is a little bit of a concern, I wouldn't really mind if the ride were softer. I don't really know how the Hankooks would compare to other tyres in regards to sidewall rigidity, I would assume they are quite tough though.
There is little logic to side wall rigidity and it doesn't tend to bear any relation to the compound of the tyre. The only way to really know what to get is to either try them (which is a bit tricky) or read group tests. I think the information you may be looking for is this;
Different tyres from different manufacturers can make the car feel very very different.
Tyres, of the same size, can vary in perceived stiffness, grip, ride quality and handling.
You may be better sticking with the same size tyre, but looking for one that’s advertised as providing a smooth ride.
Different tyres from different manufacturers can make the car feel very very different.
Tyres, of the same size, can vary in perceived stiffness, grip, ride quality and handling.
You may be better sticking with the same size tyre, but looking for one that’s advertised as providing a smooth ride.
Snowboy said:
I think the information you may be looking for is this;
Different tyres from different manufacturers can make the car feel very very different.
Tyres, of the same size, can vary in perceived stiffness, grip, ride quality and handling.
You may be better sticking with the same size tyre, but looking for one that’s advertised as providing a smooth ride.
Yeah, you might be right. My Dad switched from Continental to Michelin of the same size and said the Michelins were really hard and noisy, although I would assume they'd last longer.Different tyres from different manufacturers can make the car feel very very different.
Tyres, of the same size, can vary in perceived stiffness, grip, ride quality and handling.
You may be better sticking with the same size tyre, but looking for one that’s advertised as providing a smooth ride.
Matt UK said:
What car are we talking about here?
Fiesta with standard rims and tyres. I've been on the Ford Owners Club forum and there are a few complaints similar to mine. I do live out in the country where the roads are crap so that doesn't help matters.Just thought I'd update. I checked the tyres and apparently Ford are fitting extra load tyres to new Fiestas for some reason, even though they only weight a ton 
Someone has offered me a straight swap for 15" alloys, so I'll be going from 195/45 R16 Hankook S1 extra load to 185/55 R15 Continental Premium Contact. I'm hoping it's going to make a significant difference.
Someone has offered me a straight swap for 15" alloys, so I'll be going from 195/45 R16 Hankook S1 extra load to 185/55 R15 Continental Premium Contact. I'm hoping it's going to make a significant difference.Sidewall stiffness and vertical compliance are the main factors here. You could try a different brand of tyre. I changed from Continentals to Michelin Primacy on my BMW and improved the ride significantly.
The other obvious thing you can do at no cost is to drop the tyre pressures on your current tyres. Drop down in 1/2 psi increments. You will be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in ride.
pp
The other obvious thing you can do at no cost is to drop the tyre pressures on your current tyres. Drop down in 1/2 psi increments. You will be pleasantly surprised at the improvement in ride.
pp
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