Vantage suspension "softens" as it warms up?

[LTP]

This is probably another stupid question/thread from me. I have a 2015 V8 non-S Vantage with less than 10k miles on it and I've noticed that when I drive it from cold, as it covers miles and everything warms up and settles down the suspension seems to become less jittery over small road imperfections and the ride quality seems to get significantly better. I'm still wondering if the suspension is actually getting slightly more compliant as it warms up, or am I just getting more dialled into the car - I also have a daily driver (that's far more softly sprung and damped - soggy, even - than the Aston) so I don't drive it every journey.

I can't say this phenomenon is one I've noticed with the myriad of other cars I've owned or driven over the years. Anyone have opinions or shed any light?

[bogie]

Mmmm....I have had a similar experience but think its mostly my imagination. Driving a Range Rover sport daily and 2012 non S Vantage Roadster on nice days. This has the factory sports suspension as standard. The first few miles always seem a bit more bumpy, it does not matter which way I turn out of my road onto the main road. At first thought maybe it was flat spots on the tyres when Ive left it a couple of weeks, but I even notice it after a few days.

Could just be subconscious thing after getting out of a comfy sprung car into something more firm....if I drive the Vantage every day or for longer journeys I dont seem to notice as much.

[AstonV]

If the temperature out is cold your tires will be stiffer . Your tires will warm up as you drive. Possibly what you are experiencing.

[bogie]

AstonV said:

If the temperature out is cold your tires will be stiffer . Your tires will warm up as you drive. Possibly what you are experiencing.

that makes sense, will try to test that theory out next time

[Manx V8V]

I agree, tyres at this time of year especially are pretty hard when cold, the older they get and the more heat cycles they have endured the more pronounced the difference between warm tyres and cold tyres.

[LTP]

Interesting feedback, thanks. I'd not thought of the tyres. As I'm still on the original Bridgestones which, at nearly 5 years old are starting to perish, and the ambient temperature is low at the moment, I'm probably experiencing the worse of all worlds.

I plan to fit a set of Michelins in the spring so I'll see if that makes a difference, as I've been told that the Michelins are quieter and give a better ride "out-of-the-box" than the original Bridgestones, even when new

[RL17]

Tyre pressures increase 10% or so (on TPMS display) from cold as tyres and air warms up though.

It could be you notice ride more in first few minutes 10 to 15 mins or so or slower roads and on mine it's far less compliant than other cars I mainly drive.

Once warmed up I'm usually on faster & better roads and car/suspension feels way better above 50 mph or so and car does seem to hug roads and perform better at those speeds and by that time you've got more things to concentrate on.

[huntsen]

LTP said:

I plan to fit a set of Michelins in the spring so I'll see if that makes a difference, as I've been told that the Michelins are quieter and give a better ride "out-of-the-box" than the original Bridgestones, even when new

Fit the Michelin PS4Ss at the first opportunity. I replaced my Bridgestones at a similar age and was astounded by the way the car felt better planted on the road afterwards. OK, the geometry was checked on a Hunter set up at the same time, when all but one measurements in the front and rear suspension was within limits, but even then, the car handled so much better once it was going where the wheels were pointing.
Bridgestones are unaffectionately known as 'Bridgerocks' and not without reason. The Michelins are more pliant without any loss of grip.