Tyres for softer ride

[Liam2016]

Hi all,

im driving an x type 2.2d auto, 2008 facelift. 125000 miles.

im wondering if I can improve the ride with some new tyres - I'm currently on 225/45ZR17 94W and was wondering if I can get something with a deeper profile for a softer ride... I've searched through some of the bigger tyre companies but they don't all offer a deeper profile option... so uncertain as to whether this will work...

id also consider changing wheels to 16' but again would value thoughts on whether this would make a difference - if anyone has experience of an x type on 16' do let me know.

the car drives perfectly well just keen to get the smoothest most comfortable ride I can as I mainly do motorway journeys. It's great up to 50/60mph but at 70 it's not quite the same. Number one priority is smooth comfortable ride rather than any sporty/handling concerns. 

Many thanks all. 

[Dougden]

I am running Yokohama's on 16" (on when I bought the car) and the ride is quite firm, so I would not recommend them and I will be changing them soon.

I have recently started working for a major UK tyre distributor and handle all types and makes of tyre everyday, and it is amazing how different the various brands are.  I am finding that even though the sizes and specs may match, the strength/firmness of the walls vary considerably along with the weight of the tyre.

Again, looking at the same spec of tyre, I have found Yokos, Bridgestone and Dunlops appear to be heaviest and have quite stiff walls.  Obviously the economy brands such as KwikFits Arrowspeed are lighter, will wear quicker and probably won't perform well under the weight of our cars.

Most of the quality car dealerships that we supply seem to order Pirelli or Continentals and I believe the P6000 with a "J" marking was put on both the the X and S Types at the factory, so they may be the best option for comfort.    However, this is not a recommendation, just my own thoughts and what I will probably be changing to.

Good luck.

 

 

  

[Liam2016]

Thanks for this - really helpful.

Is there any way to get a higher profile of tyre on 17" to help get a smoother ride?

L

 

[Guest]

Hi Liam

I hope this is not miles too late

I just picked up an x-type and went through the researching process to reduce my 18" with a 225/40 down to something I expected would give me a smoother ride on today's diabolical roads.

I used  http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=225&aspect=40&diameter=18&wheelwidth=7&offset=40&width2=225&aspect2=50&wheel_size=17&wheel_width=7&offset2=40

that link to check if the wheel tyre combo would fit.  Once I had that info I sourced a set of 4x 16"  X10 wheels from e-bay and once received had them checked and reconditioned.  Once that was done I fitted Firestone Roadhawk 205/55 to them.  I was expecting a much smoother ride of course.   I can honestly say the ride wasn't a great deal better in my opinion.  The Mrs says it's loads better, but I'm not as impressed as she is.

I must say the wheels look a lot better though - but the price tag wasn't to be sniffed at.  Wheels - £79.99, Full recon in Skoda Black Sparkle £288, tyres £220 (I did get £80 of iTunes vouchers included in that price).

Attached pics for interest only

[Liam2016]

Thanks for these replies folks and sorry I haven't been around on the forum much, pretty hectic here. Really appreciate your help though. (Quite a mean looking machine you've got there Tony!) I had an MOT due last week - front tyres needed replacing, and the front left wheel had a taken a knock. So needing to get back on the road in 24 hours just got the one wheel done and new tyres. Has made an incredible difference, really happy with the ride and feel of the car now, that wheel knock must have been the main reason. Still tempted by 16s to see if that makes even more of a difference but hearing your experiences I think I'll stick rather than twist, as they say!

For information my new tyres are Landsails and were recommended by my local independent jag centre. Price £57 a corner including fitting and VAT. A reasonable price yet it has made a huge difference to the ride so not a bad place to start if like me you can't stretch to the price of big name premium tyres. 

Cheers. 

Liam

[Guest]

No worries Liam

If it helps, it's been worth it

Tony

[Jagnumpty]

So far everyone has skirted around the real reason you're car is giving a harsh ride. It's the wheel diameter/tyre aspect ratio.

For a given 'rolling radius' you need to alter the tyre's aspect ratio as the rim diameter changes. Huge 'fancy' rims require a lower aspect ratio of tyre to maintain the same tyre circumference.

Just to bugger things up, a very low aspect ratio means a tiny wall height which, in turn, means a stiffer tyre wall. Stiffer wall = harsher ride.

The only way to get a softer tyre wall is to increase the wall height and you can only do this (without making the speedo wrong) by going smaller on your wheel diameter.