brewboy13

I would like a softer smoother ride on my Max that is why I bought the SL vs. the SE. Has anyone improved their ride with a better brand of tire or is it even going to help? Mine came with the Continental brand tires 17's of course. I just don't like feeling every bump unlike my wifes 04 Accord but it came with Michelin's. Don't get me wrong I love this car I guess I am getting too old or something.

lightonthehill

There is another same size Conti tire that several here have found to be clearly better than the OEM Contis. I can't remember the name offhand, but someone here surely will.

In the meantime, for those coming to the Maxima from 'plushmobiles', and don't plan on any racing on curvy roads, it may help to lower the tire pressure from the 33 pounds recommended for the SL to 32, or even 31. Mike_TX lowered the tire pressure on his SE from the recommended 32 pounds to 30, and, at last report, had been very satisfied with the improved ride.

brewboy13

I came from a 95 Max SE so it's an improvement but not as much as I would like. Thanks for the suggestions but won't lowering the pressure kill my tire life?

lightonthehill

The sad reality is that probably half the tires in any mall parking lot are underinflated by at least four pounds or more; some by five to ten.

If you are going to drive the Maxima around curves and corners as a sports sedan, I would advise keeping the pressure within a pound or two of the 33 recommended for the SL. If you are going to drive it as a sporty family sedan, then two or three pounds below the recommended pressure should not measureably reduce tire life.

It is more important to check your tire pressure regularly, keeping all tires at your chosen pressure, than it is to set them exactly at the manufacturer's recommended pressure then sort of forget them.