I got new tires about 3 weeks ago, Bridgestone turanza serenity plus. They had a very harsh ride, so traded them in for Michelin Premier a/s hoping they would be better. Unfortunately, they are just as bad. Im at my witts end. Paid $1000 for tires and now my car rides very rough on the smallest of bumps. Any suggestions? I loved how the rsa's rode but couldnt stand the hydroplaning. I did ALOT of research before purchasing these tires and was told the Michelins were very good riding, just cant figure out why they are riding so rough on my car but not others. I just got the Michelins on Tuesday. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Im about the take these off and put the old rsa's back on.

 

Have you experimented with different tire pressures?

 

No, I just made sure they were 33psi cold.

 

What size rims do you have? The sidewalls on the RSA's are a bit soft. That adds to the soft ride that they offer. When you get a more performance inspired tire, the side walls are stiffer.

 

They are the stock 18" rims. Tires are a 245/45/18. The michelins were rated to be very comfortable tires, and so were the bridgestones. I dont think I can deal with the harshness of the ride, it jars the car every bump I hit. I gave $1000 for these tires and Im ready to put the goodyears back on just to have my smooth riding car back.
I thought with going with a touring tire instead of performance tire would give it a better ride, not worse.

 

How many miles have you put on the tires? The last time I bought a set of tires the ride was stiff and horrible for the first 50 miles or so and then they calmed down for lack of a better term.

 

I put Michelin Primacy MXM4's on mine and love them. They were never harsh, a huge upgrade in ride from the horrible stock tires.

 

My experience is exactly the opposite of yours. The stock RSA's were harsh, wandered, hydroplaned, and became very noisy as they wore.

I have 10,000 miles on the Michelin A/S Premiers and love them. Much quieter, smoother ride, wet traction is the best of any tire I've driven on. Dry traction is on par with a summer tire.

These car's are not that smooth and the tires are low profile. I doubt any tire with a 45 series sidewall would make a tremendous difference in how harsh the car rides. Something else might be wrong with yours...

 

Right now I have around 400 miles on them

 

Make sure they are 33 psi.
After that, I think you just are feeling what new tires are like.
Maximas are not really known for being a really soft ride.

 

I have the Michelin Premier A/S's and have a smooth, comfortable ride. Noticeably better than the GY RSA's.

 

Agreed, double check that the PSI is at 33. If everything checks out, including shocks then you may need to go with a tire that has a soft side wall.

Many years ago I remember going from a summer ZR rated tire by Yokohama to a grand touring radial by Yokohama. The ZR rated tires had very stiff side walls and were a pretty sticky tire, one of the best handling tires I've ever had. Didn't even last 20k miles though. That was the main reason I went with the touring tire, and the reviews about it being a very comfortable tire. A little after putting them on I took a sharp turn and had to pull over as I thought there was something wrong. There was nothing wrong, just the sidewalls were very soft. I even called Yokohama about this...tires were just designed this way. That tire was a very comfortable tire, one of the most comfortable tires I've had...they didn't handle very well when pushed though. You may need to look for a tire like this. You will be giving up some performance, but gain a little more comfort.

 

I just got the Continental PureContacts a few days ago. I cant really comment on the ride quality since I still have the RSA's on the front wheels. I recommend you go to tirerack web site and compare the two tires you've bought along with the conti's and rsa's. It's possible your RSA's are less harsh because they are worn out. The RSA's are a failure at every possible category based on the ratings.

Check this out.... : http://forum.mazda6club.com/wheels-t...ml#post3539454

 

Love my Michelin Pilot Sport AS/3's.

 

Now I am getting a squeaking noise coming from the passenger side area. Can be heard inside and outside of the car when hitting bumps or rough patches of road. Have an appointment already set up with dealer, any thoughts on what this could be?

 

Most likely the rear sway bar bushing. totally unrelated to your tires...

 

This or gas shocks compressing, also normal

 

I put these on my max about 3 months ago. Very Happy with them. Put a set of HANKOOK on it. lasted about a week then back to the tire store and had them taken off for the Michelins. Hated those HANKOOKs,