Hey guys,

Just curious how much of an effect the sidewall thickness and/or tire size really have on the ride comfort. I recently got 215/50R17 Continental ContiExtreme Contacts on the front, since they don't offer them in 225. I've been asking around on the 5th gen forum, but haven't gotten any great replies, mainly b/c I previously thought the problem was the suspension (which some of it might be), but now I'm realizing that the ride problems in my car are probably due to the tires. Is it true that, since the tires on these cars are so low-profile, you are more likely to hear road noise and to physically feel the road much more? I feel everything--every little spec of dirt on the road it seems. I feel it in the floor and sometimes in the steering wheel. I suppose the only reason I find it so obnoxious is that my previous car, a 1995 Saturn SL1, had a smoother ride than my 2002 Maxima, which just shouldn't be. But is this b/c of the tires? What can I do?

Thanks for any help,
Brian

 

Did it feel that way before you got the tires?

If not, then I would say your thinking about the tires being the problem would be correct.

A smaller sidewall generally decreases ride comfort, increases noise, etc. I don't know that that marginal a difference would be that noticeable, but I've always run 225/50/17 myself so I can't say for sure.