^^^I understand what you're trying to do (regarding increasing pressure) and again thanks for the detailed analysis. Not having tried the tires myself, really not much I could add.
Do keep in mind though over inflation definitely affects traction negatively. Also, not normal for outer edge to be worn more in this car, no? Could there be something wrong with the alignment?
A guy I talked to last week has the DWS on his scion TC, same size as our wheel, and he loves them. He said they have great wet weather traction, and after over 8k on them, still handled and sounded great. He even said they were worth the small premium he paid for them over other tires.
On the set of wheels I just got, they have these tires on them. Now, there's not a whole lot of tread left on them, maybe 1/4 left but I left them on because I'll be taking them off come winter and didn't see the need to get new tires when I don't drive a lot anyways. Back to topic, I am noticing a LOT of road noise from these tires and a slight wobble from one of the fronts. I'm thinking maybe I should get them rebalanced or maybe switch the sides to see if that helps any. I know they aren't directional tires but would it create problems if these tires have been run in one direction since they were new and now going the opposite direction they are giving me a little wobble plus the loud road noise?
On the set of wheels I just got, they have these tires on them. Now, there's not a whole lot of tread left on them, maybe 1/4 left but I left them on because I'll be taking them off come winter and didn't see the need to get new tires when I don't drive a lot anyways. Back to topic, I am noticing a LOT of road noise from these tires and a slight wobble from one of the fronts. I'm thinking maybe I should get them rebalanced or maybe switch the sides to see if that helps any. I know they aren't directional tires but would it create problems if these tires have been run in one direction since they were new and now going the opposite direction they are giving me a little wobble plus the loud road noise?
Make sure the rims you bought aren't bent. The tires themselves shouldn't wobble unless the wheel or tire itself is deformed.
Not sure, I have only driven it once since I put them on. I'll try it out tomorrow and see what exactly is happening. I can say that it is pulling to the right now just a bit which wasn't happening with the stock wheels/tires on.
Actually just went for a ride tonight and I get nothing through the wheel and I don't even feel anything in the ride of the car but still hear the "woo woo woo woo woo" of something not quite right. As far as I can tell, it's the right front that's doing it and i don't think the wheel is bent. Worst case is I may take it in somewhere and see if it's maybe off balance or maybe the tire is messed up or something. Still though, it might be me not being used to a larger wheel on the car (18's), but it still seems like a lot more road noise than the stock 15's (steelies) that were on it.
They have 225/40's on them. I wnet over the wheels pretty good when I cleaned them up before I even put them on so I'm pretty sure they are nice and straight and not cracked anywhere. Like I said, I think it's a weight issue and I'll be taking it somewhere and have them balance them and see if that cures it. I don't feel a thing in the wheel or the ride of the car (minus a very slight pull to the right) so I don't think there's anything up with the wheel. If anything it's either weights or the tire is messed up somehow. Also, I have a LX so no concerns there. The ride is a little stiffer but not a big deal to me. I ride around in tractor trailers and tri-axles all day so I'm used to a not so smooth ride.
225 x .40 = 90, wow that's even thinner side profile than the stock SX tire 215 x .45 = 97? And I thought 214 x .45 is already among the thinnest tire in this car class!
I agreed that you should have tire shop balance/inspect rim/tire. Assuming they check out ok, it wouldn't surprise me at all if the noise is a result of a very low profile tire (less rubber, stiffer side wall) that is getting old. As mentioned, large rim & thin tire combination is not always best for EITHER ride or handling; it's done only for its look. Based on my experience with the SX for example, I would have opted for 16 rim even, not the 17 that it comes with, and definitely not 18 (YMMV).
Best of luck - hope everything will check out ok for you.
- starting to slip on wet surfaces, especially when cornering semi-hard or from a standing start. Due to the tire spin, sometimes the traction control kicks in. Road Condition: slight rain and about 40 degrees (F). Still, it's a lot better than Goodyear LS2.
- Did not yet encounter hydroplaning, but I am driving more cautiously since the tires began slipping
- Wear and Tear. Not much. I can clearly see all of DWS wear marks. Maybe these set could last upto 40K+ miles.
- Ride comfort. A bit hard on cold weather. I am now keeping the front at 32 psi and the rear at 31 to 32 psi.
- Noise level... Due to slight uneven wear, the noise level is higher than when new... but I am getting used to it.
My wife and I both have SX sedans and about 12 months ago with about 30K on the original LS tire and not a lot of tread left put DWS tires on our cars. She has abour 32K on hers and I have about 24K on mine. We found dry handling to be about the same, the DWS was better on wet and much better on snow. A local car dealer, not KIA, had a $5 over cost special so we got our tires for $119 a piece and with mount, balance, tax, and fees was about $600 per car. I found some cheaper tires, but none had the good reviews or milage warranty that the DWS tires had. I am more regular about getting my tires rotated than my wife, but I think we will get 50K out of each set and plan to buy them again when worn out. My wife still would prefer a small suv, with since we got the DWS tires she is more comfortable in her Forte.
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