It’s small, light, and the tires kinda suck. You’ll get blown around a bit. You’ll get used to it. If you don’t, get better tires. I remember my 21 being like that. It got better as the tires wore, and is mostly gone now that I have new tires.Hi all - newbie forte owner here,
Recently moved and bought the Forte LXS for mpg (increase of 88% windshield time - yeah, i know - awesome timing w $5.00 fuel). Anyway, I've only had this car roughly a week and while I'm enjoying everything else about the car, I am very disturbed by its inability to handle wind (even less than 10 mph head winds or side winds) thus far. The wheel and handling between 75 - 80 is not easy to control and the car shifts within the lane constantly and very easily (swaying from side to side in an almost cyclical motion), almost like the front end wants to lift off the ground (I know that is not going to happen, but sensory wise it feels this way). When I get out of the car (after an hour drive, with any wind) I feel like I've been on a boat or canoeing on the water all day. I might actually have to start taking dramamine to reduce the feelings I am getting from driving this vehicle (never had this with other compacts - prius or passat). I know very little about the '21 and previous Fortes and whether this '22 design has enough changes to the front end that aerodynamics could have been overlooked with this latest design? I did do a quick google of 2020's and 2021's and they don't look much different in design. Still, I'm concerned that I've invested in this car and won't be able to get past this constant side to side sway and feeling of no control (with or without lane and steering assist applied).
Has anyone else had previous models prior to '22 that didn't have this issue, but have noticed it with the MY 22 design? I will admit I've been driving a half ton silverado for 7 years (both long and short distances) and maybe I'm just sensitive to this smaller and lighter vehicle. But I've also driven a passat on the same trip/roads and have never felt this type of sensation. Maybe I will get used to this, but I'm seriously considering contacting the dealer and discussing my options.
Thanks!
Aerodynamics on freeway/internstate
Hi all - newbie forte owner here,
Recently moved and bought the Forte LXS for mpg (increase of 88% windshield time - yeah, i know - awesome timing w $5.00 fuel). Anyway, I've only had this car roughly a week and while I'm enjoying everything else about the car, I am very disturbed by its inability to handle wind (even less than 10 mph head winds or side winds) thus far. The wheel and handling between 75 - 80 is not easy to control and the car shifts within the lane constantly and very easily (swaying from side to side in an almost cyclical motion), almost like the front end wants to lift off the ground (I know that is not going to happen, but sensory wise it feels this way). When I get out of the car (after an hour drive, with any wind) I feel like I've been on a boat or canoeing on the water all day. I might actually have to start taking dramamine to reduce the feelings I am getting from driving this vehicle (never had this with other compacts - prius or passat). I know very little about the '21 and previous Fortes and whether this '22 design has enough changes to the front end that aerodynamics could have been overlooked with this latest design? I did do a quick google of 2020's and 2021's and they don't look much different in design. Still, I'm concerned that I've invested in this car and won't be able to get past this constant side to side sway and feeling of no control (with or without lane and steering assist applied).
Has anyone else had previous models prior to '22 that didn't have this issue, but have noticed it with the MY 22 design? I will admit I've been driving a half ton silverado for 7 years (both long and short distances) and maybe I'm just sensitive to this smaller and lighter vehicle. But I've also driven a passat on the same trip/roads and have never felt this type of sensation. Maybe I will get used to this, but I'm seriously considering contacting the dealer and discussing my options.
Thanks!
Recently moved and bought the Forte LXS for mpg (increase of 88% windshield time - yeah, i know - awesome timing w $5.00 fuel). Anyway, I've only had this car roughly a week and while I'm enjoying everything else about the car, I am very disturbed by its inability to handle wind (even less than 10 mph head winds or side winds) thus far. The wheel and handling between 75 - 80 is not easy to control and the car shifts within the lane constantly and very easily (swaying from side to side in an almost cyclical motion), almost like the front end wants to lift off the ground (I know that is not going to happen, but sensory wise it feels this way). When I get out of the car (after an hour drive, with any wind) I feel like I've been on a boat or canoeing on the water all day. I might actually have to start taking dramamine to reduce the feelings I am getting from driving this vehicle (never had this with other compacts - prius or passat). I know very little about the '21 and previous Fortes and whether this '22 design has enough changes to the front end that aerodynamics could have been overlooked with this latest design? I did do a quick google of 2020's and 2021's and they don't look much different in design. Still, I'm concerned that I've invested in this car and won't be able to get past this constant side to side sway and feeling of no control (with or without lane and steering assist applied).
Has anyone else had previous models prior to '22 that didn't have this issue, but have noticed it with the MY 22 design? I will admit I've been driving a half ton silverado for 7 years (both long and short distances) and maybe I'm just sensitive to this smaller and lighter vehicle. But I've also driven a passat on the same trip/roads and have never felt this type of sensation. Maybe I will get used to this, but I'm seriously considering contacting the dealer and discussing my options.
Thanks!
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
It’s small, light, and the tires kinda suck. You’ll get blown around a bit. You’ll get used to it. If you don’t, get better tires. I remember my 21 being like that. It got better as the tires wore, and is mostly gone now that I have new tires.
Appreciate the insight! I was wondering if different tires might be an option. I will put roughly 30k miles on it this year, so that change could come fairly quickly for me. Thanks again.
As they wear they will get better. A couple thousand miles later on mine I didn’t notice anywhere near as much. If it still bothers you by the time your tires are worn, do a bunch of research and get a better tire suited to your needs/preferencesAppreciate the insight! I was wondering if different tires might be an option. I will put roughly 30k miles on it this year, so that change could come fairly quickly for me. Thanks again.
Does your car have Lane Keeping Assist? Mine does and it drove me crazy on Missouri's poorly marked roads. Turn LKA off and see if you notice a difference. I would also make sure your tire pressures are correct and equal. You may want to consider having your alignment checked.
I think, however, you are experiencing what I did with my new Forte
I, too, noticed a bit of Forte "dartiness" on the highway over my previous midsize car. After awhile I figured out the Forte's steering is a lot quicker and more responsive than what I had been used to. With each highway drive I seem to get used to the Forte a bit more. I can see how a person going from a pickup to a Forte would tend to overcorrect with steering inputs for awhile.
I think, however, you are experiencing what I did with my new Forte
I, too, noticed a bit of Forte "dartiness" on the highway over my previous midsize car. After awhile I figured out the Forte's steering is a lot quicker and more responsive than what I had been used to. With each highway drive I seem to get used to the Forte a bit more. I can see how a person going from a pickup to a Forte would tend to overcorrect with steering inputs for awhile.
Getting used to the way a new car handles will make a big difference. The OP is used to the way his Silverado handled so he will have to adjust to this smaller vehicle!Does your car have Lane Keeping Assist? Mine does and it drove me crazy on Missouri's poorly marked roads. Turn LKA off and see if you notice a difference. I would also make sure your tire pressures are correct and equal. You may want to consider having your alignment checked.
I think, however, you are experiencing what I did with my new Forte
I, too, noticed a bit of Forte "dartiness" on the highway over my previous midsize car. After awhile I figured out the Forte's steering is a lot quicker and more responsive than what I had been used to. With each highway drive I seem to get used to the Forte a bit more. I can see how a person going from a pickup to a Forte would tend to overcorrect with steering inputs for awhile.
Another thought: Is this your first car with electronic power steering? It has a different feel to it.
Also, I bet your previous pickup had a much longer wheelbase. Any steering inputs to a shorter 106 inch wheelbase are going to seem a lot more dramatic.
Also, I bet your previous pickup had a much longer wheelbase. Any steering inputs to a shorter 106 inch wheelbase are going to seem a lot more dramatic.
I'm remembering my last drive through Kansas and the constant crosswinds. 20-35 mph gusts did require more steering wheel displacement than my old midsize car. Not a great deal more, but noticeable. I attributed this to a lighter car, sort of like the difference between how a two-place Cessna and a four seat one reacts to crosswinds. An 18-wheeler going by at speed got my attention.
Small cars will always suffer from low weight...all I know is My Forte with GT2 and lane following is the most stable-feeling car I've every driven. (First car I've owned with lane following).I'm remembering my last drive through Kansas and the constant crosswinds. 20-35 mph gusts did require more steering wheel displacement than my old midsize car. Not a great deal more, but noticeable. I attributed this to a lighter car, sort of like the difference between how a two-place Cessna and a four seat one reacts to crosswinds. An 18-wheeler going by at speed got my attention.
It's a light vehicle. Can add more weight. Weight plates, bags of concrete.
Like when adding cinder blocks or sand bags to the back of the truck bed.
Like when adding cinder blocks or sand bags to the back of the truck bed.
But then it's even slower and mileage goes down the tubes.It's a light vehicle. Can add more weight. Weight plates, bags of concrete.
Like when adding cinder blocks or sand bags to the back of the truck bed.
Then add a spoiler for take off😂🤣😂🤣
It's mainly in the tires and lack of weight on the vehicle as has been stated. I hated the tires both my 20 and 22 GT's have come with. Once I switched over to my snow tires, it was night and day. Once I went back in the spring and eventually switched brands, it wasn't as bad then either.
Thanks all for all of your comments. Makes me feel a little better that I may get used to it, especially switching from a larger vehicle. I will use these tires and see where it goes and then maybe change them if it doesn't go away.
I shut the lane assist off @RandyM - it wasn't for me either. lol The sensor shows even tire pressure at 41. Maybe I'll drop that down to 38 and see if it helps. Also could get an alignment check just to make sure - although I would have thought that it would have come that way from the factory (had 25 miles on it when I drove it off the lot)
Also, it is my first car with electronic power steering, so maybe I need to read up on that and understand it better from a driving standpoint.
That's a good idea @mobileterminaluser about adding weight - just not sure where I'd add the weight in the front end. Trying to keep the mpg above 35 as it doubles my silverado. BTW I've been averaging right around 41 mpg which has been 95% Interstate driving - just fyi for others.
I shut the lane assist off @RandyM - it wasn't for me either. lol The sensor shows even tire pressure at 41. Maybe I'll drop that down to 38 and see if it helps. Also could get an alignment check just to make sure - although I would have thought that it would have come that way from the factory (had 25 miles on it when I drove it off the lot)
Also, it is my first car with electronic power steering, so maybe I need to read up on that and understand it better from a driving standpoint.
That's a good idea @mobileterminaluser about adding weight - just not sure where I'd add the weight in the front end. Trying to keep the mpg above 35 as it doubles my silverado. BTW I've been averaging right around 41 mpg which has been 95% Interstate driving - just fyi for others.
I believe factory recommended tire pressure for those is 33 psi - check the drivers door jamb for the sticker. I ran mine closer to 35 and it seemed happiest around there.Thanks all for all of your comments. Makes me feel a little better that I may get used to it, especially switching from a larger vehicle. I will use these tires and see where it goes and then maybe change them if it doesn't go away.
I shut the lane assist off @RandyM - it wasn't for me either. lol The sensor shows even tire pressure at 41. Maybe I'll drop that down to 38 and see if it helps. Also could get an alignment check just to make sure - although I would have thought that it would have come that way from the factory (had 25 miles on it when I drove it off the lot)
Also, it is my first car with electronic power steering, so maybe I need to read up on that and understand it better from a driving standpoint.
That's a good idea @mobileterminaluser about adding weight - just not sure where I'd add the weight in the front end. Trying to keep the mpg above 35 as it doubles my silverado. BTW I've been averaging right around 41 mpg which has been 95% Interstate driving - just fyi for others.
My suggestion - you are coming from a long wheelbase, wide, heavy, and tall vehicle to a short, narrower, short wheelbase, lightweight vehicle.
Don’t chase the problem now. You are getting used to a radically different vehicle than your old one. Give it at least a few months to get accustomed to it. If you’re still unhappy with it, then maybe consider switching tires early.
I will definetely check the factory psi. Maybe they come into the dealer low and some kid put them at 41 (maybe max load psi). I thought 41 was high but didn't think to check the door sticker and now you have me thinking. Sometimes you just gotta talk these things through!! lol
Thanks again @noturbonoproblem
Thanks again @noturbonoproblem
A 25lb weight plate, a bag of sand. Nothing extreme in the trunk. I used to drive a small 5 speed Toyota pick up in high school. Back end would wheel hop around so bad I'd lose traction. F*ck having a lidless drink. Started off with cinder blocks. Got tired of the weight shifting & bangings ended up with 2x 25lbs sand bags. That's helped so much.Thanks all for all of your comments. Makes me feel a little better that I may get used to it, especially switching from a larger vehicle. I will use these tires and see where it goes and then maybe change them if it doesn't go away.
I shut the lane assist off @RandyM - it wasn't for me either. lol The sensor shows even tire pressure at 41. Maybe I'll drop that down to 38 and see if it helps. Also could get an alignment check just to make sure - although I would have thought that it would have come that way from the factory (had 25 miles on it when I drove it off the lot)
Also, it is my first car with electronic power steering, so maybe I need to read up on that and understand it better from a driving standpoint.
That's a good idea @mobileterminaluser about adding weight - just not sure where I'd add the weight in the front end. Trying to keep the mpg above 35 as it doubles my silverado. BTW I've been averaging right around 41 mpg which has been 95% Interstate driving - just fyi for others.
That’s a truck with leaf springs though (my old 1st gen Taco did the same - kinda scary on bumpy turns on the highway). This is a totally different kind of thing. All that will do is take up space and mildly reduce acceleration, handing, braking, and mpg. It likely won’t impact much in terms of highway sway. The OP is making such a change in vehicle type that it’s incredibly different, and they’ll likely get used it as they get used to the new car, and if it’s too much of a jump they can upgrade the tires and it’ll pretty much go away completely.A 25lb weight plate, a bag of sand. Nothing extreme in the trunk. I used to drive a small 5 speed Toyota pick up in high school. Back end would wheel hop around so bad I'd lose traction. F*ck having a lidless drink. Started off with cinder blocks. Got tired of the weight shifting & bangings ended up with 2x 25lbs sand bags. That's helped so much.
Agreed. I turned it off on my 2019 FE, it "works", I was actually surprised how it kept the car in the lane even thru multiple curves, but by "nudging" the car a little pretty much constantly. PITA, IMO.Does your car have Lane Keeping Assist? Mine does and it drove me crazy on Missouri's poorly marked roads. Turn LKA off and see if you notice a difference.
I like it to turn on for a few seconds while reaching for something or trying to figure out something on the screen instead of driving with my knee. That’s about all I use it for though.Agreed. I turned it off on my 2019 FE, it "works", I was actually surprised how it kept the car in the lane even thru multiple curves, but by "nudging" the car a little pretty much constantly. PITA, IMO.
1 - 20 of 23 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Kia Forte Forum
Forte Forums are where you can talk about the latest Kia sedans including the Kia Forte5 and Kia Forte Koup.
Full Forum Listing
Top Contributors this Month
View All
2023BD
176 Replies
mobileterminaluser
135 Replies
Steve g
135 Replies
