Winter -> Summer Tires: Questions
#1
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Question](https://www.rx8club.com/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Hopefully some tire experts can explain this to me.
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
Could someone explain why I've noticed these things? I've gotta admit...I never thought I'd say this but I actually *miss* the winter tires!
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
Could someone explain why I've noticed these things? I've gotta admit...I never thought I'd say this but I actually *miss* the winter tires!
#3
05 STi/05 Titan
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Williamsport, PA
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd have to agree with Dark8 on this one. I've experienced this both times I switched wheels from winter to summer.
First time, I thought there was something wrong with my car, but after a couple days you'll soon realize that the winter wheels/tires just made the car more numb.
First time, I thought there was something wrong with my car, but after a couple days you'll soon realize that the winter wheels/tires just made the car more numb.
#4
Originally Posted by th1rd3y3
I'd have to agree with Dark8 on this one. I've experienced this both times I switched wheels from winter to summer.
First time, I thought there was something wrong with my car, but after a couple days you'll soon realize that the winter wheels/tires just made the car more numb.
First time, I thought there was something wrong with my car, but after a couple days you'll soon realize that the winter wheels/tires just made the car more numb.
#5
I've observed the same thing and the following blurb from tirerack.com makes sense:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=47
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete....jsp?techid=47
Noticeable increases in tramlining are frequently uncovered when drivers living in the
snowbelt make the seasonal changeover from winter tires to summer tires, or when any driver upgrades the performance of their tires using either the same size or going to a "Plus Size" tire and wheel package. The reason that it becomes more pronounced then is because neither the typically narrower and softer handling winter tires nor the Original Equipment tires generate as much grip or responsiveness as the higher performance summer tires. Since the vehicle's suspension works as a complete package, a higher performance tire will also uncover any previously unnoticed looseness in the rest of the suspension.
snowbelt make the seasonal changeover from winter tires to summer tires, or when any driver upgrades the performance of their tires using either the same size or going to a "Plus Size" tire and wheel package. The reason that it becomes more pronounced then is because neither the typically narrower and softer handling winter tires nor the Original Equipment tires generate as much grip or responsiveness as the higher performance summer tires. Since the vehicle's suspension works as a complete package, a higher performance tire will also uncover any previously unnoticed looseness in the rest of the suspension.
#6
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From this thread: http://rx8web.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=12879
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
#7
Originally Posted by khtm
Hopefully some tire experts can explain this to me.
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
2. lower profile tires causes the car ride more harsh making it feel more 'jittery.' thus making the car 'pull' when riding over slightly bumpy roads.
3. again, bigger/wider wheels giving you less space against things like curbs. i think its mostly driver error
![Wink](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/wink.gif)
4. different tread pattern. pretty much all performance based tires produce more road noise than a typical radial or snow tire.
everything you are experiencing is normal
#8
Originally Posted by khtm
From this thread: http://rx8web.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=12879
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
as long as the arrows are pointing in the direction that the wheel spins, you are ok. clockwise is correct.
#12
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by th1rd3y3
You are correct.
Can someone else with the stock Dunlops let me know?
BTW, I think the tire pressure was mostly to blame. I went from ~30 to 36 and the ride is much better now.
#13
Originally Posted by khtm
Are you guys serious?? So what is it?? Some people say all tires having the arrow clockwise is normal, some say it's not...
Can someone else with the stock Dunlops let me know?
Can someone else with the stock Dunlops let me know?
#15
Originally Posted by khtm
Hopefully some tire experts can explain this to me.
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
Could someone explain why I've noticed these things? I've gotta admit...I never thought I'd say this but I actually *miss* the winter tires!
I had winter tires (17" steel rims with Toyo Garits) since October and just had them taken off and my summers (stock 18") put back on.
Now here's what I've noticed:
- the steering feels harder (more force is required) which makes the car seem "heavier"...it's not as nimble as it was before, but once I do get the car turning it seems quite agile...almost twitchy
- it's a lot harder to drive in a straight line, takes more concentration...depending on the angle of the road the car pulls to the left or right
- I've already scraped the stock rims AGAIN parallel parking...I never did this once with the winter tires (how unfair!)...what's the deal with that?
- I hear more road noise
Could someone explain why I've noticed these things? I've gotta admit...I never thought I'd say this but I actually *miss* the winter tires!
Note also that you'll get use to it again soon.
F
#16
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by NoCones
They're rotation arrows. They should point in the direction the tire will rotate. Unless you drive predominantly in reverse, that means arrows on the driver's side should have the arrows pointing counter-clockwise and arrows on the passenger side should be going clockwise.
If all the arrows go clockwise when looking at the tires, that would mean that in order for some to go counterclickwise on one side of the car, the tires will have to be flipped *on the rims*. So I doubt the dealership would have done this, which leads me to believe the tires have always been wrong...or have they?
![Frown](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/frown.gif)
#17
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
By the way, the arrow I'm referring to is the little arrow in the Dunlop logo (http://www.dunloptire.com/)
#19
I have the Bridgestones. I don't even know if the Dunlops are directional. If they are, the rotation arrow is not the Dunlop logo...there would be a separate arrow that says "rotation" under it, most likely.
#21
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
2 Posts
I'm still getting used to the tramlining and more precise steering with the summer Potenzas back on... on the way back from the dealer I freaked out when it started pulling hard right because a rut in the road. It's amazing the difference the different rubber compounds make (my winters are also 18", using the same OEM rims).
#22
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tire Rotation Direction
Originally Posted by khtm
From this thread: http://rx8web.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=12879
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
...I was paranoid that my tires might be on the wrong sides of my car...
So I checked the tires and all the "directional" arrows on the sidewalls are pointing clockwise, when looking at the tire. Is this how they're supposed to be?
I have the stock Dunlops, btw.
Forgive me for feeling this is a wind-up. Most high performance summer tires are unidirectional. As you noted, there is a directional arrow on the sidewall. At all 4 wheels it is essential that the arrow points in the direction of tire rotation (counter-clockwise as you look at the wheel!!) if anybody has two that point the other way, it means the ass_ole who mounted those tires to the rims had no clue of what he/she was doing. They got it 50% right only. The two where the arrow points the wrong way need to be taken off the rims, turned around and remounted onto those rims so the the arrow which is currently on the inside, becomes the arrow on the outside..and lo and behold, one will find it points in the right direction.
Final point - high performance treads are designed as unidirectional for grip and water clearance reasons. Lots of complex physics, mechanics and all sorts of wierd contact patch science going on down there.
If anyone finds they have two tires rotating the wrong way, i`d suggest a rapid re-visitation tothe place that mounted them to get them fixed.
Good luck
Tom
#23
I like rusty spoons
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,959
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for your comments, Tom.
What about the tire TREADS? All mine are pointed in the same direction, yet all my arrows (near the Dunlop logo...heck these might not even be directional arrows) point *clockwise* when looking at each tire.
Still confused here...
What about the tire TREADS? All mine are pointed in the same direction, yet all my arrows (near the Dunlop logo...heck these might not even be directional arrows) point *clockwise* when looking at each tire.
Still confused here...
#24
Dredging up an old thread but at least I searched ![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Changed from my 17inch Conti winter tires yesterday back to by OEM 18 Potenzas and really thought I had screwed something up. Just felt so twitchy and heavier to turn. Apparently this is normal.
I also noticed that they only had 26 psi in them after storing them for winter and I put them up to 31 psi.
Just in case any other new owner's were wondering the same as me I figured I'd post here instead of making a new thread.
![Smilie](https://www.rx8club.com/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Changed from my 17inch Conti winter tires yesterday back to by OEM 18 Potenzas and really thought I had screwed something up. Just felt so twitchy and heavier to turn. Apparently this is normal.
I also noticed that they only had 26 psi in them after storing them for winter and I put them up to 31 psi.
Just in case any other new owner's were wondering the same as me I figured I'd post here instead of making a new thread.