Are New Tires generally Stifffer?

[JBT]

I recently replaced the old stock Bridgestone Dueler HT (5 yrs old, 85000 km) on my Toyota SUV with Yokohama Geolandar HT-S. All specs are the same except that the new tires have better UTQG ratings. I've driven the new tires for about 400 km already and they are good except that the ride is a bit stiffer/harder now even though I put in the same tire pressure as before.

Is this expected of new tires (maybe due to the thick tread?) and would it ride better after a few more hundred kilometers?

 

[Eddie]

I've usually found new tires are more flexible. At least the tires I've bought. Tires seem to get harder as the miles accumulate.

 

[brentalan]

I've noticed slightly stiffer new tires a little bit and it does seem to get better after some driving, but never such a difference that it bothered me. More likely the Yokohama is just a stiffer tire overall if its that noticeable. You could drop a few PSI, that would be no big deal and might make you like the ride better.

 

[Ramblin Fever]

I've had Yok's and I've had Bridgestones;..yok's are a stiffer tire all around.

However, I've also noticed after installing new tires on any vehicle, it takes about 800-1k miles to get them to settle in, in all aspects.

 

[charbaby]

You'd have to compare the same exact tire. For example: Your old Bridgstone Dueler HT with brand new Dueler HT. As long as the manufacture didn't change the compound chemistry or sidewall stiffness(or lack of) or redesign the tire and still call it the Dueler HT, then the new tires should feel "NEW"

Comparing different brands, even in the same tire catigory is just that; comparing different brands!

The old tires sidewalls might feel less stiff(due to age/mileage) compared to the new tire but the tread should have gotten harder, as rubber(or whatever compound used) gets harder as it ages. Harder tread often leades to longer tread life. Tighter gaps in the tread(rather than larger spaces) also contributes to longer tread life...But, this is another subject entirely!

 

[FZ1]

Depends on the tire. Lol. It's only gonna get stiffer. Make sure you are using the same cold tire pressure as the door jam placard. I adjust in 1/2 pound increments.

 

[JBT]

Thanks for the inputs. The difference isn't really bothering but I did notice it. Hopefully the ride does get better after a few more miles. I've been running +2 psi over the recommended pressure so I'll also try going back to the recommended pressure.

 

[FZ1]

2 psi can make a big difference in comfort. Good luck with it.

 

[pavelow]

Originally Posted By: JBT
I recently replaced the old stock Bridgestone Dueler HT (5 yrs old, 85000 km) on my Toyota SUV with Yokohama Geolandar HT-S. All specs are the same except that the new tires have better UTQG ratings. I've driven the new tires for about 400 km already and they are good except that the ride is a bit stiffer/harder now even though I put in the same tire pressure as before.

Is this expected of new tires (maybe due to the thick tread?) and would it ride better after a few more hundred kilometers?

Yes, new tires are usually a little stiffer until they get some miles on them and "loosen" up. Also, make sure the tire "tech" didn't put the max air psi in them.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I've usually found new tires are more flexible. At least the tires I've bought. Tires seem to get harder as the miles accumulate.


I've experienced the same. My experience has been a quieter, softer ride when tires are new. As they age they seem to get harsher riding, and they most definitely get louder.