Better ride on winter tires

[old farmer]

Our new Mazda 6 has 18" low profile tires.
I put on 16" winters and the wife says it rides smoother.
BFG winter slalom KSIs.
Maybe I should go with higher profile tires for the summer, which means new wheels.

 

[oggb]

Bet those 18" tires cost pleeeeenty too.

 

[The_Jeff]

even in the same size snows are squishier so they handle worse but ride better, as long as you don't get a resonance roar from the tread.

 

[Old Mustang Guy]

When I went from 17's to 18's on my Mustang GT the ride firmed up a bit, which is ok by me because I like the handling. On a typical car like a Mazda 6, however, I don't see the point. I would opt for the smoother ride.

 

[rpn453]

Yeah, most higher trim level vehicles seem to be going with tires that are unnecessarily low-profile for street use. If a softer ride is desired, it's best to get the dealer to do a swap when the car is purchased. How many kilometers are on it? Maybe the dealer could still help you out.

 

[NMP]

I had the same experience replacing General Altimax HPs with Altimax Artics. I haven't pushed them hard so I can't comment on handling but they are definitely softer riding over cracks and small heaves.

 

[sciphi]

Yep, the rubber is softer so it can be pliable at low temperatures, or so I think.

I noticed the same thing with the General Altimax Arctics on my Buick. Much "smoother" than the Pirelli P4's, which are a very stiff-riding tire.

The Generals will howl loudly when they're pushed on dry pavement. Whatever, it's a snow tire, not a summer tire.

 

[Colt45ws]

Yeah, the Blizzaks ride like a marshmallow compared to the 18" summer tires I run.