Feel the bump?

General discussions about the Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Matrix. New members, introduce yourself here!
Post Reply
Vibe2009
Posts: 217
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:35 am

Feel the bump?

Post by Vibe2009 »

It seems the low profile 215/45R17 tire that comes with my vibe is absorbing the bump too well... It looks great, but just a little bumpy for now~ Anyone else feeling it? I guess is not the car design at fault, just me and my love for big wheels causing the blues...
Red Hot Metallic 2.4L, 5sp Auto, 17" Chrome Clad wheels, XM
lowincash
Posts: 1072
Joined: Sat May 17, 2008 3:35 am
Location: Los Angeles

Post by lowincash »

i'm feeling the bumps pretty well...mine are 215/45/18's but i've recently changed the stock tires for some nankang tires and the ride is smoother and a lot quieter...i had no idea how noisy the stock tires were until i changed them out lol not sure about the 17's but the 18's that came with my car are pretty hard so i guess it's more bumpier.
Image
-- 2009 Vibe GT in Jet Black
shemp
Posts: 261
Joined: Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:14 pm

Re: (lowincash)

Post by shemp »

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »...i had no idea how noisy the stock tires were until i changed them out...I'm glad to hear that. I think the car is pretty loud at 80mph, and I was hoping it was just the tires.
2009 Vibe GT
Vibe2009
Posts: 217
Joined: Sun Oct 05, 2008 8:35 am

Re: (lowincash)

Post by Vibe2009 »

so what brand of tire did you get?
Red Hot Metallic 2.4L, 5sp Auto, 17" Chrome Clad wheels, XM
lowincash
Posts: 1072
Joined: Sat May 17, 2008 3:35 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: (Vibe2009)

Post by lowincash »

the brand i got were nankang...i didn't really care about brand...i just asked them for a quieter and softer tire...i think it was 98 bucks a tire.
Image
-- 2009 Vibe GT in Jet Black
GT_4
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:38 am

Post by GT_4 »

I've got the 215/45 17 Eagle RSA's and let's say that these are not the quietest tires in their category. I've had them also on my Mazda Millenia and i had swap them for Yokohama's.Ciao
Silversn95
Posts: 153
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:18 am

Post by Silversn95 »

These cars in general have a relatively stiff ride compared to some other small cars. I know even our '09 base vibe rides on the stiff side so you guys with the GT must really feel all the bumps on the road. At least one advantage of the ride is the little amount of roll you get in the corners considering the tall ride height.
2009 Pontiac Vibe - 1.8L 5-speed 1SB Carbon Gray Metallic with 20% tint
lowincash
Posts: 1072
Joined: Sat May 17, 2008 3:35 am
Location: Los Angeles

Re: (Silversn95)

Post by lowincash »

maybe it's the short wheelbase on these cars that gives a stiffer ride? i've read cars that have longer wheelbase have a smoother ride.
Image
-- 2009 Vibe GT in Jet Black
mikey123
Posts: 17
Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2008 2:16 pm

Re: Feel the bump? (Vibe2009)

Post by mikey123 »

Compared to my 2002 Mazda Protege, my AWD Vibe with the 17" wheels feels smooth as silk. I guess it is what you are used to that affects your perception. For a small car, I think the Vibe has a nice ride and the bumps I do feel don't bother me.
Silversn95
Posts: 153
Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2008 9:18 am

Post by Silversn95 »

Compared to an '08 Focus I had as a rental the Vibe has a stiff ride. The Focus is better at absorbing the impact. There is nothing wrong with it, just stiff or some might say tight!
2009 Pontiac Vibe - 1.8L 5-speed 1SB Carbon Gray Metallic with 20% tint
Post Reply