The last thing you want when driving around is to hear clunking, rattling, or feel every single pothole while traveling.
Most people try to ensure their vehicle goes for regular maintenance and that everything inside the car is working as it should be – but something we don’t often consider is the tires. We know the tires keep us attached to the road, but we often don’t consider them the culprit.
Many drivers don’t even have their tire pressure correct, so as you can imagine, they are one of the most neglected yet important things about the vehicle!
Here are a few ways that you can make your ride smoother by paying attention to your wheels.
Usage
Some drivers are naturally cautious and drive defensively, but others treat their car or vehicle more like a tank. Hitting the curb regularly, not swerving (carefully) out of the way of potholes, and never rotating are all huge red flags.
Every time we cause small areas of damage and don’t tend to them or get them inspected, we run the risk of more serious damage happening.
When you think about all of the small bumps you let your tires take, they add up to a bigger picture.
All vehicles have a maximum weight that should be carried, and if you are regularly exceeding that weight, it puts a lot of pressure on the tires and suspension. They will be working over their maximum capacity for the duration of that drive.
Sometimes, it is a driving style rather than outside influence if you break hard and fast rather than come to slow stops – this is very demanding on the tires.
Smaller Wheels
It might be surprising to hear but the bigger the wheel, the bumpier the ride. Opt for a thicker tire and smaller wheel, and upgrade your wheel rims too. These changes can give you a noticeably smoother ride without any larger modifications.
Keeping in mind that the car’s suspensions will be designed around specific wheel/tire combinations, though. Interestingly enough, base models for cars are typically fitted with the smallest wheel and tire coupling – meaning they often have a smoother ride, and won’t need these adjustments made later.
Right Tires
Tires are made for different purposes; for example, performance tires have increased traction – but that is due to the softer build. Performance tires won’t last that long, but a touring tire is likely to last much longer as it is designed for highway driving, town driving, and a speed of around 80 miles per hour (and not much more). You should also consider if you like in warm or snowy climates that tires designed for that are the best option.
Each tire offers something different, and choosing the right one will give you better fuel economy, too – not just a smoother ride.
Brakes
For those who are heavy breakers, you’ll find yourself needing to replace them a lot more often. Brakes can be one of the things that do impact how smoother your ride is. Seized or stuck brakes can grab the rotor when you’re not braking, leading to a judder in the car. Sometimes it is barely noticeable – but if you think this might be the cause, it is time to head to the mechanic.
Suspension
A worn, loose, or damaged suspension will cause the vehicle to feel either bouncy, wobbly, or feel like it is floating. The suspension holds the car over the wheels and absorbs much of what we might feel regarding bumps and potholes. However, if part of the suspension system isn’t working as you might like, the vehicle will show signs of this by shuddering.
If you have made adjustments to your tires and wheels and still find there is an issue, it is highly recommended to take it to a garage for further inspection.
Bonus Tip: Carry a Touchup Paint Kit
Consider adding a touchup paint kit to your essentials to ensure a smooth ride in your car. It’s a smart move in case of minor scratches or blemishes during your journey, helping to keep your vehicle looking flawless and your trip stress-free.
