Handling

[OMG513]

Hi,

Maybe just a newb question but i would like to ask why when we change our rims and tyres to a slightly larger say from a 17x7 to a 18x9. The handling of the car feels stiff and not so responsive. I thought the wider base would of made a better handling car. I understand that the manufacturer have made the settings of the suspension to accomodate the stock wheel sizes say 17x7. If this is the case how do modify the car to suit the new rims and tyres. This has been the case with a few cars that i've owned and other people i know as well. Also even after a complete wheel allignment it dosen't make it better.

Thanks,

Ken

[mad082]

going to a bigger rin tyre should make the suspension feel stiffer (because you are going to a lower profile tyre so there is less give in the tyre sidewall), but i'm not sure about being less responsive. depending on the road that you were on it may be that the smaller sidewall and less give in the tyre is making the tyre skip across the road surface as it can't deform as much to follow the surface of the road or it may be the different tyre compounds. withouth actually driving the car i can't really say though.