Increasing Tyre Aspect Ratio For Comfort

[JAS21]

So Mrs J bought  her Mazda Lantis new in 1996. We replaced the front and rear suspension units about a year ago. Not really wanting to pay ‘Mazda Money’ left it with the guy at the garage to fit something suitable. Looking back it could have been an error not to use Mazda Genuine Parts!

 

Initially it felt rock like … MrsJ went direct to the import company and they said that they would soften in 500kms or so, and they did, but not enough.

Later found out anyway that they were the only company in Thailand that can suppl y  ‘after market’ suspension unit for her vehicle.  

 

Options appear to be stick with it, or bite the bullet with Mazda. But I’m wondering if changing tyres from 185x65x14 to 185x70x14 would improve the ride. That’s an increase in aspect ratio of about 9mm. There looks to be plenty of room in the wheel arches, see pic

 

In addition the tyres are three and four years old so will be somewhat harder anyway, plenty of tread left though.  
 

A good way to go or ……. If so I want a tyre built for comfort and quietness ….Final option is 'bin it' and buy a new Mazda 3, but that seems silly as it's only used for a run-a-round anyway.

 

P.S. ... the tyres have almost 100% N2 inside, seems to keep the outside of them clean  

[NanLaew]

Since the tires are the first level of shock absorption, choosing a softer composite tire would seem like a solution. Not sure if changing the aspect ration from 185x65x14 to 185x70x14 will do much. Since your factory suspension has already been 'tweaked' it may also open a can of worms. The car is too old to make a Mazda rework financially sensible so maybe try filling them with regular air first? I would recommend Maxxis tires as that's what Mrs NL got to replace her hard and noisy OEM Michelins on the CR-V. Cheap as chips too.

[transam]

Have you tried dropping the tyre pressure a couple of pounds...

[JAS21]

3 hours ago, NanLaew said:

Since the tires are the first level of shock absorption, choosing a softer composite tire would seem like a solution. Not sure if changing the aspect ration from 185x65x14 to 185x70x14 will do much. Since your factory suspension has already been 'tweaked' it may also open a can of worms. The car is too old to make a Mazda rework financially sensible so maybe try filling them with regular air first? I would recommend Maxxis tires as that's what Mrs NL got to replace her hard and noisy OEM Michelins on the CR-V. Cheap as chips too.

Thanks to both of you... Mrs J talked to Maxxis . On the website it says MA 918 but they are saying now replaced with MA P3 so will be 2016 tyres of some month.

 

They are offering four tyres for 5500thb. Even Trans's Thunderer are almost 2000thb each where I have seen them advertised.  

 

Madam didn't ask about 70 Section as the site didn't advertise them.  Dropping the pressure improves things, it actually drops on it's own, but the steering is somewhat heavier. Something to ponder ... thanks

[gdgbb]

" P.S. ... the tyres have almost 100% N2 inside, seems to keep the outside of them clean"

 

Well there's another advantage of using nitrogen, it keeps the tyres clean!

[transam]

13 hours ago, gdgbb said:

" P.S. ... the tyres have almost 100% N2 inside, seems to keep the outside of them clean"

 

Well there's another advantage of using nitrogen, it keeps the tyres clean!

Seems you have no sense of humour..........

[ClutchClark]

15 hours ago, JAS21 said:

Thanks to both of you... Mrs J talked to Maxxis . On the website it says MA 918 but they are saying now replaced with MA P3 so will be 2016 tyres of some month.

 

They are offering four tyres for 5500thb. Even Trans's Thunderer are almost 2000thb each where I have seen them advertised.  

 

Madam didn't ask about 70 Section as the site didn't advertise them.  Dropping the pressure improves things, it actually drops on it's own, but the steering is somewhat heavier. Something to ponder ... thanks

 

Dropping tire pressure results in lower fuel economy and premature tire wear so there are trade-offs.

 

Nothing funny about that. 

 

 

[transam]

8 minutes ago, ClutchClark said:

 

Dropping tire pressure results in lower fuel economy and premature tire wear so there are trade-offs.

 

Nothing funny about that. 

 

 

Think my suggestion was to see if it had the mandatory 50psi...

[ClutchClark]

4 minutes ago, transam said:

Think my suggestion was to see if it had the mandatory 50psi...

 

I hope you don't smoke as much as your emoticon. 

[transam]

4 minutes ago, ClutchClark said:

 

I hope you don't smoke as much as your emoticon. 

That is me when l had hair.....

[pgrahmm]

65 to 70% height to width wouldn't change much....If they have it a 75 might be better - as well as lowering the tire pressure slightly....It's possible that your tires were hardening when you had the suspension work done so you zeroed in on it right away.....Usually Michelin tires give a cushy ride.....

 

You'll have a little less footprint/grip on the road but more cushion....

 

A stiffer suspension is usually better for handling as well as wear & tear.....Of course, the smaller the vehicle the more vibration.....

 

And - we're in Thailand, where some potholes can swallow small cars, scooters,  & some livestock so that doesn't help much.....

[gdgbb]

5 hours ago, transam said:

Seems you have no sense of humour..........

Actually seems that I have but you missed it.  By a mile.

[transam]

Just now, gdgbb said:

Actually seems that I have but you missed it.  By a mile.

Was that with or without nitrogen........

[gdgbb]

Just now, transam said:

Was that with or without nitrogen........

Surely you mean nitrous oxide?