car feels funny after changing to summer tire/wheels
 

Hello,

I haven't used this setup since November, but ran it for about 6 months before that, so I thought I would remember it more. I definitely remember being in love with the setup, even if the ride quality wasn't that good obviously.

After switching back to this setup today, I am not happy with it and it feels off to me. It feels as if the alignment is off, it feels as if a bump will make the steering turn very slightly, nothing crazy but enough. I feel like I have to have both hands on the steering wheel and don't remember feeling like this last year..I remember feeling like I was incredible precise, and had so much confidence driving. I remember the change from OEM tires to the RE-71 being very drastic to me also BTW, not liking the heavier steering, but once I got used to it, i fell in LOVE and said I would buy these tires again, for the good confidence in driving. Even the winter setup made me feel confident, now I kind of feel like the steering is just a little bit off. Is this normal for the extra grip and I just forgot? Do I simply have to get used to this again? I have the tire rotation facing the right away, the tires were stored indoors, and I filled each tire up to 35psi btw.

Thank you for the help!

I feel like this every time I rotate my tires. It's a rwd thing. My Nissan 240 and my El Camino both feel the same way with fresh grip. However, I would still look into an alignment.

Well, as @Mr Nerd mentioned, I too would recommend you have the alignment checked.

If the alignment is on spec, and your wheels are on tight and up on air ..... I reckon you just need to get over it.

(when you put your summer wheels back on, did you put them in the same positions on the car that they came off from .. ??)


humfrz

What temperature is it there? Still may be a bit cool for the summers to feel right. Although technically fine for anything over 40 they will still be a bit firm up until 50 or even 60.

Is the car pulling in a direction (right or left) when you don't hold the steering wheel? Try in some straight road for a few seconds. If yes, then you need alignment.
In general, when you change to extreme performance tires you'll have heavier steering and it'll read the details of the road. Some people praise about this, because the car feels that it doesn't have electric steering. If you don't like it, then these tires are not for you and you should try something more mild (e.g., Michelin PSS).