Does your vehicle feel more like it is bouncing along the road rather than driving smoothly? Then it may be time to look at your tyre pressure, tyre condition, wheel size, and suspension system — all common reasons behind a vehicle that rides rough.
Whether you love off-roading, have a long commute to work, or enjoy long road trips, a smooth ride is key to an enjoyable, comfortable experience.
We put together this guide on common factors that affect ride comfort and the best ways to improve your car’s ride quality to help you cruise comfortably.
8 Ways to Improve Your Car’s Ride Quality
- Check Your Tyre Pressure
- Check Your Tyres
- Have Your Alignment Checked
- Don’t Go Too Big on Wheels
- Check Your Brakes
- Add Quality Seat Covers
- Check Your Suspension Components
- Pay Attention to Your Vehicle’s Height
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure
If your ride feels rough, our first recommendation is to check your tyre pressure. Over-inflated tyres are a common reason behind rough-riding vehicles.
When tyre pressure is too high, it stiffens the side walls. The reduction in pliancy results in a ride that feels jarring and anything but smooth.
Finding the right tyre pressure will lead to a smoother, more comfortable ride and will also improve your vehicle’s handling.
2. Check Your Tyres
If you’ve confirmed your tyres aren’t overinflated but your vehicle still rides rough, we recommend checking the quality and condition of your tyres.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Are my tyres worn out?
- Are my tyres damaged?
- Are my tyres unbalanced with the wheel?
- Is there a possibility of tyre separation?
- Are my tyres out of round?
- Are my rims bent or damaged?
- Am I buying the cheapest tyres possible?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, your tyres may be the reason behind any vibrating, wobbling, or roughness you feel while driving.
If your vehicle was riding smoothly until you hit a pothole or had another impact, it’s time to have your vehicle looked over. The rims or tyres may have been damaged by the impact.
An auto technician can also inspect your tyres and ensure they are balanced. If you are skimping out on quality tyres, you can also ask for recommendations on slightly higher priced tyres that will offer smoother performance. Often, touring tyres are an excellent option for most drivers, offering smooth riding and good efficiency.
3. Have Your Alignment Checked
If your vehicle is out of alignment, you may notice it pulling to one side, leading to poor handling, vibrations, and reduced comfort.
Poor alignments can also cause uneven wear and tear on tyres. Consider having your alignment checked to make sure your tyre and wheel angles are correct.
4. Don’t Go Too Big on Wheels
If you want the smoothest ride possible, avoid going too big with the size of your wheels. Instead, opt for a smaller wheel size with a thicker tyre.
When switching tyre size, avoid deviating too much from the original size. The consensus is to stay within about an inch of your tyre’s original setup. A vehicle’s suspension system is fitted to the original tyre setup. Dramatically adjusting the size could ruin the suspension.
5. Check Your Brakes
Damaged brakes can cause unwanted vibration and roughness, especially when applying the brakes. If you want to ensure a smooth ride, have your brakes inspected to make sure the brake pads aren’t worn or uneven.
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6. Add Quality Seat Covers
No matter how much effort you put into getting the right tyre pressure, quality tyres, proper wheel alignment, and wheel size, you’re still going to face inevitable bumps and rough roads while driving.
Quality seat covers can absorb some of the jarring impact, resulting in a smoother, more cushioned riding experience.
Learn More: 6 Benefits of Car Seat Covers
7. Check Your Suspension Components
If you are dealing with a bumpy, jarring ride rather than a smooth one, your suspension is another area to pay attention to. Suspension components, such as shocks and struts, are meant to absorb bumps and decrease vibrations. When these suspension components are old or worn out, consider having them inspected and replaced if necessary.
8. Pay Attention to Your Vehicle’s Height
If your vehicle has air suspension, it is important to pay attention to your car’s height. If you notice your vehicle seems to have a different height than normal, it may be a sign of damaged suspension components.
A damaged air pump or leaky air springs will cause your vehicle to sag closer to the road, causing an increase in how many vibrations you feel while riding. If you suspect damaged suspension or notice your vehicle seems lower than usual, set up an appointment to have an inspection completed by an auto technician.
Need More Advice on a Comfortable Ride?
Tyre pressure, tyre quality, suspension components, vehicle height, and wheels all have a significant effect on ride quality. The right accessories can also make a difference in creating an enjoyable riding experience.
At Shevron, we’re committed to supplying products that enhance your comfort and extend the life of your vehicle’s interior. If you’re interested in convenient accessories for your car, quality seat covers, sun shades, or dashboard covers, browse our range of quality auto accessories or give us a call at (08) 9451 4155 or email our team at sales@shevron.com.au.