I posted this under another thread but wanted to make sure it got read so I put it here as well. Well, here is my report on my new Kumho Solus KH16 225/60/17. They corner great. They seem to grip nice. They are quiet and smooth on smooth pavement. They wander all over on the highway. It feels a little like I have a very heavy trailer hooked to the back. I am open to ideas. It seems unlikely it is an alignment problem. Everything was fine with the Wranglers. I've tried various tire pressures. I think Discount Tire will make a deal on a swap but I'd like to have some ideas on what to switch to. Note I have 17 inch rims and I'm planning to run snow tires on my old rims so...I'm looking for nice handling and smooth riding. With no twitching wandering!
Help!
S

I used to have a modified Subaru that I run Dunlop FM901 on. The has close to 300hp and always stuck great. Treadwear was great and very quiet. I don't know what sizes the tire comes in but great tire would recommend it for anything. Oh yeah not expensive either.

It's called tram lining. You put on wider, stickier tires and now they are following the grooves in the roads the semi's made. It is very common. That's the tradeoff to getting wider, sticker tires, they stick to the road no matter where the road happens to be going.

I had a similar experience with my new tires, especially on uneven pavement like HectorsGTI mentioned. It went away after they had a chance to break in.

Still, it wouldn't hurt to get a front end alignment with new tires. It's good insurance that they will last longer.

i had the same experience as well on my honda civic. went from a 165 tread width to 205 (4cm!) - the first few weeks they gripped the road to the point of being scary at some points, but its gone away and the extra tread has great handling now.

For what it's worth, Element Art, I'd toss a few bucks to get your car aligned. New, especially wider tread will call attention to the slightest detail alignment-wise. Your original treads were "worn in" to whatever has become a "normal feel" to you. There may be something characteristic about your new tread pattern that adds to some tendency to "hunt", but it's usually easy to eradicate with a fresh alignment. I'd start there before considering changing tires.

. I've tried various tire pressures....
Help!
S

The alignment thing seems very possible....but I'd try some pressure adjustments.

Maybe 30 Front & Rear and then 30F and 35 R. See if it makes any difference....it should.

(It can't hurt.... and its free.)

Will

For what it's worth, Element Art, I'd toss a few bucks to get your car aligned. New, especially wider tread will call attention to the slightest detail alignment-wise. Your original treads were "worn in" to whatever has become a "normal feel" to you. There may be something characteristic about your new tread pattern that adds to some tendency to "hunt", but it's usually easy to eradicate with a fresh alignment. I'd start there before considering changing tires.
Any advice on where to take the E in the Twin Cities for expert alignment? I also lowered air pressure and that has helped.
S

Reducing air pressure is only masking the problem, Element Art. With little pressure in them, the front tires get too lazy to do much of anything, let alone demand your attention to direction. Any reputable tire retailer is OK. Alignment is all "by the book" now, and done with laser sights, so not much (if any) room for error. Tire/wheel size should make no difference, since it has to do with the tires' "stance" relative to each another; nothing else.

Only bad news is, I got an unanticipated bonus, so though I don't exactly need 'em, maybe it's time for me to get some "fresh feet" before my Element heads to the national meet in St. Louis. :neutral:

I got an excellent deal on some Mohawk Comanche tires. All weather, good tread for mud and snow... they aren't the most expensive tires on the market, but I tell you... I love them.

I'm trying an alignment as soon as I get some time next week. I'll update the thread when I get it done. ...and thanks for everyone's advice. Better see some pictures DrumminChick...of your new tires that is.

You can't see them that well here.... but I promise, I will take some up close ones just for you! :D