Hard riding Genesis sedan.

[dickster]

Hi Folks,
Just picked up my 2010 Genesis 4.6 sight unseen. I sat in one but never drove one. Been driving Toyota Avalons the last three cars I've owned and I find I feel all the bumps in the Genesis that I never felt in my Avalons. My wife is particularly sensitive to the ride in the passenger seat.

I checked the tire pressure and it was as high as 35 so I lowered it to the recommended 33. Anything else I could do to soften the ride? How low can I go with the tire pressure? I don't know how many pit stops I'll have to make per hour at my age.
Thanks
Dick

 

[jwaters943]

I rarely say this, but there is a search function for a reason.

http://www.genesisowners.com/hyundai-genesis-forum/search.php?searchid=362127

Cliffnotes: Upgrade the tires and keep the tire pressure low (may want to downsize to 17" wheels/tires). Everything else seems to have very little appreciable benefit from what I've read. Best tire choices seem to be: Continental Extreme Contact DSW, Bridgestone Turanza Serenity, or Goodyear ComforTread.

Honestly though, about 80-90% of new cars sold today ride firmer than the Avalon (with the possible exception of the Touring model). The Avalon is a cushy cruiser ala Buick. The Genesis is a sport/luxury sedan and without an air suspension or other significantly softer aftermarket suspension option it will probably never be as absorbent/relaxed over broken pavement and bumps as the Avalon.

IB4 Mark disagrees with me and says the suspension is a simple fix.

 

[dev]

I have 7000 miles on my 2010 4.6, I traded a 430ls lexus. We noticed the stiffness you talk about. The hiway ride is superb. Keep you tire pressure at about 30 to 31 and soon it will loosen up and you will find you will appreciate the superior ride on good roads and the harshness will be reduced. We both, my wife and I, prefer the Genesis ride.

 

[Mark_888]

IB4 Mark disagrees with me and says the suspension is a simple fix.

It may be simple in this case, because 35 psi is way too high. 33 is also too high IMO, and was probably specified to increase MPG. I would set it to 31 psi (which is what I use). All of my previous cars specified about 26-28 psi, so 31 is still plenty.

However, the Genesis is not a Toyota/Lexus, and it is going to have a lot firmer ride by design. IMO the early model 2009's are much worse than the 2010 models on less than perfect roads, but it is not just a question of firmness, but a jitteryness in certain situations (even at slow speeds). In fact, the problem with the early 2009's is that the shocks are too weak (and the springs are too strong relative to shocks). 2010 has much better balance between shocks and springs.

 

[jwaters943]

I personally would not go lower than 33psi because the tires may start to wear more on the outer edge, but that's just me.

 

[Mark_888]

I personally would not go lower than 33psi because the tires may start to wear more on the outer edge, but that's just me.

I am not sure what basis you have for saying that. One can put the same tires on many other cars that specify tire psi below 30 psi (including my last car which specified 26 psi). The 33 psi specified by Hyundai is not the spec for the tire, it is for the car (probably heavily influenced by desire to achieve stellar MPG numbers).

I have been running my Genesis at 31 psi for a long time (and probably a little less between air checks) and have experienced no unusual tire wear. In fact, it seems I may get far better tread life than the average person in this forum based on some other threads I have seen concerning the OEM tires. I currently have 12,000 miles on the tires and could go at least 25,000 - 30,000 miles based on past tread wear.

 

[jwaters943]

1) Many things can effect tread wear greatly, including but not limited to: PSI, driving style, road conditions in your area, and type of driving (stop and go city vs. highway). The fact that you seem to be getting great tread wear doesn't disprove anything since there is no way of truly knowing that you wouldn't be getting even better life out of the tire by running 33 PSI.

2) It is always best, at least in my experience, to follow manufacturers recommended tire pressures for maximum performance. The PSI recommendation listed on the drivers side door jam takes into account several factors including the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and wheel/tire sizing.

3) Lowering the PSI below the recommended level by even 10% can increase tire wear and decrease fuel economy due to the extra rolling resistance. You're only running 6-7% below the recommended rating so the differences are probably quite small, but I'd be willing to bet so are the differences in ride quality.

But hey, if it works for you great! I just wouldn't do it. I mean, if the owners manual calls for 5 quarts of oil you're not going to give it 4.6 quarts are you? That's kind of how I see it, but to each their own.

 

[Mark_888]

1) Many things can effect tread wear greatly, including but not limited to: PSI, driving style, road conditions in your area, and type of driving (stop and go city vs. highway). The fact that you seem to be getting great tread wear doesn't disprove anything since there is no way of truly knowing that you wouldn't be getting even better life out of the tire by running 33 PSI.

My tread is wearing perfectly even, which is what you were concerned about. I can say without reservation that 31 psi will not cause uneven tread wear on the Genesis.

2) It is always best, at least in my experience, to follow manufacturers recommended tire pressures for maximum performance. The PSI recommendation listed on the drivers side door jam takes into account several factors including the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and wheel/tire sizing.

There are two manufacturers here, the auto company and the tire company. If the exact same tire is recommended to be run at 26 psi on another vehicle (by the other auto maker), then I would say it is safe to run at 31 psi on the Genesis. Now, if one were driving with the full rated load (about 1600 lbs ?) and/or towing a trailer, that would be different.

3) Lowering the PSI below the recommended level by even 10% can increase tire wear and decrease fuel economy due to the extra rolling resistance. You're only running 6-7% below the recommended rating so the differences are probably quite small, but I'd be willing to bet so are the differences in ride quality.

The difference in ride quality was noticeable to me, but it is easy for each owner to judge for themselves. While one will probably get better MPG with a higher tire pressure (probably the main reason Hyundai recommends 33 psi), braking and traction on slick surfaces will be reduced. Obviously, there needs to be a reasonable trade-off between rolling resistance and braking performance, and I think 31 psi is perfectly fine.

But hey, if it works for you great! I just wouldn't do it. I mean, if the owners manual calls for 5 quarts of oil you're not going to give it 4.6 quarts are you? That's kind of how I see it, but to each their own.

This is a very bad example, especially for V6 owners. The Genesis Owners Manual and the Shop Manual both say to add 5.49 US quarts with an oil drain and fill on the V6, but when doing that our dipsticks read about 3/4 quart over the "F" mark on the dip stick. Very bad example.

 

[jwaters943]

Like I said, whatever works for you. Just don't pretend that you know it all and/or you know better than the manufacturer which clearly states 33 PSI.

BTW, I knew you'd take my oil comment and twist it into another argument, because that's what you do. Way to totally miss my point. If the dipstick said you were a tiny bit low on oil would you continue to operate the car without adding more oil even though it drove fine? I don't think so.

 

[Mark_888]

Like I said, whatever works for you. Just don't pretend that you know it all and/or you know better than the manufacturer which clearly states 33 PSI.

I certainly don't know it all, but you clearly seemed to indicate that someone who lowered their tire pressure a little was in some kind of danger. I don't think that is accurate advice, since the tire pressure was probably set by Hyundai to achieve higher MPG than for any other reason.

I sincerely don't understand how different car manufacturer's can recommend different tire pressures for the same tire (on similar weight cars), and then someone claim that there is one objective number that everyone must use or be in some kind of peril. I understand that it could affect the handling and braking, but I don't think there would be any adverse wear on a tire running at 31 psi.

BTW, I knew you'd take my oil comment and twist it into another argument, because that's what you do. Way to totally miss my point. If the dipstick said you were a tiny bit low on oil would you continue to operate the car without adding more oil even though it drove fine? I don't think so.

If my dipstick said I was "a tiny bit low on oil", I would not add more oil. According to everything I know about cars, almost any engine will operate fine unless it more than a one quart low, although I would probably add some oil if got more than 1/2 quart low (but not a "tiny bit low on oil"). I hope I am not twisting what you said, and tried to quote you exactly.

But (interestingly) if I drain the oil on my V6, and add 5.49 US quarts per the Hyundai Owners Manual, and the dipstick reads 3/4 quart over "F", should I take some oil out? I personally don't know the answer to this one, but Hyundai doesn't seem to know the answer either if you read all the threads on this subject.

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[Disaster]

I agree that you can go lower on the tire pressure...say to 30-31psi, without any issues except a tiny loss of fuel economy. You will see a much greater effect going to a smaller wheel size and softer sidewall. I noticed a difference going from the 18" wheels with Dunlops, to 17" wheels and winter tires.

Having said that, short of installing the Korean air suspension, you won't ever get the Genesis to ride anywhere near as soft as the Avalon, which is often referred to as the Japanese Buick. When designing the U.S. Genesis suspension, Hyundai targeted more sporty suspensions of European sport sedans, like BMW.

I've worked for a vehicle manufacturer so I have an idea of the things that go into recommending tire pressures. Safety, handling, comfort, fuel economy, are all considered and weighed to different degrees, depending on the vehicles intended purpose (for example a sports car might run a higher pressure than a luxury cruiser.) Manufacturers also aim for a pressure that has a factor of safety on either side. This way if a person inflates a bit too much, or too little, they won't get into safety issues.

 

[Bear]

I really don’t want to get in the middle of this fine discussion, but to put what Mark is saying in very few words is that Michelin’s, or any other mfg. use and care manual should not be followed and personal preference is the rule of the day. I don’t have a problem with that position, its Mark’s car and tires. If he wants to set the pressure at 20 psi or 50 psi, I don’t care. The uninformed should be told that there is a recommendation from Hyundai on the driver’s door and to read the tire manufactures instructions. Then they can make their own informed decision.

 

[ASHDUMP]

I took my tires off and solely riding on the rims. Traction in the winter isn't that great so I usually put some grit around the rim and it helps.

 

[Sayantsi]

Hi Folks,
Just picked up my 2010 Genesis 4.6 sight unseen. I sat in one but never drove one. Been driving Toyota Avalons the last three cars I've owned and I find I feel all the bumps in the Genesis that I never felt in my Avalons. My wife is particularly sensitive to the ride in the passenger seat.

I checked the tire pressure and it was as high as 35 so I lowered it to the recommended 33. Anything else I could do to soften the ride? How low can I go with the tire pressure? I don't know how many pit stops I'll have to make per hour at my age.
Thanks
Dick

Its a sports sedan, not an Avalon, so it will have a stiffer suspension. There's not much you can do to soften it up until you replace the stiff springs with something softer.

I'm also curious, you bought the car without driving it even once?

 

[ImInPA]

I took my tires off and solely riding on the rims. Traction in the winter isn't that great so I usually put some grit around the rim and it helps.

And you can use railroad tracks too. Brilliant!!! Have you noticed any increase in road noise since removing the your tires from the rim? I think you should consider replacing the Alloy Wheels with some Stamped Steel rims as I have heard they wear better and, who could argue the classic look of stamped steel wheels without hubcaps. Pure class...plain and simple.

 

[CUMan]

I have followed all the discussions about the Genesis suspension for many months but have not chosen to enter the fray. So much of the various comments involve subjective feelings that may or may not be the same among different people.

My previous car was a 1993 Lexus LS 400 that I had driven for about eleven years. The suspension in that car was certainly softer than the Genesis; however, it did not handle as well in cornering.

I downgraded the wheels when I bought my Genesis, going from the 18" wheels to the 17". I was aware of the numerous postings concerning the Genesis suspension and assumed that the 17" wheels would give a smoother ride. When my 55 series Dunlops wear out, I intend to change to 215-60-R17 tires in the hope that the ride will be better.

One suggestion I would make to anyone considering buying a Genesis sedan is to find a concrete freeway with expansion joints during their test drive. If they are happy with the ride over this type road, I think they would find the ride on other roads to be excellent.

One comment about tire pressures. I tried using 30 psi when I first got the car. This is apparently very close to the lower limit of the TPMS system. When the weather got cold last autumn, the warning lights started to come on. I had to raise the pressure to about 32-33 to keep the warning lights off. 30 psi would probably work during the warm months and would likely make very little difference in tire wear. However, it would likely have to be raised when the colder months arrived.

 

[ajls09873]

HMA tuned it for North America Market.
Genesis suspension set as premium sports sedan-like.
Korean version Genesis is cushy and floaty driving saloon. (like traditional Buick)
Even Korean motor jorunalist criticize cushy Korea genesis.
HMA thought american consumers dislike Buick-like driving.

--------------------
During an early review by South Korean reviewer, Hyundai Motor America responded that the South Korean market favors a different kind of large luxury sedan, one that's softer, more luxurious, and more Buick-like; while the North American version would have more sporty suspension.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/27/hyundai-motor-america-responds-to-cranky-south-korean-journalist/

However, even the stiffened model still has much softer feel than Mercedes-Benz E550.
http://www.motivemag.com/pub/feature/versus/Motive.shtml

 

[Cut-Throat]

One comment about tire pressures. I tried using 30 psi when I first got the car. This is apparently very close to the lower limit of the TPMS system. When the weather got cold last autumn, the warning lights started to come on. I had to raise the pressure to about 32-33 to keep the warning lights off. 30 psi would probably work during the warm months and would likely make very little difference in tire wear. However, it would likely have to be raised when the colder months arrived.

I believe that you can calibrate the TPMS system to whatever Tire Pressure that you want. - That is the way it works on my Lexus GS350.

Correct me if I'm wrong on the Genesis TPMS.

 

[Disaster]

I believe that you can calibrate the TPMS system to whatever Tire Pressure that you want. - That is the way it works on my Lexus GS350.

Correct me if I'm wrong on the Genesis TPMS.

I believe you are correct but a dealer must do it. I recall reading the TPMS goes off at 28lbs, by default.

 

[ajls09873]

BTW, if hyundai were to follow everybodys opinion they wont progress…