Does Cold Temperature Make Firm Ride Firmer?

[davidnafwb]

Just wondering I have noticed with the temperature below 20 my Genesis 4.6's ride is somewhat harsh. Does temperature effect the ride. Also wondering if adding weight in the trunk will make the bouncy ride better or worse.

 

[STREETS]

YES! And when the cold brings on frost heaves in the road..hang on buckeroo!

 

[Rey]

Cold temperatures can affect ride quality. Your shock absorbers have oil in them, and when it is cold this oil "thickens"/ increases its viscosity. After several miles of driving the shocks do "warm up". It has always been a good idea to drive moderately on cold start up in cold weather so as to allow the shocks to warm up a bit.
This condition is more evident when temperatures are less than 15F and the car has cold-soaked sitting outside overnight.

 

[homeofstone]

Just wondering I have noticed with the temperature below 20 my Genesis 4.6's ride is somewhat harsh. Does temperature effect the ride. Also wondering if adding weight in the trunk will make the bouncy ride better or worse.

Yes, temp. does make a difference. When we had our 2004 Acura on mornings below 20F the tires had flat spots, the transmission would be slow to change, and the front shocks were stiff and noisy. The cold caused the car to ride stiff. I have never noticed much diffence with my 4wd GMC Suburban, however it is a truck.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Just wondering I have noticed with the temperature below 20 my Genesis 4.6's ride is somewhat harsh. Does temperature effect the ride. Also wondering if adding weight in the trunk will make the bouncy ride better or worse.

And as long as you're here, go update your profile page to indicate your new ride!

 

[davidnafwb]

Does adding weight in the trunk make the ride better or worse? Note I'm talking about in general not necessarily in cold temperatures.

 

[BacktoHyundaibychoice]

Does adding weight in the trunk make the ride better or worse? Note I'm talking about in general not necessarily in cold temperatures.

It has for some, others no.

 

[ctrcbob]

Just wondering I have noticed with the temperature below 20 my Genesis 4.6's ride is somewhat harsh. Does temperature effect the ride. Also wondering if adding weight in the trunk will make the bouncy ride better or worse.

Mine has a harsh ride even when the weather is hot. This is the only thing I hate about the car. When people ask me about the car (how do you like the Genesis), I tell them the good, the bad and the ugly, including the very harsh ride and let them decide.

 

[MrB0462]

Cold has two major impacts. As previously stated the shock absorbers are slower to react. Second the tires are stiffer and never reach optimal operating temperatures with produces 2 undesired results; 1. stiffer ride, 2. less grip as hard cold rubber does not hook-up.

Weight will not make ride smoother but can upset the balance of your car and adversely impact your handling.

Dave

 

[bradyb]

Just wondering I have noticed with the temperature below 20 my Genesis 4.6's ride is somewhat harsh. Does temperature effect the ride. Also wondering if adding weight in the trunk will make the bouncy ride better or worse.

Cold temperatures can and may affect the ride quality of your's or any other vehicle. The shocks/struts work on friction/resistance theory to dampen the rebound from the springs from inconsistencies in the road. The only thing that may help is applying heating pads when you park for the night, or parking inside a climate controlled room. Adding weight to your trunk may only be a good idea when your looking to increase traction over frosty or icy roads....and that may be minimal.

There are many types of shocks, and many difference designs. Just to keep it simple picture a contraption inside the shock that looks somewhat like the shower head in your bathroom. these small/tiny holes is what allows the oil to move through when the suspension moves. Now when its cold out side the oil inside can be like molasses. Just imagine trying to get that cold honey out of the container into your tea. Now water will move through those holes easily; too easily. That's why oil is used. When the oil is cold the damping factor is dramatically increased due to the thick matter being forced through the tiny holes ( this is commonly referred to as the valving) as the shock rebounds during a drive it will warm because of friction. When your driving hard on a circuit the shocks can get so hot that the viscosity of the oil is thinned. This compromises the shock and the oil can actually start to foam and the normal dampening properties of the shock change dramatically.

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