Most comfortable tires and shocks/struts?

[Sluh]

I just bought 2012 (late 2011 production) 4.6 with 99k on it
While satisfied with a road noise and suspension in the city traffic on fairly smooth roads, where I test drove them, I'm not so happy on the highway trip we just took to vacations, especially past 70mph.
So I'm looking for a most comfortable tires that you're happy with to start with. No winter here. Just need a good dry/wet traction.

Also, are there some Korean domestic market part#s for shocks/struts? I understand they might be tuned for a softer ride there.

I'm DIY guy, can do pretty much everything on the car myself and understand that at 99k shocks most likely are worn, even with highway miles, but before getting stock ones, maybe someone will chime in with better option.

Greatly appreciate your shared experience.

 

[Mark_888]

I just bought 2012 (late 2011 production) 4.6 with 99k on it
While satisfied with a road noise and suspension in the city traffic on fairly smooth roads, where I test drove them, I'm not so happy on the highway trip we just took to vacations, especially past 70mph.
So I'm looking for a most comfortable tires that you're happy with to start with. No winter here. Just need a good dry/wet traction.

Also, are there some Korean domestic market part#s for shocks/struts? I understand they might be tuned for a softer ride there.

I'm DIY guy, can do pretty much everything on the car myself and understand that at 99k shocks most likely are worn, even with highway miles, but before getting stock ones, maybe someone will chime in with better option.

Greatly appreciate your shared experience.

The 2012 suspension is noticeably softer than the 2009-2011, so I would not mess with it. Most after-market shock and strut replacements are high-performance oriented and are usually stiffer than OEM. I don't think it is a foregone conclusion that your suspension is worn out, but you can get an opinion from a Hyundai dealer.

You didn't say which tires you have, but that can make a big difference on the Genesis. There are a lot of threads on the subject, but Bridgestone Turanza SERENITY PLUS are smooth riding (as the name suggests). Also the MICHELIN Primacy MXM4 is a good tire. Avoid anything that says "enegy saver" if you want the smoothest riding tires.

Also, check your tire PSI. Recommended pressure is 33 PSI cold tire pressure.

 

[Sluh]

What I got with the car are almost new "Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS" which I expected from the beginning to be a so-so and used as a leverage in the bargain. Before the trip I set tire pressure to 33psi cold.

My wife's 06 Sonata V6 used Michellin Pilot MXM4, that I was very happy with dry and wet. Next ones we put Michellin primacy MXM4 that were same very good too all the way down to 1/3 left, then they became extremely noisy, though when new they were one of the quietest tires I ever had. Now she wears Pirelli cinturriato P7 that are fairly quiet so far, but not as good in traction and handling as michellines were.

 

[Mark_888]

What I got with the car are almost new "Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS" which I expected from the beginning to be a so-so and used as a leverage in the bargain. Before the trip I set tire pressure to 33psi cold.

My wife's 06 Sonata V6 used Michellin Pilot MXM4, that I was very happy with dry and wet. Next ones we put Michellin primacy MXM4 that were same very good too all the way down to 1/3 left, then they became extremely noisy, though when new they were one of the quietest tires I ever had. Now she wears Pirelli cinturriato P7 that are fairly quiet so far, but not as good in traction and handling as michellines were.

I think the problem is your Firestone tires. On the Tirerack customer ratings, their noise rating is not very good.

Sounds like you have a good handle on which other tires would have a comfortable ride.

 

[n_tesla]

I replaced the stock Dunlops with Pirelli P Zero Nero All Seasons because I got a crazy deal. They made a big improvement. I've put 10k on these. They are wearing well, are quiet and good riding. I was disappointed with the Genesis before the tire swap. I probably would have sold it.

As happy as I am with the Pirelli I will replace them with Continental or Michelin when they wear out. I always try different brands but always come back to those.

 

[Sluh]

P zero nero I had on my Chevy minivan. Very average tires even there. Even cheapie general altimax 43 smth I have there now are better in all aspects. If those improved your genny, I can not believe what crap stock ones were.
Skimping on tires when MSRP is 40k$, unbelievable. Sonata LX had michellines as stock tires in 2006.

Ok, I will replace with P7 or MXM4 or serenity, whichever will make a better deal when I'm back from vacations and see if it improves the ride. Please add your favorites to the list. I have no experience with genny quite low profile tires to differentiate between suspension and tires when going over the highway joints.

 

[Mark_888]

P zero nero I had on my Chevy minivan. Very average tires even there. Even cheapie general altimax 43 smth I have there now are better in all aspects. If those improved your genny, I can not believe what crap stock ones were.
Skimping on tires when MSRP is 40k$, unbelievable. Sonata LX had michellines as stock tires in 2006.

Ok, I will replace with P7 or MXM4 or serenity, whichever will make a better deal when I'm back from vacations and see if it improves the ride. Please add your favorites to the list. I have no experience with genny quite low profile tires to differentiate between suspension and tires when going over the highway joints.

I believe that the P7's come in a couple of flavors (all season, summer, etc). The summer's seem to be the smoothest riding ones, but obviously not good for even the slightest snow.

 

[Sluh]

No snow in ATL to worry about. Although my experience with strictly summer Yokohama's on my toy VW Corrado is that it's not just about the snow, but the temperature as well. They become quite hard to the edge of uncomfortable when it's below 40F. Traction suffers too. Smooth as a butter and very grippy when it's 70+
Not an issue for a toy car, but we get quite a few cold weeks to be an issue on a daily driver.

 

[geops]

If you're not looking for all season tires then Continental DW and Bridgestone S04 are very good choices for performance and low noise. The latter wears out much faster than the former but has better grip. Keep in mind that these are tires that will give you 12K-20K miles only so you have to pick between performance and life.

 

[Mark_888]

No snow in ATL to worry about. Although my experience with strictly summer Yokohama's on my toy VW Corrado is that it's not just about the snow, but the temperature as well. They become quite hard to the edge of uncomfortable when it's below 40F. Traction suffers too. Smooth as a butter and very grippy when it's 70+
Not an issue for a toy car, but we get quite a few cold weeks to be an issue on a daily driver.

Good points. I would probably go with the Michelin Primacy or Bridgestone Serenity Plus.

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[Sluh]

Hmmm, surprised to see General AltiMAX RT43 are available in my size. I'm not a brand snob, more a bang for a buck seeker (who else would buy well used Genesis LOL) and as I mentioned before, I'm pretty satisfied with those on my minivan dry/wet/noise/ride, especially considering the price. Did anyone try those on a genny? They are also pretty high rated on the tirerack charts, on par with the rest of mentioned here tires.

 

[homeofstone]

Good points. I would probably go with the Michelin Primacy or Bridgestone Serenity Plus.

+1

 

[scottdk]

Hmmm, surprised to see General AltiMAX RT43 are available in my size. I'm not a brand snob, more a bang for a buck seeker (who else would buy well used Genesis LOL) and as I mentioned before, I'm pretty satisfied with those on my minivan dry/wet/noise/ride, especially considering the price. Did anyone try those on a genny? They are also pretty high rated on the tirerack charts, on par with the rest of mentioned here tires.

I run the continental DW on my Genesis, but I do have the RT43 on my Outback and I will say that the ride comfort and noise comfort is very good. The problem I've experienced is the tires have very little wet traction, sometimes scary, and keep flat spotting even when only parked for 8 hours. I would avoid these tires.

 

[Mark_888]

General Tire is owned by Continental, and Firestone is owned by Bridgestone.

Usually, the premium tires (with the most sophisticated tire compounds) are sold under the Continental and Bridgestone brand names. But obviously they are the most expensive also.

 

[renojim]

Had the Conti DW. Excellent traction on dry roads. Wet performance is good also. Comfortable and very low road noise.

 

[Sluh]

Are shocks/struts different part#s for 3.8 and 4.6? I'm thinking maybe installing 3.8 ones on my 4.6 while keeping 4.6 springs will soften it?
Just thoughts in case 4.6 is tuned more "sport" than 3.8 like 5.0 is versus 4.6 as I understand.

The rear suspension comfort is what I don't like the most at the moment. According to wiki weight distribution is 53/47 for V8 and 52/48 for V6 with curb weight 4024 and 3824 lbs. That puts 1891 and 1835 lbs on a rear axle respectively. The difference is just 56lbs - my suitcase in the trunk would be heavier than that.

Did anyone drive both 3.8 and 4.6 and can tell if 3.8 feels more comfortable or not?

Checked online catalog and part#s are different indeed
55311-3M902 for 4.8 and 55311-3M802 for 3.8

 

[Mark_888]

Are shocks/struts different part#s for 3.8 and 4.6? I'm thinking maybe installing 3.8 ones on my 4.6 while keeping 4.6 springs will soften it?
Just thoughts in case 4.6 is tuned more "sport" than 3.8 like 5.0 is versus 4.6 as I understand.

The fronts are different to account for the extra 200 lbs of weight for the V8. I would not swap them, since it is not just a matter of softness.

You need new tires (specifically known to have smooth and comfortable ride characteristics) to solve the harsh ride problem.

 

[Sluh]

You need new tires (specifically known to have smooth and comfortable ride characteristics) to solve the harsh ride problem.

Yes, it's first on my list when I'm back home from vacations. Just thinking out loud on while beach potatoeing, investigating my options would I still be dissatisfied. Because at the moment this genny is way less comfortable on road imperfections than my 2006 V6 sonata was with any tires that we took the same road/speed/load to Pensacola many times before. Just never had a car that was so sensitive to the tires selection when comes to the bump comfort, noise - is a different story, I would replace those firehawks just for that.

Totally love the interior comfort and ergonomics though I buy cars that fit me like a glove and that's one on them. Like when I got Sonata 3.3 LX as a rental for few weeks in 2008 it did fit me like I was born in it (less bluetooth), I went to get me one right away and never regretted. When it came to upgrade now, I test drove used genesis 4.6 and had the same feeling (less damn bluetooth streaming again, LOL), so I went on a deal hunt and finally got me one taken care of. It must be I have built Hyundai stature. Before Sonata my car was 94' korean domestic market Accent that was very reliable too. There was a honda in between that I sold very quick. Thought about getting Equus instead of Genny, but it's just plain too big for me at the moment. Maybe next time, I'm too skinny yet

 

[Audio]

What I got with the car are almost new "Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval AS" which I expected from the beginning to be a so-so and used as a leverage in the bargain. Before the trip I set tire pressure to 33psi cold.

My wife's 06 Sonata V6 used Michellin Pilot MXM4, that I was very happy with dry and wet. Next ones we put Michellin primacy MXM4 that were same very good too all the way down to 1/3 left, then they became extremely noisy, though when new they were one of the quietest tires I ever had. Now she wears Pirelli cinturriato P7 that are fairly quiet so far, but not as good in traction and handling as michellines were.

Man, A 1G 4.6 and a wife with an 06 Sonata. Like my brother from another mother lol. On topic: I have NO idea what tires are on my wifes Sonata, but I have Continental PureContacts on my Genesis and I feel like they're doing great. Not sure they're the quietest out there, but they're not loud.

 

[Sluh]

Gents, take a look at the pictures please and tell me if you think it sits lower that new stock. I wonder if my springs are bad. Thanks!
https://goo.gl/photos/CaA3Jcx6th4wZAcSA