Do new tires effect body roll?
 

I recently had new tires put on my car -just the rears. They are the same type as up front and were installed by the gurus at RUF Auto Centre.

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2

The front tires have about 50-60% left on them. Everything on the car seems to be balanced and smooth.

However, my car at highway+ speed does not feel as surefooted and tight as it did before the new tires were installed. Even at lower speeds (~40mph), some quick zigzagging seems to indicate what feels like body roll. The same action before the new tires was tight and planted as could be.

Is this normal for new tires? Is this because I have new tires on the rear only? Could it be they are over-inflated (haven't checked the PSI yet)? Do they just need to be broken in? Should I switch out the fronts as well?

What do you guys think?

check the pressures, but it's probably due to tread squirm. when you go from bald tires to full tread, the lateral movement as the tread blox flex can feel a little weird. this is normal.

still, doesn't hurt to get your alignment checked periodically.

So does it go away?

if what you're experiencing is tread squirm, it will go away as the tire wears. new tires always feel a little soft until they wear down a bit. if it's REALLY pronounced, ge your alignment checked. a bit of toe out can cause a queasy feeling at the back.

Changing tires can not effect the amount of roll.

However new tires have taller trad blocks than worn older tires. These can have the effect of more squirm which can make you feel that the car is a little less sure footed.

Also brand new tires have mold release compound still on them from the factory. This can cause them to be more slippery. About 100 miles of highway driving or 50 miles of twisties will take care of the mold release compound.

Finally what tires did you put on? All tires are not created equal. They have different handling characteristics and differing feel.

Regards,
Alan

I hope that's all it is.

The tires I put on were the identical kind that I had on before. And it was just the rears (and the match the fronts). BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2