Which tires have the lightest steering feel?

[crazyjkz]

I own a 2011 G37x Sedan and I HATE the OEM Goodyear RS-A tires that the car comes with and I wanna get rid of them ASAP. However I am looking for a tire that has the lightest possible steering feel/input. I had narrowed it down to either the Michelin Primacy MXV4s or the Kumho LX Platinums because this is my daily driver and I am looking for a premium-touring tire that has a smooth and quiet ride with acceptable levels of handling and grip. I do occasionally drive aggressively but most of the time I drive normal to spirited. The OEM size that I have is 225/55-17.

My question is, out of those two tires, the Michelin Primacy MXV4s and the Kumho LX Platinums, which one would have the lightest steering feel, and are there any other premium-touring tires out there that I should be considering that have the lightest possible steering?

Also, when comparing the Michelins and the Kumhos, which is a better overall tire for the G37x sedan? Thank you.

[crazyjkz]

Anybody?

[AZhitman]

You're asking for contradictory characteristics.

Tires having a "light" steering feel will come with low rolling resistance, narrower footprint, and harder compound.

For "aggressive" or "spirited" driving, and better handling / grip, you want the exact opposite... You'd want a softer compound (denoted by the treadwear rating) and wider footprint (both of which increase rolling resistance).

Which is more important to you? I've never heard of someone buying tires based on the steering feel.

[RED_DET]

I would not recommend any one of those tires. Way too many other options out there to choose from. tirerack.com and check out the different options based on your needs, all season, summer only, etc... I say take a look at the Conti Extreme Contact DWS or DW depending on your needs.

[crazyjkz]

I ended up going with the Michelin Primacy MXV4s, got them mounted and balanced this morning, and they are a significant improvement over the horrible Goodyear RS-A's that are OEM. The Michelins have the lighter steering input that I was looking for, are significantly smoother and quieter at any speed over the RS-A's and absorb bumps and road imperfections far better, and all this with little to no loss in traction/grip and overall handling. The car does feel only very slightly softer overall with the Michelins given that they are a premium-touring tire for luxury-sport vehicles and not an ultra-high performance summer tire, but the overall traction, balance, and handling around tight curves and corners is still very competitive with little to no loss in this regard over the Goodyears but with a MUCH smoother, quieter, and more refined ride and a far better tread life rating.

I haven't driven them in wet weather yet, but this was where the Goodyear RS-A's really worried me, they felt like they were coated in grease in any wet weather conditions and would hydroplane even in just normal driving in the rain. I would imagine that the Michelin Primacy MXV4s would have to be better then that after reading all the positive reviews on Tirerack.com which is where I bought them from. The reviews on the Michelins show that they are a true all-season tire and have no problems or issues dealing with rain and snow but I will find out for myself the next time I get some wet weather.

The reason why I asked about a tire with the lightest steering feel is with the OEM Goodyear RS-A's the steering in my G37x sedan always felt a little too heavy especially at lower speeds, and I was looking for a tire that would offer a lighter steering feel and input, and the Michelins did accomplish that for me plus a lot more.

If you want a top-notch premium-touring luxury tire that is extremely smooth, quiet, and refined on the road without a significant loss in handling and grip then I would definitely recommend the Michelin Primacy MXV4. They seem to have no trouble dealing with spirited or aggressive driving, but obviously if you are looking for a tire for maximum handling and grip at the expense of quietness and ride comfort then a high-performance or ultra high-performance all-season tire would probably be a better choice.

[audtatious]

You can over-inflate the tire for a light steering feel

[crazyjkz]

You can over-inflate the tire for a light steering feel

Ok, thanks for the tip!

Driving around today I especially noticed how much better my G37x Sedan rides and drives overall with the Michelin Primacy MXV4s versus the horrible OEM Goodyear RS-As. With the new Michelins the steering is not only lighter and easier at low speeds (parking lot speeds), which always seemed a little too stiff and heavy with the Goodyears, but the steering itself feels smoother, lighter, more direct, and more precise overall. Ride comfort and noise is much improved with the Michelins, it's a noticeable improvement that even passengers seem to notice and appreciate.

I would definitely recommend the Michelin Primacy MXV4s to any G owner that's looking for the best overall premium-touring tire out there.

[timmy0257]

You can over-inflate the tire for a light steering feel

with helium..