Topic: Will switching out XL tires give me a softer ride.

[Slow_lane]

Our Fiat 500 currently has 195/45/16 Conti Pro contact XL tires. I think XL means Extra Load which lead me to believe the tire would have a stiffer sidewall. The tires are getting close to the end of their life. This car is brutal on rough roads. I know that comes with the territory being such a small car and short wheel base.

I was wondering if I change them for Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season if I will feel some improvement in the ride. In other words get away from XL tire.

NOTE: I do not want to go the 15 inch wheels as our car has 16 inch retro mags on it which are a key part of it retro look.

[Gurgie]

Weird that it would have XL rated tires to begin with. Looks like it only requires a load index of 84, which is a bit lower than most cars. I know Bella's new 3 requires a load index of 93.

I'd have to think the Pirelli's would ride nicer than those Continental's.

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[me_2]

Not much option came on screen for your Fiat 500C c/w optional 16" tires on Tirerack site, all were XL in this specific dimensions.

Put aside your selection of PIRELLI  CINTURATO P7 ALL SEASON, there was also CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT (same as OEM) and YOKOHAMA  ADVAN FLEVA V701 and very few others (not stock) to consider...

Edit: Few more option here in QC.
Do not forget to select "stock only".

[capriracer]

And just to fill in the rest of the picture:

The difference in ride between SL tires and XL tires is small and small enough you won't feel it.  There is more difference between make/model than the difference between SL and XL.

Plus, inflation pressure plays a much larger role in ride quality.  Youd 'be better off going up in tire size and using less pressure - assuming there is enough room for a larger size!

[EV Dan]

Just looked at this tire size on blackcircles and the P7 is listed as run flat, so... run! 

Nexen looks like a good buy for the money.

P.s. "run flat" could be a typo there as other sites don't mention that...

[Slow_lane]

On Costco site the Pirelli Cinturato P7 are listed as not being run flats. I would not touch them if they were. I generally always deal with Costco for my tires. It seems that is the only tire they offer in 195/45/r16.

Checking tire rack website they show this tire as also being an XL. Maybe any 45 sidewall tire is XL. That is concerni9ng if one of my objectives is to soften ride.

I have bought these tire 3 tires in past for Mazda 3, Kia Forte and BMW 328. Been happy with them for smooth quiet ride. Not sure about tread life as I did not keep the cars long enough to know how they held up over long term.

May wait for Costco to have a sale on Pirelli's.

[me_2]

Have you checked with Pneus à rabais / Quattro tires?
As per this morning, website shows (7) different models stock into your 195/45R16 dimensions, maybe Yokohama Advanced Fleva V701 or other, to consider?

[ktm525]

Hercules has nothing for you. I am out of ideas.

[ArticSteve]

Plus, inflation pressure plays a much larger role in ride quality.  Youd 'be better off going up in tire size and using less pressure - assuming there is enough room for a larger size!

That's my 2 cents as well.  Larger as in wider.  Just ride on low pressure.  The tires will not come off the rims at 26 psi cold.