Tires Sidewall Stiffness

e84 · 12-09-2010, 12:44 PM

I want to know how to find out if a how to check if tire sidewall is stiff or not?
Can we define by just looking at the sidewall?
How about By spec? Most of them just say Blackwell though... Then How do we determine?
By brand?
Can people share their comments on tires? Their reviews? Their experience?
Also does thick sidewall mean less stiff? Example: does 235/35r18 have more stiff sidewall compared to 215/40r18?
How does it change if I put 235/35r18 to the front compared to oem tires?
Please share your knowledge.
Much appreciated!

VMRWheels · 12-09-2010, 03:32 PM

What tires were you looking into? Physically it will be tough to determine if a sidewall is stiff or not. The only way I have figured this out is from mounting tires or driving on them.

-Charles@VMRWheels

e84 · 12-09-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

What tires were you looking into? Physically it will be tough to determine if a sidewall is stiff or not. The only way I have figured this out is from mounting tires or driving on them.

-Charles@VMRWheels

Conti DWS, P zero nero AS, Michelin PS AS plus? Compared to my original Dunlop sp sport 01 dsst?
Thanks...

Eyeman · 12-09-2010, 08:21 PM

Yep, I'm with VMR, you have to put them on and see. For sure it varies pretty widely from brand to brand and model to model. From your list I'd guess that the Michelin rides smoothest, Conti similar with the P Zero much stiffer.

I'm also not sure sometimes what I think might be a stiff sidewall might just be a harder type rubber than makes the tires ride rough but really isn't a stiff sidewall. Another weird thing some brands do that others do less is some ride rough when cold, I call it "flatspotting" but not sure that's really what's happening.

Anyways, I'll try to make a guess from the brands I've used over the years, listing stiffer first down to smoothest.

1. Falken
2. BFG
3. Pirelli
4. Hankook
5. Goodyear
6. Sumitomo
7. Continental
8. Toyo
9. Michelin

Sidewalls too soft, still didn't ride as good
10. Dunlop
11. Nexxen

12-09-2010, 12:44 PM	#1
e84 Private First Class 14 Rep 163 Posts Drives: 328 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: BC iTrader: (0)	Tires Sidewall Stiffness I want to know how to find out if a how to check if tire sidewall is stiff or not? Can we define by just looking at the sidewall? How about By spec? Most of them just say Blackwell though... Then How do we determine? By brand? Can people share their comments on tires? Their reviews? Their experience? Also does thick sidewall mean less stiff? Example: does 235/35r18 have more stiff sidewall compared to 215/40r18? How does it change if I put 235/35r18 to the front compared to oem tires? Please share your knowledge. Much appreciated!
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12-09-2010, 03:32 PM	#2
VMRWheels General 2042 Rep 25,989 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [10.00] 2015 BMW M4 [0.00] 2013 BMW F30 [0.00] 2014 BMW F22 [0.00] 2013 BMW F06 [0.00]	What tires were you looking into? Physically it will be tough to determine if a sidewall is stiff or not. The only way I have figured this out is from mounting tires or driving on them. -Charles@VMRWheels __________________ VMR\|Wheels \| 714.442.7916 \| sales@velocitymotoring.com \| www.velocitymotoring.com \| facebook \| flickr \| Instagram
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12-09-2010, 08:21 PM	#4
Eyeman Colonel 121 Rep 2,037 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	Yep, I'm with VMR, you have to put them on and see. For sure it varies pretty widely from brand to brand and model to model. From your list I'd guess that the Michelin rides smoothest, Conti similar with the P Zero much stiffer. I'm also not sure sometimes what I think might be a stiff sidewall might just be a harder type rubber than makes the tires ride rough but really isn't a stiff sidewall. Another weird thing some brands do that others do less is some ride rough when cold, I call it "flatspotting" but not sure that's really what's happening. Anyways, I'll try to make a guess from the brands I've used over the years, listing stiffer first down to smoothest. 1. Falken 2. BFG 3. Pirelli 4. Hankook 5. Goodyear 6. Sumitomo 7. Continental 8. Toyo 9. Michelin Sidewalls too soft, still didn't ride as good 10. Dunlop 11. Nexxen __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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