Tyre Choice Help me like my Civic (tyre & suspension)

[singlelayer]

I have only owned my 2.2 EX for a handful of days and I'm not really happy I really like the look of the car and perhaps I had too high hopes for it. Over the Jubilee weekend I drove up, down and across the country and firstly can't seem to find a comfortable driving position, no matter how much I fiddle. Speaking of which, my other half (who told me to stop whinging about the car so much) did complain about the comfort or lack of with the front passenger seat. I have a height adjuster on the driver's side, but she seems quite low. Her butt is on the seat all the way to the back and her thighs then rise up and off the seat before her legs head vertically downwards from the knee to the floor which seems to meet with her feet all too soon (if any of that makes any sense) -like the whole set up is too low and as though she's really tall (which she isn't at 5' 5").

Anyway, I've come from a BMW 5-series M-Sport and therein may lie some of my gripes. The Civic feels a little unrefined and what irks me above all else is the noise inside the cabin. Others have said it's not that bad, but it sounds noisy to me and fatiguing with constant over-powering sound from the road -it feels like I'm in a tin box. Whatever, the car's here to stay and I'm looking for advice on the best/quietest tyres that I can buy (I'm running 18" alloys) and whilst I'm posting, I need some advice on suspension. As I expected before buying, the ride is hard and I'm looking to sort that out, as well as perhaps getting a drop in ride height purely for aesthetics. What set-up do you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance!

[Syx]

Eibach springs are the simple solution to improve ride comfort (as they are progressive) and they also provide a 25mm drop.
E10-40-011-02-22 is the part number.

Compared to your previous car, you will have to expect a difference. The nosie issue is true; I get into my wife's A3 and it's silent by comparison. There are things you can do such as adding sound deadening material into the doors etc.

However for the seat issue - stumped on that one.

[Scotty182]

Originally Posted by singlelayer

I have only owned my 2.2 EX for a handful of days and I'm not really happy I really like the look of the car and perhaps I had too high hopes for it. Over the Jubilee weekend I drove up, down and across the country and firstly can't seem to find a comfortable driving position, no matter how much I fiddle. Speaking of which, my other half (who told me to stop whinging about the car so much) did complain about the comfort or lack of with the front passenger seat. I have a height adjuster on the driver's side, but she seems quite low. Her butt is on the seat all the way to the back and her thighs then rise up and off the seat before her legs head vertically downwards from the knee to the floor which seems to meet with her feet all too soon (if any of that makes any sense) -like the whole set up is too low and as though she's really tall (which she isn't at 5' 5").

Anyway, I've come from a BMW 5-series M-Sport and therein may lie some of my gripes. The Civic feels a little unrefined and what irks me above all else is the noise inside the cabin. Others have said it's not that bad, but it sounds noisy to me and fatiguing with constant over-powering sound from the road -it feels like I'm in a tin box. Whatever, the car's here to stay and I'm looking for advice on the best/quietest tyres that I can buy (I'm running 18" alloys) and whilst I'm posting, I need some advice on suspension. As I expected before buying, the ride is hard and I'm looking to sort that out, as well as perhaps getting a drop in ride height purely for aesthetics. What set-up do you guys recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Morning pal,

Firstly, i think the front seats are amazingly comfortable (I'm 5"7') so i can't help with advice on this bit

Tyres, i dont believe in scrimping on tyres (obviously the only thing keeping you on the tarmac) "Continental ContiSport3" are my choice
They hold the road brilliantly in all weather (not the BEST rain tyre, but they hold the road) also voted #1 FWD tyre of choice in a test by EVO mag which featured all the big names in tyres

Suspension-wise, eibach springs are your best bet mate, if you want to spend a little more there's a few sets of coilovers available for £600-800 (dependant on the make and style (re-use struts or new top mounts etc))

Hope it a bit of help for you!


Edit - Oh yeah, the cabin noise is LOUD, you could insulate the doors etc which would help

[singlelayer]

Originally Posted by Syx

Eibach springs are the simple solution to improve ride comfort (as they are progressive) and they also provide a 25mm drop.
E10-40-011-02-22 is the part number.

Compared to your previous car, you will have to expect a difference. The nosie issue is true; I get into my wife's A3 and it's silent by comparison. There are things you can do such as adding sound deadening material into the doors etc.

However for the seat issue - stumped on that one.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd had a look around and it seems Eibach's are the popular choice. I'm a mechanical novice so are the springs all I need and will I be okay with a 25mm drop on 18" wheels? I'd thought about a little more DIY soundproofing -and this is a serious consideration now as the whole reason I got the car was to save on fuel because some weeks I do anywhere between 500-750 miles, but it's no good if I'm constantly ground down by the drone of the road noise.

[Forbidden8701]

Originally Posted by singlelayer

Thanks for the suggestion. I'd had a look around and it seems Eibach's are the popular choice. I'm a mechanical novice so are the springs all I need and will I be okay with a 25mm drop on 18" wheels? I'd thought about a little more DIY soundproofing -and this is a serious consideration now as the whole reason I got the car was to save on fuel because some weeks I do anywhere between 500-750 miles, but it's no good if I'm constantly ground down by the drone of the road noise.

Unfortunately the civic isn't going to get anywhere near the refinement of an e60 BMW. I had a 545i before my CTR and they are leagues apart as expected. I'd skip the eibachs and buy some softer tyres like the Kumho KU37 to improve ride comfort. I'm also sure their is an extensive sound insulation thread by Ramsus on here as well.

[Syx]

As long as you're running the correct tyre sizes, a 25mm drop will be fine. Just be aware of any large speedbumps, might have to actually slow down for them now

Good point above on the tyres - not sure what you're running now but a change to them can improve the road noise issue.

[LincsPoacher]

Might seem obvious, have tried adjusting the steering wheel? remember not only does it adjust up and down but also in and out.

[Scotty182]

Originally Posted by LincsPoacher

Might seem obvious, have tried adjusting the steering wheel? remember not only does it adjust up and down but also in and out.

Good thinking batman, this could help with your driving position

Note, the best elbow angle is a 90 degree bend with hands at 10 & 2

[neeblack]

I had the same problem with seat comfort, I'm 5'7", used this (post 23 in the thread):

no lumbar support in the seat - ruining my life!

It makes all the difference, i drove a Fiat 500 before my 1.8 Civic!!

[abs-civic]

I find the seats fine, and I'm 5.11, road noise there is little, but I don't find it really loud or annoying.

Maybe like others say, with regards to tyre choice, you may get an improvement.

[NE1L]

I am assuming you test drove the car before committing to buying it?

Did you not, with all the problems you've highlighted you have with the car, never think it wasn't perfect for you and test drive some other cars to find the perfect car for your needs.

I wouldn't have committed myself to a car knowing the problems it would personally give me.

The Civic will never compare to the 5 series you have come from. Simply they are two completely different cars built and designed for two different types of driving. The 5 series is a large GT type cruiser. It's designed to be large, smooth and a motorway mile muncher. The civic is a medium hatch back sporty, city/A road type car. It's not designed nor set up to feel the same as something like a 5 series.

[singlelayer]

Originally Posted by Syx

As long as you're running the correct tyre sizes, a 25mm drop will be fine. Just be aware of any large speedbumps, might have to actually slow down for them now

Good point above on the tyres - not sure what you're running now but a change to them can improve the road noise issue.

I've currently got Dunlop SP Sport 01's (225/40/18's)

Originally Posted by LincsPoacher

Might seem obvious, have tried adjusting the steering wheel? remember not only does it adjust up and down but also in and out.

Yeah, I think now I've found an acceptable driving position. I think it's just a case of me getting used to a new car -it just doesn't feel like mine right now, but I'm sure in time I'll learn to like it. The girlfriend has bad hips anyway from an old horse riding accident so I'll put it down to that (and get her a 'special' cushion). That and the BMW was like cruising in an armchair!

Originally Posted by NE1L

I am assuming you test drove the car before committing to buying it?

Did you not, with all the problems you've highlighted you have with the car, never think it wasn't perfect for you and test drive some other cars to find the perfect car for your needs.

I wouldn't have committed myself to a car knowing the problems it would personally give me.

I did test drive the car and I did A LOT of research beforehand. I've just had another quick look on Parker's review and I can't see any mention of too much cabin noise. I think it's just what I've come from. TBH the test drive was only 15-20mins and the sales guy was yapping on a bit. Really, you need the car for a few days to be sure. But I'll get over it.

What's the consensus on tyres -Continentals, Kumhos or something else altogether?

[Syx]

Originally Posted by singlelayer

225/40/18's

Spot on

[Forbidden8701]

I know what you mean about the 5 series but they are leagues apart. There is a thread about the Kumho's on here at the moment.

[Revs FN2]

Originally Posted by singlelayer

What's the consensus on tyres -Continentals, Kumhos or something else altogether?

It really depends on what you're looking for in a tyre. Low noise, supple ride, plenty of grip, good in the wet, good economy..

I'm finding the Goodyear Asymmetric 2's the best tyre I've ever had, but I'm purely looking for good wet/dry grip. As it happens they're pretty quiet, too, but there may be a better choice for you.

[singlelayer]

Originally Posted by Revs FN2

It really depends on what you're looking for in a tyre. Low noise, supple ride, plenty of grip, good in the wet, good economy..

I'm finding the Goodyear Asymmetric 2's the best tyre I've ever had, but I'm purely looking for good wet/dry grip. As it happens they're pretty quiet, too, but there may be a better choice for you.

Money no object, quietest all year tyres

[Revs FN2]

The best thing to do is to read some tyre reviews. For most people I should imagine low noise isn't at the top of the list of requirements so I'm not sure if many here will be able to help. You need db levels really

Two things have a big impact on noise levels of any tyre, though. Tyre pressure and wear levels. An over/under inflated or badly worn tyre will always make more noise.

[singlelayer]

Originally Posted by Revs FN2

The best thing to do is to read some tyre reviews. For most people I should imagine low noise isn't at the top of the list of requirements so I'm not sure if many here will be able to help. You need db levels really

Two things have a big impact on noise levels of any tyre, though. Tyre pressure and wear levels. An over/under inflated or badly worn tyre will always make more noise.

Been reading reviews -and reviews with dB's too- this afternoon. It looks like I'm down to Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's, Kumho Ecsta KU39's or Syron Race 1 Plus'. Thinking of NoiseKiller soundproofing to add to my list of mods.

[adsbeau]

Tyre reviews, tests and ratings | the online tyre guide

this might help.

I have hankook v12 and the cabin noise has improved over the michelin primacy I had on before.

I have to agree with previous posts the seats are very comfortable. im 5"7 also.
do you have back issues?

[singlelayer]

Originally Posted by adsbeau

Tyre reviews, tests and ratings | the online tyre guide

this might help.

I have hankook v12 and the cabin noise has improved over the michelin primacy I had on before.

I have to agree with previous posts the seats are very comfortable. im 5"7 also.
do you have back issues?

I think I'm just about happy with my current driving position -just had another quick fiddle with the adjusters after my drive home. The g/f has disc problems with her lower back as well as dodgy hips and I recall her not being comfortable in the cinema the other day so I think it may just be her. I've had a look at that tyre review site too -mixed feelings on the ratings...depends if there's enough feedback on a particular tyre.