2022 GR Sport Handling after 13500 Miles

[SR82]

Hi all,

First post here! I've got a 2022 GR Sport which has been a great experience so far. A few weeks ago I started to notice the crosswinds issues that other folks have mentioned where the car feels a little wobbly as soon as it's hit by wind. I put this down to the wind and nothing more.

Over the past couple of days, I've noticed it more and more - especially during right turns around a roundabout at anything more than 20-25mph the car feels like it wants to slip left. The Falken tyres on it don't look too horrid - front right around 4mm, front left around 3.5mm which would hint at the left side wearing slightly quicker.

Has anyone experienced similar? I appreciate I've done 13500 miles in a pretty quick amount of time (car was delivered in May last year) but I'd hoped to get around 18K-20K out of those Falkens. I've done quite a few long drives with 2 adults, baby and luggage in the car so it's been heavy a good proportion of miles.

Eager to hear everyone else's experience. 

[SR82]

I should add - just re-checked tyre depth and they're both below 3mm on the front and the marker line is visible so I'm guessing that's where my issue has come from!

[TonyHSD]

Hi, 

what you have described as handling in cross winds it’s typical for these cars as these are light weight small hatchbacks with short wheel base, the saloon and TS versions will be slightly more planted in similar situations. The larger and heavier ( longer) the car is, it’s less affected by the winds. 
For the tyres they seems like need replacement.
Best to buy all 4 new different brands. If you about comfort look for touring type like Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 or Michelin primacy 4.  
New tyre can transform completely handling , comfort and general feel of the car. No need to bother with wheel alignment unless you had hit a large pothole, kerb or any other incident. These cars normally driven can last ages without need of anything done on the suspension. 👍

[SR82]

33 minutes ago, TonyHSD said:

Hi, 

what you have described as handling in cross winds it’s typical for these cars as these are light weight small hatchbacks with short wheel base, the saloon and TS versions will be slightly more planted in similar situations. The larger and heavier ( longer) the car is, it’s less affected by the winds. 
For the tyres they seems like need replacement.
Best to buy all 4 new different brands. If you about comfort look for touring type like Goodyear efficient grip performance 2 or Michelin primacy 4.  
New tyre can transform completely handling , comfort and general feel of the car. No need to bother with wheel alignment unless you had hit a large pothole, kerb or any other incident. These cars normally driven can last ages without need of anything done on the suspension. 👍

noted - thanks Tony!

[TonyHSD]

40 minutes ago, SR82 said:

noted - thanks Tony!

You are welcome 👍

[Gray86]

I found my falkens would cause the car to shimmy when changing lanes on motorways, or on roads with ruts. The more they wore down, the worst it was. Just removed them at around 2-3mm tread 

[Talking Hoarse]

I too have noticed that my 2.0 TS Design @ 5,500 miles & on 17" Falkens is less stable in winds than I think it was.  It is stable, however, under braking (sometimes a sign of toe out) and tyres are blown up and wearing evenly.   

I was planning on getting all of the suspension alignments checked and adjusted by a trusted local Ford agent who has one of those Carlos Fandango alignment setups. 

[tfc]

All types vehicles and motorcycles suffer from crosswinds the bigger you are the more you will notice it even F1 cars suffer from . Changing tyres or suspension geometry will have no effect.

Road surfaces will effect every vehicle such as road camber and ruts on motorways typically called tram lines caused by heavy goods, even heavy goods  vehicle can suffer badly from the tramline effect and have to wrestle the steering to get out of it. 

[davidif]

I have experienced similar with my Corolla and on inspecting the tyres (Falkens) they are at about 3mm.

 

I personally like Michelins as above all else they seem to behave predictably even when somewhat worn. Will probably look to replace with Primacy 4's.

 

The Pilot Sport4S's on my GT86 grip outstandingly well at the expense no doubt of fuel economy!!

[SR82]

Ended up with a good deal from the dealer on the tyres so went with Falkens again. Car is now exactly as-was, so looks like it was indeed the tyres just ran down a bit too much.

 

Appreciate all the responses here!

[Leo63]

I personally wouldn't put Falkens tyres on. I replaced the Falken for Michelin's Primacy 4 on my Corolla Design 

The road handling in the dry and wet conditions was a lot better also the road noise was alot quiter than Falkens.

[TonyHSD]

New tyres are better than old in most of the times. The reason why I prefer premium brand or well known mid range over budget or not so great mid and top range tyres is because the first ones are working fine even when worn out with only to note a slight increase in aquaplaning risk which can be reduced by slowing down when it’s raining, something that should be done anyway. All new Falkens are better than all worn out Falkens that’s for sure. 👍🛞