Why does the car feel floaty after changing tires?
3 Answers
The reasons why the car feels floaty after changing tires are as follows: 1. The oil cup interior is too dirty, the filter screen is clogged, or the oil level in the cup is low. 2. There is a large amount of air in the power steering system. 3. Foreign objects in the steering system causing the steering pump flow control valve to stick. 4. Insufficient tire pressure, interference with the steering column, loose connections, loose or slipping pump belt, or loose pump installation position. 5. Loose bolts at various connection points of the oil pipes, resulting in steering fluid leakage. 6. Excessive wear of the steering gear piston cylinder, poor sealing of the oil seal, or sticking/damage of the control valve. To ensure driving safety, it is essential to perform a four-wheel alignment promptly after changing tires.
I also experienced a floating sensation right after changing tires, mainly due to the protective wax layer on the new tires not being worn off yet. Tires are coated with protective wax at the factory, making the tread particularly slippery when first installed, but this goes away after driving a few dozen kilometers. Also, it's important to check if the technician performed wheel balancing correctly. If those small lead weights on the rims aren't placed accurately, you'll feel the steering wheel shake at speeds over 80 km/h. Tire pressure is crucial too—new tires are sometimes overinflated, and excessive pressure reduces contact area, leading to that floating feeling. Last week, I specifically checked my tire pressure and found 2.3 bar in the front and 2.1 bar in the rear to be most comfortable. If the tread pattern differs from the original tires, wet weather grip will vary too, so I recommend driving cautiously for the first few days to get used to the new tires' characteristics.
The car feeling floaty after tire replacement is mostly due to improper wheel balancing. Last time I got my tires changed at a roadside shop, the worker skipped balancing to save time, and the car wobbled badly on the highway. Always insist that the service center uses professional equipment to check it - lead weights need to be attached inside the wheel rim for proper balance. Even a difference of 10-20 grams can cause floating sensations at high speeds. Wheel alignment is equally crucial; if alignment parameters aren't checked during tire replacement, misaligned tire angles will create a pulling sensation. Different tire brands vary significantly in stiffness - performance tires are hard, comfort tires are soft. Suddenly switching to unfamiliar tire characteristics can also cause floatiness. I recommend a 300-km break-in period for new tires - once the surface rubber wears in, the issue resolves. Avoid aggressive acceleration during this period.
