Why does the steering wheel feel lighter after installing winter tires?

[LeEverett]

The reason the steering wheel feels lighter after installing winter tires is that the tire pressure is too high. Explanation: It should be noted that if the steering feels lighter after changing tires, it likely indicates the new tires have excessive air pressure. The principle is simple - if the original tires had normal pressure but the new ones have higher pressure, this reduces rolling resistance, making steering naturally lighter. Importance of proper tire pressure: Both underinflation and overinflation affect tire lifespan and fuel consumption. Overinflation concentrates vehicle weight on the tread center, causing rapid center wear. Underinflation leads to uneven contact area, increased wear, higher rolling resistance, and greater fuel consumption.