Tires: Ride, shocks and struts, subaru forester

Question
Hi Barry,

I'm seeking a smoother ride on my SUV: Subaru Forester, 2001.  I think the
tires are Yokohama and they came with the car.  Not many miles for a six year
old car -- 21,000. 99% of my driving is on surface streets in Houston.

I realize that SUVs are not designed for smooth riding but I'd still like you to
think about it.  Monroe advertises its shocks and struts as offering a  
smoother ride and I'm sure there are other brands to consider.

Do you think I might win a smoother ride with either new shocks, struts or
tires?

Thanks!

Sam

Answer
Sam,

Usually changing tires and shocks/struts will change the ride quality - sometimes adversely - and that doesn't count that there might actually be something wrong.

Your first step ought to be to find the vehicle placard that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size.  The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box.

Then check to make sure you have the same size and then set the pressure according to the placard.  That should be your baseline and any changes that are made have to be compared against that.