Embarassing Newbie question

[Chicken Little]

I don't even know how to search this topic: 2007 hatchback, 90k, new standard Pirelli's. Old tires were crap Dunlops. Problem is that we have long stretches of cut pavement on the interstate loop around town due to snow/ice issues. When I hit these stretches, the rear of the car "hunts". It's quite noticeable, and is less than confidence inspiring. Goes away under acceleration. I had the suspension checked, and the tires rebalanced and rotated. What's up with this? Smooth pavement is no problem, marked improvement in traction and noise control with the new tires. Did not have this issue with the old cardboard Dunlops.

[CrankyOldMan]

I'm assuming you mean the cuts run in the direction of travel? We have some similar areas on the highways near me, and I've had some strange wandering behavior as well at times. I just chalked it up to a mismatch between the tread and roadway. Could you post up a pic of your tread, or just the model so we could get a look at it?

[why?]

sometimes tires will just do that. It just means the tread somehow matches the grooves too much. Just slow down.

If it goes away under acceleration that means when you give the rear more traction the tires bite down and stick. If it really bothers you, you could throw a hundred pounds or so in the back, or get upgraded springs/shocks to hold the wheels and tires down more firmly.

[cali yaris]

^ or add a rear sway bar, or a trailing arm brace for stability back there.

[MUSKOKA800]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

^ or add a rear sway bar, or a trailing arm brace for stability back there.

Know anyone who sells such equipment?

[12 yaris]

So why are you embarassed?

[Chicken Little]

I'm embarrassed because I bought a used Toyota that fishtails on cut pavement, spent $500 on tires to make it better, and my Dad is an engineer for General Motors.

[12 yaris]

Could be worse,Your father could be employeed by Chrysler.

[Nicfin]

As already recommended, a rear sway bar would probably help. So many have posted about how great they are, so I decided to take a chance and try one on my car. It definitely has reduced the floating sensation when driving, especially around curves. It may help in your situation as well.

[firemachine69]

It's the design of the suspension, particularly the geometry.

Took me three engineers, and lots of head-scratching, to figure that one out.

[Chicken Little]

Anti-sway it is, thank guys.

[Em_]

i LOLed

you guys don't need braces engineers or sway bars it's all about the tire tread

circular thread tends to follow the lines on the pavement
it's as simple as that

[kimona]

Originally Posted by Em_

i LOLed

you guys don't need braces engineers or sway bars it's all about the tire tread

circular thread tends to follow the lines on the pavement
it's as simple as that

Indeed, I found that tread design on the Yaris makes a huge difference when it comes to highway wander on both cut and smooth surfaces!

[andulong]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I was hoping for a recommendation for a good Yaris tire?

Thanks.

[Nicfin]

Originally Posted by andulong

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I was hoping for a recommendation for a good Yaris tire?

Thanks.

I put Michelin Defenders on mine a few months back. I believe they are 90,000 mile tires. So far, I cannot complain about them.

[why?]

Originally Posted by andulong

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I was hoping for a recommendation for a good Yaris tire?

Thanks.

what are you looking for? Performance? Gas mileage? long life? That will decide which way to go.