I got 600 miles on my tc and either I am crazy, have sensitive feet, or there is something wrong with my tc. It feels like it is really rough all the time. It feels as though something is wrong with the tires or the springs. This is my first car with tires like these and I didn't know if they just made the road feel really weird or if something is wrong with the bottom of my car. It feels good enough but is just something I was curious about and I am sure someone out there knows what I am talking about. It may even have something to do with the engine, hell if I know.

i've been wondering the same thing!!! i just blamed it on the freeways around here that need to be paved badly....any insight from anyone would be much appreciated...

I got 600 miles on my tc and either I am crazy, have sensitive feet, or there is something wrong with my tc. It feels like it is really rough all the time. It feels as though something is wrong with the tires or the springs. This is my first car with tires like these and I didn't know if they just made the road feel really weird or if something is wrong with the bottom of my car. It feels good enough but is just something I was curious about and I am sure someone out there knows what I am talking about. It may even have something to do with the engine, hell if I know.
The tC (and most other "sporty" type cars) have what you'd call a "firm" suspension. That means it rides a little stiffer in order to "feel" the road for better handling. Believe it or not, it's not stiff enough for a lot of guys!

Yes, the low-profile tires add to the "stiff" feeling, because they don't absorb as much of the smaller bumps as a regular tire would. Also, the stock tires ride a bit firmer than some aftermarket brands.

I know that on some of the ultra-crappy Seattle area roads, my dental work threatens to come loose, but that's normal. :wink:

well when in doubt, have it checked out. Thats what warranties are for. What car did you have prior?

I had a mitsu galant, and that car felt like it floated on the road. Very smooth and very quiet. Cant feel any bumps. I loved it.

My tC picks up every little bump, but is still smooth. Ive driven my friends bmw, which is also sport tuned, and it felt the same way. So I knew it was normal since the sport tuned suspension is suppose to make the ride stiff.

i had this also, i almost thought i had a flat tire. i just blame it on the road and hope all is good

Scions come to the dealer with an insane 55 psi in the tires so no deadspots occur.

There is a good chance your lazy dealer didnt take them down.

Make sure they are at 28 to 30 unless you want to get larger profile tires.
WE have very little room for air cushioning with the stockers so the air pressure is crucial when u go over bumps.

unless u enjoy the hammer effect that is.

BTW, my bonehead dealer gave me my car with 58 psi.
good thing I checked them the next day cause I dont trust anyone : )

yea ive also noticed this im pretty sure my dealer did not lower the psi. i heard the tc has a way to check the psi but i dont know how to check it or lower it to the appropriate level so the ride isnt so bumpy. any suggestions?

yea, how do u check it?

lol sorry, im not a car dude

This might be a dumb question but whatever.

What lowering spring are available that might provide a little bit more cushion?

I know that lowering it would possible make the ride more firm but somethings got to be out there that provides a little lower ride without sacraficing too much in ride quality.

This might be a dumb question but whatever.

What lowering spring are available that might provide a little bit more cushion?


none! their even firmer!

I am pretty sure it is called a tire pressure gauge but I'm not really sure..... :lol:

If you are wanting the know what the tire pressure should be (according to the manual) it is 32 psi in the front and 29 in the rear.

The car does have a built in low pressure tire monitor....but it will not tell you what pressure the tire is at....it will only tell you when one is low

Thanks Unfocused.
I guess I'll just have to check my tire pressure.

I am pretty sure it is called a tire pressure gauge but I'm not really sure..... :lol:

If you are wanting the know what the tire pressure should be (according to the manual) it is 32 psi in the front and 29 in the rear.

The car does have a built in low pressure tire monitor....but it will not tell you what pressure the tire is at....it will only tell you when one is low


Not necessarily. Check the manual recommended PSI for 100mph+ driving.
It is close to 40psi front.........

I had a "bumpy" feeling coming from my tC a few days ago.......but all i did to take care of it......was wash all of the snow and ice out from under the wheel wells....that ____ was packed in there!!!

Yeah, the suspension is stiff. I felt stiffer, but it provides better handling. Something has to be sacraficed for performance!

Actually my car rides smoother on my Teins....awesome

I am pretty sure it is called a tire pressure gauge but I'm not really sure..... :lol:

If you are wanting the know what the tire pressure should be (according to the manual) it is 32 psi in the front and 29 in the rear.

The car does have a built in low pressure tire monitor....but it will not tell you what pressure the tire is at....it will only tell you when one is low


Not necessarily. Check the manual recommended PSI for 100mph+ driving.
It is close to 40psi front.........


Where can you drive 100mph+. besides race track, or a long drag strip? What is the fastest speed limit in the US?

Montana = No speed limit on Highways. At least in parts...

Does anyone know how to fix the problem of the TC and how it was built to "feel the road"

I hate the bumpiness big time...

Because the tires are 45 series tires!!!...LOW PROFILE tires you will feel every bump & crack in the road...That is just normal.....If you dont like that feeling try to get some 50 series tires on....and installing lowering spring dont "cushion" that much it just Stiffens and improves handling.
Yea,....there you go for all those asking...

The TRD springs and struts will make the ride smoother.

It does feel stiffer, but in a good way. More even and smoother.

However, tires also make a huge difference.

I have some Kumho radials on my car right now, and I can't stand them. I hate the 'floating over the road' feeling, and they are way too 'bouncy' for my taste.

But, if you like a cushy ride, why not get some non-sport, or higher profile tires?

Will the thicker 50 tires look ugly on the TC? Does anyone have a pic of a TC with the higher profile tires?

If it does.. then i'll look into the TRD springs/struts as a stand alone option and hope it works. I dont want my car to look like a corolla! LOL

Oh and even if I get the higher profile.. why would i want to then lower the car?

Handling, and looks. The tC is pretty top-heavy, so lowering the car (within reason) helps cut down on 'body roll'--the way the whole car tips to the side during cornering.

It's not necessary, it just makes a difference. And with stock rims on a higher profile tire, I can't see it rubbing. The TRD drop is really subtle.