How can I improve the ride comfort in my Qashqai?

I recently bought Nissan Qashqai Tekna CVT 2-litre petrol with 2500 miles on the clock. Unfortunately I made the grave error of testing it only on the flat level surface of a dual carriageway. I have a severe back problem and I find the ride and suspension very poor and hard. You have always advocated putting on smaller wheels but the dealer has said it's technically impossible to change to smaller wheels. Even if this was possible I'm reluctant to spend the money in case the ride does not improve. Do you think this would solve the matter or is it possible to have softer shocks? At the moment I have 18-inch wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres. I've now done a further 2000 miles but the dealer will only offer me £6000 less than I paid so I'm stuck with it.

Asked on 7 September 2013 by MB, Poole

Answered by Honest John

Yes, I got crippled for a week just from riding across Paris in the middle back seat of a Qashqai. 55-profile tyres should soak up some of the bumps, and are fine on the Mazda CX-5. But you can go down a wheel size or two, to 17-inch or to 16-inch, and fit deeper profile tyres. www.tyremen.co.uk can sort you out with a new set of wheels and tyres and you'll be able to sell the 18-inch blingers on eBay.

Tags: ride comfort wheels and tyres low profile tyres wheel sizes

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