I just bought an '03 Civic Hybrid with 20K miles on it. I'm very happy with the car. Great fuel economy and the competent ride of a Honda Civic.

As I drive the car more, I have on a couple occasions noticed that the tires start to squeal and slide without much cornering force being applied. My old Ford Escort stuck to the road better! Although I don't expect this car to handle like a hot rod, I am rather unnerved by its cornering performance. It is bad enough to be a safety issue. While I do notice some extra weight in the rear from the battery, it does not seem sufficient to be the entire cause of the poor cornering performance.

I am beginning to suspect the tires are hard as rocks. They don't have good specs. Anyone else have these tires? Has anyone replaced their tires and wheels to remedy this issue? The current tires are: Bridgestone B381 185/70R14 treadwear 240, traction B, temperature B, inflated to 38 psi.

I'm considering Pirelli PZero Nero M+S tires in a 215/45R17 size to improve the handling situation. I have looked for a skinnier tire that still keeps the stock diameter of 24.2", but it is somewhat difficult to find a good-performing tire in a skinny size. I'm not sure the fuel economy would be that badly affected, anyway.

Lastly, does anyone know if the Civic Hybrid has stiffer rear springs, shocks, and or anti-roll bar to compensate for the extra weight. And just how much extra weight do the batters and inverter comprise? Is wheel sizing no different than for the standard Civic?

 

Lifespeed, I am not having the same cornering issues with my 04CVT HCH.

I have the factory stock Dunlops @ 50PSI, very hard tires.
In my daily route there are a few turns which I simply REFUSE to loose built up momentum and therefore take the turns rather hard.
When my family is with me I am more carful but still they've learned to "hang on".

2 Turns that come to mind in paticular....
It is a downhill approach to a right turn lane....but at 2:45 in the morning I take the turn WIDE, hard and fast, and I can hear the tires complaining as louder road noise but not screeching...
Another hard turn is taken near to my subdivision at 3:00AM going ~30MPH without my engine running for a mile. I take a sudden hard left and once again the tires get loud but not screeching...all instances I have no loss of control.

I'm not sure how heavy the assembly is behind the rear seat but I'm not experiencing what you describe even with my family along.
Civic's have double wishbone rear suspensions, which is about the best setup.
Civic's also have a F/R stabilizer bar.
Another thing you might want to have checked is the shocks/struts.

 

I don't have those problems either but I'm also using the Dunlops.

As for larger wheels/tires, I experienced a very noticeable difference in mileage just from changing the pressure in my tires so I'd hate to see the difference larger wheels (more weight and rotational mass) and tires (more weight, rotational mass and road contact) would make. Of course, what I consider very noticeable may differ from what you consider noticeable.
Also, it might be a good idea to upgrade your brakes to account for the heavier wheels and tires. And you'll probably have to get your odometer recalibrated (my dealership said they can't do that but others might).

Just some things to consider.

 

lifespeed,
The Micheline HyrdoEdge are very nice tires, and they should be close enough sizewise for you. they come in 185/70/14...thats what i've got on my car...a definate improvement over the stock continentals, they can be quite hard as well. I really like them.
Cheers,
Steven

 

For the record my 04 HCH CVT came with Bridgestone B381s.
These are rated as the lowest rolling resistance of all tires.
I forgot the link.
It is a green website, but if you ask I may find it again.

I have no problem with these tires, but I drive gently.

 

That makes sense, low rolling resistance. Horrible traction, tho.

Careful about the "I drive gently" philosophy. We are all subject to unexpected events out on the highways. You would not want to notice the traction issues at that moment.

 

I wonder if anyone else with the Bridgestones are having the same issue?

 

I would also be interested in hearing if anyone else has provoked the "Bridgestone Squeal". It doesn't happen under ordinary circumstances. But if you need to a take a corner faster than your grandmother would, watch out!

 

Here you go Kenny.

As far as handling goes, the suspension's stiffness has a lot to do with it.

My suspension's are:

Bilstein TC's shock with Neuspeed Sport coils and a rear 28mm Neuspeed sway bar.

It's pretty stiff, but because of the Passat's long wheelbase (103.3"), it's also comfy.

I can make turns as fast as a Porsche's or a BMW's if I want to.

I would keep the tires and maybe try a rear sway bar, it could be the solution for the less $$$.

 

I'm actually looking into replacing my Dunlops today as we're about to head out on a long road trip. Still have the original Dunlops, and now approaching 36k on them. Tread is about 2/32 at the moment. I run them at 34-37 psi (cold) and still maintain about 47mpg average.

My question for you: What tires would you recommend I replace them with? LRR tires are very expensive and last only a year or so with my driving...that 36k miles came in only 18 months of driving.

I'm looking at Goodyear Regatta 2's at the moment.

<update: Actually getting Goodyear Viva 2's today from Walmart. They're actually reduced rolling resistance tires with 60k mile tread-life. Will keep you posted on how these turn out>