I love my 2011 Prius. It's relatively quiet in low speed drive and can't beat those MPGs. One thing that does bother me though is how bumpy the car rides. It is somewhat tolerable in the summer and fall, but as soon as I start driving on winter roads I feel like I'm riding on a tin can, feeling every single road bumps. Does the car usually feel the same for others or I need to change someone on my car. I still have the factory Assurance tires (36K miles). Are those the problem or should I get the struts checked (even though I'm pretty sure they're fine)? Any other suggestion?
you shouldn't need struts. lower the pressure to factory spec. if that doesn't help, maybe it's the tyres.
I tried spec pressures as well. Nothing seems to solve the issue. I drove another Prius and didn't feel much bump. That's why I got suspicious.
did the previous owner add any aftermarket frame stiffeners that you are aware of. Probably not likely but each time I add one my ride gets stiffer/ bumpier. I agree with the tire suggestion. Might have stiffer sidewalls than others.
good point. i was assuming one owner. also i gues struts could be defective, maybe look to see if oil is leaking.
I'm having the same issue after I went on a long, rough dirt road. I am going to probably get the wheels balanced using a hunter road force machine, which is more advanced than a regular balancing. I am also waiting til the tires wear out as they probably have uneven wear. Also I think replacing with Michelin Energy Saver A/S will probably be better than the stock Bridgestone Ecopia EP22. Is your car new or used--if used, the previous owner may have modified something. In my case I put on Koni FSD struts and that may have contributed to a slightly bumpier ride. 20,000 miles on my car. Good luck!
