I have a 2009 Buick LaCrosse and it rides awfully stiff. I like the way it handles but it seems if I drive over a dime in the road the car respond with a thump and a head jerk. Is there anything I can do to “soften” the ride? Change tire size or make or alter the suspension? Ive tried lowering the tire pressure to 26 psi but I’m afraid of premature tire wear.Also, the road noise is loud.
What size tires are on the car? Are they low-profile performance tires?
Different tires might help, but they are unlikely to make a huge difference.
Road noise is usually a function of tire type and tread pattern. I lowered the road noise on my Accord (notorious for road noise) by switching tires, but you have to do some research to find the right tire for your car, and as tires wear they usually become more noisy, regardless of make.
Modifying the suspension is not realistic. Any changes you’d make to “improve” the ride would likely ruin the handling and possibly make the vehicle unsafe.
Lowering the air pressure in the tires is not a good idea. It will have the opposite effect of what you are looking for and will decrease your fuel economy as well.