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

2003 Civic Hybrid 5 speed