I can't say that i've got any problems with my car but noticed that it became uncomfortable to drive long distances, because of my back pain. My doc examined me a month ago, but he didn't reveal anything. He just prescribed me to pay several visits to my therapist, but i don't have a lot of free time,so i'm looking for some alternative way. I found some web it offers some back massages, i still have some doubts, but i'll probably try one. Does anyone have such device in their cars?
Car comfort
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The suspension is not as forgiving as most U.S. cars as it is a European designed car. I have found that changing the tires and rims does make a bit more cushioned ride, I used a set of rear rims on the front with 4 larger tires all around. I am currently using General Altimax 195/55-15 and it does ride a lot smoother. I also installed an aftermarket cruise control which helps on long drives too.
I am guessing you have a 451 model and not the newer 453 model. The newer 453 model is completely different and rides a lot smoother.
I am guessing you have a 451 model and not the newer 453 model. The newer 453 model is completely different and rides a lot smoother.
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18,158 Posts
Doubling down on jimvw57’s idea, get yourself 4 rear wheels (a front wheel that is 5.5” wide will also work) and get yourself 185/60/15 tyres. They’ll turn your smart into a completely different car.
You’ll gain just a little ground clearance, gain a lot of comfort, make the car look like a rally car, and your speedometer will become dead-on accurate. Like, mine is within 0.5 mph or less within actual speed now.
You’ll gain just a little ground clearance, gain a lot of comfort, make the car look like a rally car, and your speedometer will become dead-on accurate. Like, mine is within 0.5 mph or less within actual speed now.
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Hmmm, I’m sorry to hear your Smart is tough. I put a new set of shocks and springs in my ‘08 and the same size tires on all 4 corners and it made a huge difference. Speed bumps in my daughter’s school parking lot were previously punishing, but after the change, I can roll over them without having to slow to a crawl. I’ve made several trips from upstate NY to southern South Carolina quite happily.
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It’s a city car. Short wheel base. Very tiny over hangs. No lumber support at all. The 451’s, seat are very flat. With no adjustment. Wasn’t really design for long road trips. 2 1/2-3 hours trip is all my wife could ever handle. We drove our little smart from Kansas City to Santa Fe New Mexico. 12 hours of misery. Never again. We got other more comfort vehicles for long trips. That achieve the same gas milage.
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I regularly (every day since 2008) drive to work and home which is roughly 45 miles each way, and often to the cabin on weekends, about 230 miles each way.Most of that was done with stock tires except for the last 2 years when I switched to the larger tires. I have larger more comfortable trucks, but I save them for hauling a load or bad snowstorms. Can't beat the MPG compared to a 4WD truck getting 17 MPG. At 6'5 and well lets say maximum density... I don't have much trouble. I do stop for breaks occasionally. Roads are pretty standard for Minnesota. You have to drive around the big holes in the road, and slow down for the road construction stuff. Between the frozen roads with the ice heaves, and the rest of the year (called pothole season) it can be challenging.
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All the tires, shocks, etc, aren’t going to help a unsupportive car seat. On those long drives in your smart car. You might want to try these light weight lumbar support car cushions. for longer trips, in you car. Their light weight. Conform to your middle back. Easy to install. Can use them in your other vehicle.
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188 Posts
Do the seats in the Smart lean back, so you can catch a nap on a long road trip??
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188 Posts
Brutal... What do people do then??
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If you break some seat back tabs, that some folks did years ago. Making the seats very unsafe in case you were rear ended.
Now 09 451 Passion Cabriolet Met Blue & Silver First 08 451 Passion Cabriolet Yellow & Black
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Don't you own a smart cabriolet.…..…..…??
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78 Posts
I bought a set for long trips and it is well worth it.
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Nearly....I have an agreement to buy one about 70 miles away...was supposed to get it last weekend but we had a snow storm on the front range here that would have made driving home a bit hazardous. Going to try this next weekend.
I was just curious about the seats because once I get it, I have a ~2k mile trip planned for it.
Now 09 451 Passion Cabriolet Met Blue & Silver First 08 451 Passion Cabriolet Yellow & Black
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Before I reaffirmed "Mike T's " answer NOPE, I checked your profile to see what year smart you owned.
and saw:
About Falcon WIng...
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My SMART Details
fortwo Model
Cabrio
You owned a Cabrio and you didn't know that the seats do not fully recline. Therefore I was somewhat confused.
Little more about the seats. There is about 5 degrees of recline with the seats in there full rearward position, that's about it. Remember you're considering buying a little car that was designed and built as a European "City Car" narrow streets, crowded close together cities, limited parking, etc. You can visit 7 countries in 2000 miles in Europe. There just wasn't any reason for fully reclining seats in a city car and having a raised rear deck to allow for the rear engine keeps the seats from full recline.
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18,158 Posts
Interestingly enough, the tabs do not provide any structural support to the seat or ratcheting system at all. This is why they’re so easy to bend back.
The main reason they exist are to stop not-so-smart drivers from driving at maximum recline...which would be fatal in a rear ending. They also allow the factory cargo cover to exist without interference with the seats. Allowing recline past the tabs would render the cargo cover unusable.
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