Do tires influence crosswind stability (or lack thereof)

Have you stood back and looked at your xB?

It is a High Profile Vehicle. The thing is a brick on wheels. It has all of the design features of a motorhome, tall sides, square front and back.

I don't think an alignment or tire replacement will make any difference in how the xB reacts to the wind. Your son is correct, a more aerodynamic car will be more stable in the wind. The Porsche Boxter doesn't have a back seat - get a Panamera or a tC.

The main problem is that you're driving a big box. That will make the wind problem a lot worse. The suspension plays a role too. I am sure if you get different tires, that will make a difference, but you will still have the problem.

Jeff

Doesn't even have to be a box. I noticed more wind effects with my old 89 Accord than I do my 05 Corolla. And the Accord seemed lower, and had a fairly low front end, hood, etc. It was quite quite prone to blowing around a bit in strong winds. You notice a little wind with the Corolla, but it's not quite as strong. And it actually feels taller than the Accord did. I think it's the shape, and the very low sort of tear drop shape of the front of the Corolla that helps. The front of it is so low I don't even see the hood unless I lift my head up a bit. But you easily saw the hood of the Accord when driving as it was more straight out. BTW, that car had the hideaway headlights that popped up at night. And no, I don't see how tires would have much effect at all unless the sidewalls were really flexing. And even that would not make much difference being as the tread is still holding the road. I had slapped new tires on the Accord not too long before I sold it, and it made no difference at all as far as wind. And I wouldn't expect it to, unless the wind is so strong as to blow the tires off their normal tracks. :/