Why does it seem like my tires are getting louder?

[Chowder Head]

I can't really understand why but recently, I've noticed more car doesn't absorb shock like it used when my tires were just put on.

Hell, I drove my moms V6 mustang with 205/65 cheapie tires from Tire Kingdom and they felt much better than then ones I have on.

My tires are Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval 275/40 tires all around and are filled to the correct psi, at 30.  There's no damage whatsoever to the tires.  The ONLY thing I can think of is when I was cleaning my rims, one of those wheel weights fell off and I found it after the tires were on, so I have no idea what tire needs the missing weight.  The weight is 1/4 oz I believe.  Can such a light weight have any considerable change in tire noise?

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

[sobots]

How old are they?  The older tires get, the harder/stiffer they get.  New tires always feel better.

[Chowder Head]

I'm looking at my receipt, and they got mounted and balanced July 11, 2006.

So it's not too long ago.  I'm seriously stumped.

[Chowder Head]