If you are thinking of replacing tyres, you have certainly heard the term "low profile tyres." Let us look at what low profile tyres are, how they differ from high profile tyres, their advantages, disadvantages, and how long they can run.
What are Low-Profile Tyres?
Knowing when to purchase new tyres is the first step to online tyre shopping. There are a few factors that you need to consider before you can buy tyres from E-Commerce platforms -
Low-profile tyres have a shallow sidewall than normal. They are usually fitted to a large diameter wheel. A shallow sidewall means they are thinner than conventional tyres. The side height of low-profile tyres from rim to road is comparatively small in relation to its section width.
Generally, low-tyre profile tyres are installed as original equipment in mid and high-end vehicles. Sports car manufacturers provide low-profile tyres to match the power and performance of the car. On the other hand, people who admire a sporty look often opt for low-profile tyres because they can enlarge the rim, which gives their vehicle a stylish appearance.
If you want an example of low-profile tyres, consider the tyre size 225/50 R16. They are relatively thinner and much easier to be ranked in the category.
A set of low-profile tyres will give your ordinary car model a sharper and more refined look. They are cost-effective substitutes for steel wheels and cheap plastic trims. Low-profile tyres also improve the car's handling, delivering better cornering capabilities and a smoother driving experience.
By installing low-profile tyres, your car is more likely to achieve a better steering response. The car tyres flex less, and the tread rolls up to break contact, allowing for smoother cornering.
How do they differ from high-profile tyres?
There's a massive difference between low-profile and high-profile tyres. As you can guess, there's a lot more sidewall before the wheel in high-profile tyres. They are generally installed in ordinary and 4x4s that require thicker sidewalls for better performance on rough terrain.
High-profile tyres are the standard tyres used in most vehicles. The tyres flex more and absorb the shock, making riding a comfortable one. Of course, when you install these tyres, you have to compromise on handling capabilities and cornering.
You can differentiate between a high-profile and low-profile tyre by knowing the benchmark and then reading the sidewall size engraved on the side of the tyre. The sidewall is expressed as a percentage of the tyre's widths. The lower the number, the thinner the sidewalls.
The lowest profiles are about 30% of the width. The sidewall size increases or decreases in increments of 5%, so be careful while reading the dimensions.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Low-Profile Tyres
The most popular reason people get low-profile tyres is that it transforms their ordinary car into a stylish and sporty automobile. They also look smarter and much sharper than their standard counterparts. Low-profile tyres need to be fitted on larger wheels so that the rolling diameter stays the same.
However, the most significant advantage of installing low-profile tyres is better handling and firm grip while driving. On dry roads, low-profile tyres outperform the high-profile ones. The tyres handle greater cornering forces (CF), and you will see an overall improvement in your car's performance.
Since there is a broader contact patch, you'll also brake better with low-profile tyres. Since the sidewalls are thinner, they provide increased traction than traditional tyres.
However, the thin sidewall's biggest disadvantage is that the car will deliver poor performance on bumpy roads. Sidewalls are the major contributor to the vehicle's suspension, and if they are thinner, the car won't be able to absorb as many shocks as it should.
Since the tyres can't absorb the shock, there's also a threat of rim damage. The ride becomes much stiffer as you have to be careful on rough terrains. On the other hand, low-profile tyres make much more noise than high-profile tyres
In the rainy season, small sidewalls are relatively resistant to aquaplaning, which can cause the car to slip. And if you talk about the budget, low-profile tyres are more expensive than their counterparts. So think carefully before making the purchase.
How long do low-profile tyres run for?
Now here's the caveat - if you are frequently riding on rough terrain with potholes, low-profile tyres won't absorb the shock. The impact damage is high as the sidewall doesn't have a thick coating. So the tyre won't last long if you are planning to drive your vehicle on challenging road conditions.
So while you may be satisfied with its performance and are ready to pay the high price, low-profile tyres wear and tear much more quickly than high-profile ones. You have to compromise on durability if you want to opt for style. The damage is usually visible after rigorous driving on bad roads.
Low-profile tyres are not designed for durability but to smoothen your riding experience. Make sure that you compare them with high-profile ones before you make the decision.