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May 15 2020

Low-Profile Tires: What Characteristics Do They Have?

 

Nothing says sleek and sporty like a car built to be fast. And to be effective, you need the precision of your tires to be able to roll to the limit. Today, low-profile tires are becoming a regular tonic thanks to an aesthetically pleasing effect. However, there is more history behind these gums than their mere visual appeal.

What are Low Profile Tires?

Low-profile tires first appeared in the automotive world in the 1960s with the introduction of the P7, the first of its high-performance lineage. They would soon become regulars in cars of the likes of Porsche or Ferrari. Now, low-profile tires have moved from sports stadiums to shopping center parking lots. We see them both in BMW M3 and in a Renault Scénic.

Not all tires are created equal, so it is necessary to know the differences between them before buying a new set for the next trip. On the sidewall is a code that shows an aspect ratio, that is, the relationship between the width of the tire and its height. Low profile tires have a lower aspect ratio to a thinner sidewall (profile).

For example, if your car has 215/65 R15 inscribed in the rubber, the number 65 indicates that the height is the equivalent of 65% of the width; in this case about 140 mm. A tire with an aspect ratio of 50 or less is generally considered a low profile. The narrower the sidewall is, the bigger the rim is, so cars equipped with these wheels are blessed with a more coveted sporty look.

Advantages of Low Profile Tires:

Its performance on asphalt is better. A wider contact area and stiffer sidewalls provide better performance and handling. Its effects improve in curves, as they better withstand lateral forces. The effect is most noticeable when driving fast, where a sudden reaction may be a priority, and that is why they usually have higher speed ratings.

Please note that originally the use of a larger rim was used to incorporate larger braking equipment. Low-profile tires have larger treads that improve traction on dry, smooth surfaces, positively impacting steering. The sidewalls, being thinner, have greater reinforcements and, therefore, more rigidity.

They offer greater fuel efficiency. The tread low-profile tires feature a more streamlined design than their stockier counterparts. Less resistance to advance results in making the use of fuel more efficient. The difference between using a high or low profile - depending on the car and tire model - can range between 15 and 20%, and even up to 35% at high speeds.

In terms of looks, there is no doubt that they look great and give cars a bolder, more aggressive look. This concept of "more wheel and less tire" is rapidly gaining popularity in the market. Until a few years ago, 16-17 inch wheels were considered an optimal size. Now it is easy to find utilities with that size, even up to 19 ( Opel Adam ).

Disadvantages of Low Profile Tires:

They are louder. With a wider contact area on the asphalt, low-profile tires are noticeably louder. First, because more section equals incorporating more grooves, allowing more air to pass through them, and second, the added reinforcements also contribute to noise. It is important to note that tire pressure also contributes to this.

They offer less grip on uneven surfaces. Low-profile tires are great for quick braking and cornering on dry tracks, but the taller sidewall with a smaller rim size will offer more flexibility and grip in conditions where the surface is rough, such as on snow, mud or asphalt. in bad condition. The more contact surface there is with the pavement, the easier it is to aquaplan .

Riding comfort is more uncomfortable. The distance between the car itself and the ground, which motivates the suspension to work more vigorously. A reduced ability to absorb shocks causes the spring speed to increase. If your car factory equipped wheels smaller than the ones you have mounted (or you have planned), you will notice a rougher ride. If the car was already preconceived with that idea, there will be no problem.

Its wear is greater, it is the price to pay for having a better grip and a more stable ride. In addition, the combination of making more sudden changes of direction, thinner sidewalls, and the scraping of the rims themselves, make wear to be increased compared to high profile tires. And, the bigger the wheels, the more money has to be paid when it comes time to replace them.

They are not always good when it comes to saving fuel. True, lower rolling resistance can contribute to greater efficiency, but it is counteracted by heavier wheels that force the engine to work harder. Consequently, acceleration decreases and consumption rises. That is why it is always recommended to comply with the specifications established by the manufacturer.

They are more vulnerable to damage. Before a puncture, they deflate faster, which is more dangerous if the tire is not completely empty. And speaking of punctures, a very common one in these tires is when the car hits a bump and the sidewall is “bitten” by the tire. Typically, it happens on roads that are not on their best days at high speeds, with a profile between 35 and 30.

If they jump from 15-inch tires to 18-inch tires, the stability control (ESP) can be confused in their performance due to their particular calibration. An altered measurement can cause the readings to become inaccurate and the system to act improperly. Recall that this as the airbag and the belt, it is useless to have a shock absorber in front of us if we are not securely attached.

Many people enjoy the look of wide and large tires. These tires can give you a chance to show off in your brand new vehicle, but an attractive shape can sometimes ruin the function that the item was designed with. Oversized tires are cannon fodder for the curbs and increase the load on the suspension and axle.




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