Low profile tires have become a booming trend in today’s auto world. You can find these tires on many vehicles from your fun Chevy Camaro to your practical Chevy Equinox. But what defines a “low profile” tire has changed over the years, and so has the reason to install them.
WHAT ARE LOW PROFILE TIRES?
A low profile tire has an aspect ratio of 50mm or less. The aspect ratio is a measurement of the sidewall height as a percentage of the tire’s width and is found after the slash in a tire’s size. We explain more about tire dimensions and how to read your tire’s sidewall.
You tend to see these tires on street performance vehicles, but they are increasingly seen on passenger vehicles, like sedans and crossovers, due to their sporty and modern look. Also, vehicle manufacturers are increasingly offering larger rim sizes to accommodate larger brakes.
Low profile tires are not limited to a tire type; you’ll find them on:
You won’t find a category called “low profile tires” because tire size dictates a tire’s profile. Low profile really just means low aspect ratio.
Pros of Low Profile Tires
There are a number of pros to low profile tires. They can increase your vehicle performance in nearly every way. They have:
More direct overall steering input
Increased lateral G’s
Wider contact patches
Less flex under acceleration
Great aesthetic
If you’re switching to larger wheels or considering upgrading your ride’s suspension or brakes, you might needto switch to a lower performance tire to accommodate them.
Cons of Low Profile TIres
There are some downsides to equipping your vehicle with low profile tires. Although all vehicles are different, you can experience the following with low profile tires:
Rougher ride, vibration, or harshness
Decreased winter performance
Increased noise at highway speeds
Increased chance of blowouts and tire failures
Low profile tires don’t have as much space to absorb impacts or bumps, ruts, hazards, or potholes. There is less protection for your wheel and rims, as well. Unfortunately, in many cases you cannot claim this type of damage on your car insurance, which can lead to costly out-of-pocket expenses.
LOW PROFILE TIRES VS REGULAR TIRES
Choosing between regular and “low pro” tires is really about recognizing what you need from your tires and vehicle.
Choose regular tires if you need a comfortable, durable ride that offers confidence in more weather conditions. Regular tires also offer more protection to your wheels.
Choose low profile tires if you want that modern, sporty aesthetic and handling, don’t mind a harsher ride, and don’t plan on driving your vehicle in bad weather or poor road conditions.
Most ordinary drivers will never need the enhanced handling of a low profile tire.
However, enthusiasts and serious car nerds who are naturally drawn to the handling and aesthetic of low pro tires should take extra care when choosing their next set of rubber. Choosing a poorly designed low profile tire can lead to disappointing performance at best and tire failure at worst.
Choosing the right low profile tire
Let’s use an example vehicle to show what we mean. We’ll use the Chevy Malibu LS, a more approachable vehicle for most people compared to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, etc.,.It has an original equipment size of 205/65R16.
If you were to choose regular replacement tires, we would suggest the following options:
These tires offer original fitment, great comfort, and performance at a variety of price points.
If you’re looking to move into low profile tires, the best examples offered by Discount Tire include:
Ready to roll?
If you have any questions or are unsure what tires work best for you, drop in or give us a ring. We’ll get you taken care of. Buy and book online and save time in-store!
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