What Are the Features of the Low Profile Tires
Nothing says elegant 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 common tonic thanks to an aesthetically pleasing effect. However, there is more history behind these tires than their mere visual appeal.
What are low profile tires?
Low-profile tires first appeared in the world of automobiles in the 1960s with the introduction of the P7, the first of its high-performance lineage. Soon they would become permanent cars like Porsche or Ferrari. Now, the low profile tires have gone from being in the sports stadiums to the car parks of the mall. We see them both in BMW M3 and in a buy” a new game> for the next trip. On the sidewall a
For example, if your car has 215/65 R15 inscribed on 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, the larger the tire, so cars equipped with these wheels 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 withstand lateral forces better. The effect is more noticeable when moving fast, where a sudden reaction may be a priority, and that is why they tend to have higher rates of speed.
It should bear in mind that, originally, the use of a larger tire used to incorporate larger braking equipment. Low-profile tires have larger treads that improve traction on dry and smooth surfaces, positively impacting the direction. The sidewalls, being thinner, have greater reinforcements and, therefore, more stiffness.
They offer greater fuel efficiency. The low tread profile tires have a more simplified design than their chubby counterparts. Less resistance to the advance reverberates in making fuel use more efficient. The difference between using a high or low profile – depending on the tire and car model – can range between 15 and 20%, and even up to 35% at high speeds.
As for appearance, there is no doubt that they look great and give cars a bolder and more aggressive look. This concept of “more wheel and less tire” is rapidly gaining great popularity in the market. Until a few years ago, 16-17-inch wheels were considered an optimal size. It is now easy to find utilities with that size, even up to 19 (” tire pressure> also contributes to this.
They offer less grip on uneven surfaces. Low profile tires are excellent for speeding braking and curves on dry paths, but the taller sidewall with a smaller tire size will offer greater flexibility and grip in conditions where the surface is irregular, such as snow, mud or asphalts in poor condition The more contact surface there is with the firm, it is also easier to make
They are more vulnerable to damage. Before a puncture, they deflate faster, which is more dangerous if the tire is not empty. And speaking of punctures, one very common in these tires is when the car bumps into a pothole, and the sidewall is “bitten” by the tire. Normally, it happens on roads that are not in their best days at high speeds, with a profile between 35 and 30.
If you jump from 15-inch tires to 18-inch tires, the stability control (ESP) may be confused in its performance due to its particular calibration. An altered measure may cause the readings to become inaccurate and the system to act improperly. Remember that this as the tires “wide and extensive>. These tires can allow you to show off in your brand new vehicle, but an attractive way can sometimes ruin the function with which that element designed. Large tires are cannon fodder for the curbs and increase the load on the suspension and the axle.
Does it compensate me for buying low profile tires?
It depends on what you want and your needs. Do you prefer smooth handling more practical for everyday use or better performance on dry asphalt and appearance? Low profile tires have many advantages and adapt to those who want greater driving sensations. For them to fulfill their function, they have to have the correct measures, and the suspension has to readjust.
On the contrary, if you are not ready – or willing – to update your vehicle completely when adapting it to the new wheels, keep up with the factory measures. Lowering the aspect ratio of the tires for purely aesthetic reasons can have multiple problems, such as the car control unit, the suspension, or the steering. After all, the tire is the only point of contact between the car and the road.
To choose a suitable size and not lead to future problems, you can also consult with professionals. Some like Santogal’s after-sales service will be happy to guide you and also have interesting discounts and offers.