Low profile tires are selling more than ever, and tire manufacturers are also constantly increasing their offerings when it comes to these products. To some people, they are sexy and sleek, but to others, they might look disagreeable. To professional racers who like to push their cars to the limit, these tires offer improved handling, but at the cost of greater exposure to damage and less comfort. To the average driver, the advantages these tires bring are more difficult to discern. So, what are the pros and cons of low profile tires?
List of Pros of Low Profile Tires
1. Better Looks
The most highly noticeable perk of installing low profile tires on your car is that they look better than average tires.
2. Better Handling
When you go low profile, this means you will get larger rims and wider tires. This can be advantageous when it comes to cornering and braking on dry roads.
3. Rigidity
The low sidewalls of these tires increase their rigidity, which is especially important when you do some cornering at high speeds on smooth surfaces.
4. Better Grip
Typically, low profile tires offers you better grip. This means that you will have better control and predictability, where side-swaying will be less noticeable.
List of Cons of Low Profile Tires
1. Less Comfort
Lower driving comfort includes both acoustic and mechanical aspects. As you can see, lower sidewalls and increased rigidity will make any uneven road more noticeable than when you are using higher profile tires. Also, increased tread stiffness will mean smaller contact patch on uneven surfaces, hindering grip.
2. Increased Width
Increased width with low profile tires will, in turn, generate more noise. Remember that these tires have not been adapted for stiffer wheels by manufacturers, so they may have an unfavorable impact on suspension and wearing. Plus, changing wheel diameters will require you to re-adjust headlights.
3. Need to Always Monitor Tire Inflation
When it comes to low profile tires, over-inflation can significantly decrease comfort levels, overheating and even irreversible damage to the tires. This is why you should always observe recommended pressure values. For some manufacturers, whose tires are approved for a certain vehicle, they recommend the right pressure to ensure a good ride.
4. Problems with Suspension
If your car runs on low profile tires, all of its suspension elements that are designed to provide durability and proper functioning might be compromised. You might see problems emerging when your car’s suspension is not adapted to larger rims. In this case, these tires might lead to faster suspension failure. Aside from this, low profile tires can also increase the risk of damaging your aluminum rims.
From a practical point of view, low profile tires are not an ideal choice, as most people drive on highways with heavily controlled speeds. But when it comes to twisting roads, these tires will certainly give you the cornering power you need. And if you simply like the looks, then they are the way to go!