Are Low Profile Tires Right For You?

If you are looking for a performance based tire that will give you the look of a sporty race car, then you need to look no further than low profile tires. In this instance, "low profile" does not mean they are trying to stay hidden - it means quite the opposite. They are meant to be seen, even from a great distance away. These tires are instantly recognizable because of their incredibly short side walls. They are the tires that have just a small amount of rubber that surround a very large rim. But, are low profile tires right for you?

There are a few things that you really need to consider if you're thinking about switching to these specialized tires. First of all, the installation process is much different then purchasing normal replacement tires. For instance, the ratio of wheel size to tire sidewall size will change. You should probably seek the help of a professional when making the switch so you do not make a mistake during installation. Using an incorrect wheel size can cause problems in the calibration of your speedometer and shifting speeds.

Switching to low profile will help you "hug" the corners and get great response from your car. This is because there is much more rubber touching the road. NASCAR drivers are famous for using incredibly low profile tires during races because they are able to get a good amount of grip on the road. So, if you are concerned with increasing the handling on your vehicle, you should consider making the switch.

However, there are a few things that you should the aware of. For instance, the low profile causes the tires to lose flexibility. This is because the shorter side wall does not give the tire much opportunity to bend and flex. The end result is that you feel every pothole, bump and large rock that your tires hit. Most low profile enthusiasts will recommend that you upgrade your vehicle's suspension if you will be lowering the profile of your tires. If you do not make some kind of suspension change, your car may be too bumpy and erratic to handle.

You should also keep in mind the extra cost that you will incur when buying these tires. You will have to buy from a specialty manufacturer and should expect to spend anywhere from 30% to 50% more per tire. Of course, you can lower your cost if you buy a brand new set of four all at once.

Most people will tell you that the shorter side wall reduces the tread life of a low profile tire. However, this is simply not true - even though a tire with a low profile will usually wear out quicker since it is made of high performance materials. You will just have to live with the fact that a low profile tire is made for performance rather than economy. If you're looking for a tire that will last you a long time, you should switch to a good all-season.

In reality, low profile is all about the look. There are some performance advantages, but the real advantage lies with the fact that they will get you and your car noticed wherever you go.

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