Pros and Cons of Low Profile Tyres
Amid the evergreen trend of placing bigger tyres in SUVs, the purchasers of mid-and-high-reach cars are step by step moving towards installing tyres with low profiles. Anyway, what is so appealing with these low profile tyres? Is it simply the stylish appeal that is convincing clients to pick one? Or does it have some useful advantages as well?
To know these answers, first, you should get clarity on what are low profile tyres. After that, we’ll discover the pros and cons of low profile tyres.
What are low profile tyres?
Low profile tyres have less sidewall than other tyres. Driving the trend towards low profile tyres is, essentially, their superior performance. It improves road holding and braking. A more limited sidewall is stiffer and less prone to distortion.
Also, certain individuals essentially like the appearance of low profile tyres — a bigger wheel size can give a feeling of sportiness or prestige to a vehicle.
Numerous carmakers offer their vehicles with different OEM (original equipment manufacturer) wheel sizes within a range, typically expanding the wheel size and diminishing the tyre profile with the improved specification.
Pros of low profile tyres:
● Aesthetically pleasing
This is one of the main reasons why new car purchasers go for low profile tyres. Furthermore, this is valid as these tyres add an energetic and extravagant feel to the exterior of the car. Usually, you see low profile tyres in premium hatchbacks. Adding these tyres to your car makes sure it will be visually appealing. However, remember to ask your mechanic before taking a step as it may or may not possibly work for you.
● Better handling
Low profile tyres were prior utilised exclusively by sports car drivers because of their grip and precise handling. These tyres have larger contact with the road and stiffer sidewall which further improves steering response, and you feel significantly more control on your vehicle.
● Improved braking
With more extensive contact with the surface, these tyres get a great hold, which helps in expanding their traction levels. In addition, a bigger rim calls for larger braking equipment, and in this way, more stopping power. They can deal with dry and wet braking equally well.
● Increased fuel efficiency
Short, solid sidewalls joined with simple tread designs results in low profile tyres having lower rolling resistance. This lower rolling resistance represents better fuel efficiency.
Cons of low profile tyres:
● May not suit your vehicle
Furnishing your car with low profile tyres without understanding the tyre level equation can lead your car to a difficult situation. Except your car had OEM fitted low profile tyres, try not to utilise them.
● Rapid deflation
With more limited sidewall, the distance between the rim and rubber is extremely less, and thus, you experience each undulation or bad patches first hand. The ride quality becomes harsh compared to the standard tyres, which absorb the majority of the road irregularities. In addition, if your suspension arrangement isn’t tuned to deal with low profile tyres, you may end up damaging it.
● Fuel efficiency dips
In case you are putting on the low profile tyres, be prepared to expand the tips to the fuel pump as the fuel efficiency with these tyres goes for a toss. Drivers hoping to save fuel should avoid them.
● More damage to the wheels
While there are very few cushions between rims, wheels and roads, they will cause discomfort hitting potholes. The tyres can actually cause damage like bending rims to puncturing tyres and even some serious issues with wheels. These damages can lead you to costly car service.
Read here couple of benefits for regularly servicing your car.
So, if you are a driver who loves high-end sports cars or modifiers, low profile tyres may become your next choice. It is increasingly being fitted either as an upgrade option or standard equipment for more mainstream vehicles. As every part has its pros and cons, so does the low profile tyres, you should consider the above information to get adequate clarity.
