What is considered a low profile tyre? Advantages and disadvantages of low profile tires

The vast majority of car enthusiasts will agree with the statement that low profile tires significantly improve the exterior of almost any vehicle, giving it solidity, aggressiveness and style. It is for this reason that every year more and more drivers in the off-season prefer to “shoe” their car in fashionable summer models with a low profile.

A bit of history

The first low profile tires were introduced in 1937. These were tires of the 88th series, presented by the famous Michelin brand. Despite its external attractiveness, this rubber was not widely used, the reason for this was both the condition of the roads and the technical characteristics of the car of that time. These factors have made low profile tires unsuitable for everyday use. On the other hand, this model was highly appreciated in the racing environment.

The “wide” tire was remembered only four decades later, when Pirelli presented the P6 and P7 tires, which later became legendary. Appearing on the roads in 1977, these models aroused great interest among motorists, which only increased every year. This fact is confirmed by the fact that today such tires are in the lineup of every serious tire manufacturer.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to existing standards, low-profile rubber is a tire in which the ratio of the height of the profile to the width of the tire does not exceed 60 percent. For example, if the side surface of the tire is marked 210/70 R18 95 V, then this means that the model has:

1. The tread width is 210 mm.
2. Landing diameter - 18 inches.
3. The radial arrangement of the cord - R.
4. The profile height to width ratio is 70%.

If we compare the models under consideration with standard counterparts, we can see that the former differ in a noticeably large ratio of tire width to its height.

So, besides the stylish look, what makes low profile tires so attractive? Recall that low-profile tires are focused primarily on speed and it appeared exactly when this characteristic of transport began to increase. It is not difficult to explain this fact. High-speed cars need more efficient brakes, and low-profile models have a wider tread than standard models for better traction and a larger contact patch. Increasing this parameter while maintaining the proportions of a conventional tire would provoke an incorrect perception of the weight of the car.

Thus, the tire manufacturers increased only the tread width, creating a low-profile tire, which, compared to traditional models, has both pluses and minuses.

So, the indisputable advantages of low-profile tires include:

• Reducing the braking distance.
• Increased road grip.
• Fast set speed.
• Improved vehicle handling.

As for the shortcomings, they are obvious. Low profile tires:

• Noise louder.
• Less resistant to
• Creates a great return on the suspension.
• Worse absorbs bumps.
• Less comfortable.

Low profile tire pressure

Owners of cars shod with low-profile tires need to carefully monitor. Due to the design features of such tires, low air pressure in the chamber can cause distortion of the sidewalls, which leads to more intensive wear of the rubber. Therefore, experts advise regularly checking and maintaining the pressure at the level recommended by the tire manufacturer for maximum load and speed (usually this is the V or H index). We also note that this parameter is checked exclusively in the cold state of the rubber.

Among other things, it must be remembered that tires with a low profile in the parking lot “remember” their position. In other words, after stopping the car, the contact patch of the tire is flattened, after which it hardens, keeping the flat tread areas after the resumption of movement. As a result, the first few kilometers of the road can be uncomfortable, until the rubber warms up and takes the correct shape. In situations where the car has been standing for quite a long time, or the tires have not been stored correctly during the off-season, before using low-profile rubber in its chambers, the pressure should be increased to the level indicated above.

Manufacturers of tires in a competitive environment are constantly improving their products, producing products with different properties, characteristics, sizes. One of these inventions was low-profile tires, let's see what low-profile tires mean, what advantages such tires have.

What tires are considered low profile? You can distinguish a low-profile tire from a simple tire by the appropriate marking on the side of the product. Having deciphered the marking of tires, we can conclude what is the height of the tire profile and whether the rubber is low-profile. For example, the decoding of the rubber marking with the designation 225 / 40R16 is as follows:

• 225 - tire width, is 225 mm;
• 40 - expresses the percentage ratio between the height and width of the rubber, we get the height of the tire profile 225 * 0.4 = 90 mm;
• R - type of tire, in our case a radial tire;
• 16 - the inner diameter of the tire or the outer diameter of the disk.

Previously, tires with a width-to-height ratio of no more than 0.8 were considered low-profile tires. Nowadays, very low profile tires have a specified size ratio of less than 0.55. It is clear from the 225/40R16 marking that the tire has a very low profile, with a width to height ratio of 40% or 0.4.

Low profile tires

If we compare tires marked, for example, 195 / 45R15 with 205 / 45R15, then the first tires will be lower (195 * 0.45 = 87.75 mm), in the second case (205 * 0.45 = 92.25 mm ). In the first variant, the profile height is less. The minimum allowable profile is the ratio of the width and height of the tire at the level of 0.2.

Another difference between low-profile tires and standard tires is the speed index, for low-profile tires it is more than 210 km / h, while for standard tires this parameter is 190 km / h. In addition, low-profile rubber has a special stiffener to protect the disc from damage. Products without the specified rib cannot be considered low profile.

Advantages

Low profile rubber has the following advantages:

• improves the speed characteristics of the car;
• provides fast braking;
• makes the car directional stable even at high speed of the vehicle;
• provides the desired contact patch of tires with the road;
• dynamic acceleration of the vehicle;
• makes the appearance of the car more attractive;
• the car is stable during corner entry.

1. The described advantages of this type of rubber are present when the car is moving on a flat road surface, the quality of the ride is directly proportional to the quality of the road.
2. Reduced tire life. When using low profile tires on poor quality roads, the possibility of tire puncture and wheel deformation increases.
3. Deformation of the tire during a long idle time of the car. While the car is idle, the tire comes into contact with the road surface, and the shape of the tire changes at the point of contact. These changes are felt when the vehicle leaves in the form of vibration of the steering wheel and, as a rule, disappear after 4-5 km of run.
4. Reducing the depreciation of the car, the driver and passengers feel the bumps in the road while driving.
5. Decreased driving comfort. An increase in the contact patch of tire contact with the road leads to an increase in noise, which affects driving comfort.
6. The high cost of not only rubber, but also the installation work.
7. Even a slight deviation in tire pressure from the norm can lead to negative consequences. Therefore, there is a need to conduct enhanced control of this parameter.
8. Increased hydroplaning effect. It is difficult to drain water from the contact patch of the tire with the road surface, due to the increase in the width of the tire.

The main problems that motorists have to solve when wanting to install low-profile tires are the load on the suspension due to the increase in the width of the rim and wheel mounting. The first problem is solved by purchasing alloy wheels, the second is more complicated, not every service station can handle it. Therefore, before purchasing low-profile rubber, you need to try on a disk on the suspension, find out if the mounted wheel will not catch on the body elements.

When choosing tires with a low profile, one must be guided not only by the recommendations of the car manufacturer, indicating the sizes of the required tires and the operating conditions of the vehicle, but also take into account the tire manufacturer. The quality of low profile tires depends on the manufacturer that made the specified tires. By purchasing fake or low-quality products, you can become the culprit of an accident, the car may lose control. We suggest you familiarize yourself with the types of low-profile tires of well-known brands.

Tire BFGOODRICH G-GRIP 255/35R19

Summer tire of the American manufacturer, designed for passenger cars. Advantages:

• ensuring directional stability with the help of a special central rib placed on the tire tread;
• the presence of special self-locking lamellas ensures vehicle braking on any road surface;
• reinforced shoulder blocks provide directional stability of the car;
• good drainage of water from the contact patch of the tire with the road.

Cons: Tires are a bit noisy.

Tire Pirelli Winter SottoZero serie III — 225/45 R17 91H

Winter tires of the Italian manufacturer, designed for powerful and high-speed passenger cars. Advantages:

• symmetrical tread pattern provides good grip on the road;
• good vehicle stability;
• high speed characteristics;
• due to the presence of special 3D lamellas, the absence of spikes is compensated;
• products have a long service life due to the use of a special composition of the rubber compound.

Disadvantages: Tires are designed for mild winter conditions.

Tires Goodyear Wrangler F1 - 275/40 ZR20 102W

Rubber of the American manufacturer, designed for SUVs and crossovers. Advantages:

• special blocks of the tread layer increase traction;
• good stability and controllability of the machine;
• provide fast acceleration;
• little noise;
• suitable for urban use.

Disadvantages: give in to punctures.

Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850 - 245/40 ZR18 97W XL FR

• the tread layer contains many blocks, thanks to which a good passability of the machine is ensured;
• dense placement of lamellas ensures vehicle stability on slippery roads;
• the design of the sidewalls allows you to maneuver the car, while providing good stability and controllability;
• fast braking.

Disadvantages: high cost.

Conclusion

Low-profile tires are available in various sizes, it is possible to install these tires on almost all types of cars, sizes are available from R13-14 to R17-24. If you want to install low profile tires on the car, evaluate the operating conditions of the vehicle, these tires behave ideally on good road surfaces. Follow the machine manufacturer's recommendations. An excessive reduction in the height of the tire profile can lead to negative consequences: a decrease in the level of comfort and safety, premature wear of the undercarriage parts.

In this article, we will talk about low profile tires, their main pros and cons. Is it worth switching to these tires if you have a modified or regular car?

What it is?

If you ask a tuning enthusiast what distinguishes a "cool car" from an ordinary one, low-profile tires will be named among the first signs. Indeed, the wheels of a car with a large radius and a narrow strip of rubber look much more aggressive and more beautiful. But how does this affect the car itself, which should not only please the eye, but also drive reliably?

As we know, the standard marking is: 235/45 R20. Let me remind you that the number after R means the diameter of the disk on which the tire is installed (it is measured in inches), and the 235/45 group shows that the width of the tire is 235 millimeters and the ratio of the height of the profile to the width is 45%.

Initially, it was believed that if this ratio is less than 60%, then this rubber is low-profile. Indeed, tires with an indicator below 55% are considered such.

Why, besides beauty, are they needed?

Cars are becoming more powerful and faster. High speed requires high braking qualities. They are provided by two parameters: the size of the brake disc and the area of ​​contact between the tire and the road. Accordingly, in order to improve the brakes, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the brake disc, which is limited by the diameter of the wheel rim.

And since it is impossible to infinitely increase the diameter of the rims, such an increase has to be compensated by a decrease in the height of the profile.

To increase the area of ​​\u200b\u200bcontact of tires with the road, it is necessary to increase its width.- this has a positive effect on the volume of air in it (which has decreased due to a decrease in the height of the profile). That is why the speed characteristics of low-profile tires are significantly higher than usual, their speed index only starts with “H” (210 km / h), and “V” (240 km / h) is considered standard and is not limited to this ...

We figured out high speed and braking properties, and thanks to the low profile, the car sways much less when cornering, which, with better traction, provides higher controllability.

Minuses

Everything good has to be paid for. And the chic high-speed characteristics of low-profile rubber turn into disadvantages. This is especially true for non-ideal road surfaces. They show the difference in ride comfort, which is reflected in the suspension and chassis as a whole, in the resource of the disk - punching such a tire or splitting a disk when entering a pit at speed is a common occurrence.

• Noise is the downside of increasing tire width, as a larger contact area with the road increases noise;
• Greater tendency to aquaplaning, from which it is more difficult to drain water. Therefore, when driving through puddles, you need to reset the course more strongly. For example, the 17th wheels float at a speed of 92-93 km/h, and the 19th ones - at 85 km/h;
• An increase in the load on the suspension parts and power steering - associated with greater control rigidity. The mass of the 19th low-profile tires with wheels compared to the 17th regular tires can reach 3-5 kg. This is an increase in unsprung weight by 25 kg - therefore, more wear on the suspension parts and worse driving comfort (especially if the shock absorbers and springs are bad) are obtained;
• Increased attention to the level of tire pressure - you need to check it more often, since even a small loss of pressure threatens trouble;
• Low-profile tires are more expensive than high-profile ones, and you still have to change the wheels to wider ones with a larger radius. For example, a difference of two steps in the landing diameter of a tire and a disk (R17 and R19) doubles the cost.

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of low-profile tires, evaluate them for the conditions of most trips, driving style - and decide whether to switch to them. It is also important that they have beautiful discs with them.

Competition is developing in all areas of the market, and the automotive industry is no exception. One of the best results of this competition can be considered low-profile tires. Undoubtedly, this type of tire greatly enhances the appearance of the car, but these tires also have many other advantages for motorists. They also have certain shortcomings that do not reduce their popularity.

Understanding which rubber is considered low profile, it is worth considering that this is a type of tire in which the height of the side element is less than the width of the tire. Typically, this figure varies from 45 to 55. Such rubber is used for sports car models and is used to distinguish the car from the crowd or improve sports performance. Often such tires are installed on racing models of cars, because they allow you to reduce slip on the track.

Tire markings

General description:

• A certain speed index - from 210 to 240 km / h, is indicated by the symbols H or V.
• This indicator is indicated by the second digit after the division line in the marking. For example, in the marking 215/36 R17, the number 36 indicates the ratio of the width of the rubber to the height of its profile, and the symbol R indicates the size. In this example, you can see that the tire is a low profile tire.
• Good driving performance on the track. This is evident in the good grip on the road.

Additional Information!

This type of tire involves the installation of larger brake discs, which improves the braking process.

The main pros and cons of low profile rubber on 15 inches

Fifteen inch model

Like any other tire, 15" low profile rubber has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of many motorists are the following:

• The best grip.
• Good maneuverability and smooth cornering.
• Quality braking.
• Low resistance to the process of movement.
• Saving gasoline.
• In combination with lightweight wheels, it reduces the overall bulk of the car and improves dynamics.
• Installing low-profile tires makes it easier to pick up speed.

These advantages of low-profile tires are complemented by a special tread pattern and a soft rubber base. Most often, high-speed types of rubber have a directional tread pattern and a strong side part.

As for the cons, they are also worth mentioning:

• Low service life.
• Low level of comfort - the tires are very sensitive to various bumps on the road.
• Noise level - the contact patch for these models is increased, which leads to increased extraneous sounds. This effect is also provoked by the directional tread pattern.
• Excessive pressure on the suspension - hard driving injures the chassis of the car.
• Weight - if the car does not have power steering, then this can affect cornering, worsening their quality and smoothness of entry.
• Narrow scope - you should not install them for trips around the city.
• They are not intended for driving in rainy weather, because they have the property of aquaplaning or a hydrodynamic wedge, i.e. when driving in the rain, traction deteriorates.

Additional Information!

Considering the pros and cons of 15-inch low-profile wheels, before buying, you should decide on the basic road conditions, driving style, and then you can decide on their purchase. It is desirable that shiny discs be purchased with them.

What tires are considered low profile and why

Model size 205/55 R16

Low profile tires are those with a cross-sectional height greater than 0.55 and less than 0.8 inches. Low profile tires include rubber with the following nomenclature:

• 205/55R16;
• 205/45R17;
• 225/40R18.

Additional Information!

To the same list, you can add the nomenclature of low-profile rubber R17.

Is it safe to use low profile tires R17

Model R17

As can be seen from the characteristics, low profile tires are more logical for smooth road surfaces, but when driving on other types of roads, problems can arise.

What can the improper use of low-profile winter or summer tires lead to:

• If you need to change wheels, it will be difficult to find a car service that dares to take on such a task. All operations will have to be carried out independently.
• Driving over bumps and pits can cause a decrease in pressure, which will lead to a complete deconstruction of the wheel and the occurrence of emergencies.
• On Russian highways, the use of this type of wheels can lead to serious consequences.

Note!

Each car owner makes the final choice himself, based on his preferences.

As for the basic rules of operation, it should be borne in mind that riding them is possible only on flat tracks. It is important to monitor the pressure so that the tire does not burst. Driving a vehicle with such tires must be very careful. Tire care should be carried out according to the season. In winter, it is advisable to inspect tires for various chips. Of particular danger to such tires are salt and other components used by public utilities to combat icing.

Wheels should be washed as often as possible, using car shampoos, not forgetting to rinse them thoroughly with water. If there are stains of gasoline or any other combustible material on the rubber, they must be cleaned immediately. Be sure to check the condition of the spikes and remove dirt from them. The tread pattern must not be worn off. Tires should be stored at a temperature not exceeding +25 ° C, preferably in a garage. When stored vertically, they should be turned over occasionally, and if they are already equipped with discs, they should be suspended.

In summer, tires are often exposed to high temperatures from driving on hot asphalt, so the tires must be allowed to cool in the evening. In addition, tires should be protected from ultraviolet radiation with the help of special means. It is desirable that they do not contain silicone.

Apply funds with a special sponge in the direction of rotation of the tire, and then against.

Low profile winter tires R14

Model R14

A separate topic for drivers is the seasonal tire change. For winter, the car must be carefully prepared. As you know, rubber is studded and non-studded. Studded tires are optimal for icy and heavy snow roads, but they are not suitable for driving on clean asphalt. At the same time, smooth tires are suitable for ordinary roads, but not for winter ones.

Given the features of a low-profile tire, the wheels simply will not withstand winter road “surprises”, since any unevenness will literally be felt by the driver’s hands.

Features of buying low-profile winter tires R14:

• Low profile tires are rarely found in a car shop, it is better to buy it online.
• Buying online will save you money.
• Many sites provide self-export and delivery to the specified address.

Additional Information!

Low-profile R14 tires improve the performance of the car.

The low profile tire is a new trend in the modern automotive industry. It gives the car additional status and style. Despite their advantages, these tires are quite capricious and may not withstand the peculiarities of Russian roads and climate. Their purchase can be quite expensive in a car dealership, but it is quite possible to find high-quality models on specialized Internet resources.

Competition does not benefit all manufacturers of goods - some companies lose, others win. But consumers always win because they end up with the very best.

Firms that produce tires are no exception, because they are constantly in a rather fierce competition. And today, as a result of this competition, we will consider a special type of tires, which is called low-profile.

General characteristics

You can find the differences between a low profile tire and an ordinary tire on the side surface of the wheel: this is where the special marking is applied. This marking indicates the parameters of the tire, thanks to which you can always find out if it is a low-profile rubber or not.

For example, let's take a typical 225/40R16 tire marking and try to decipher it:

• 225 is a number that determines the width of the tire in millimeters;
• 40 - the percentage value between the height and width of the rubber. We obtain the profile height as follows: we multiply 225 by 0.4 and we get - 90 mm;
• R is a type of rubber. In this case, this index indicates that the tire is radial.
• 16 - this value indicates the radius of the tire. In this case, 16 inches.

If once considered low-profile tires, whose height-to-width ratio did not exceed 0.8, now this value has decreased significantly. Low profile tires are less than 0.55 these days.

Therefore, the 225/40R16 marking we reviewed has an obvious low profile, with a difference in width and height of only 40% (0.4).

For clarity, let's compare a tire labeled 195/45R15 with a tire labeled 205/45R15.

To do this, we will perform the calculations already known to us both for the first tire and for the second:

1. 195 x 0.45 = 87.75 mm
2. 205 x 0.45 = 92.25 mm

As the next difference between low profile rubber and conventional tires, consider such a characteristic as the speed index (the maximum allowable speed for the operation of certain tires), which is also applied to the side surface of the tire.

For tires with a low profile, this value exceeds 210 km / h, while standard tires have a speed index of no more than 190 km / h. In addition, a special so-called “stiffening rib” is inserted into the low-profile tires, which protects the rim from possible deformation.

Such a "rib" is available only for low-profile tires. In the absence of a “rib”, it is no longer possible to classify a tire as a low-profile tire.

Advantages of low profile tires

Low tires have the following advantages:

• increase the speed parameters of the car;
• make braking faster and more reliable;
• enhance the stability of the car during maneuvering and at high speed as well;
• provide a wider area of ​​contact between the rubber and the road surface;
• provide fast acceleration from the starting point of the car;
• increase the stability of the car on sharp turns;
• are decoration of the car, giving it an attractive and noble appearance.

Disadvantages of low profile tires

Despite the listed advantages of low tires, this rubber has a number of disadvantages:

1. High dependence of low-profile tires on the quality of the road. That is, all the advantages of this rubber listed above take place only when driving on a high-quality road with a good even surface. It is not recommended to use such tires on off-road tracks.
2. The lifespan of low profile tires is much shorter than conventional tires. This is especially evident on bad roads - the likelihood of a puncture and damage to the discs is quite high.
3. A long idle car with low tires is highly undesirable. The fact is that at the point of contact of the tire with the coating, the rubber undergoes deformation. Approximately the same thing happens when leaving the garage - the steering wheel begins to vibrate. However, after the first 4-5 km, the vibration disappears.
4. Since such tires are quite low, the depreciation of the car is noticeably reduced. This is especially true on rough roads.
5. Impact on driving comfort. The contact patch with the road of such tires is quite extensive, and as a result, noise increases, which can be unpleasant for the driver.
6. Such rubber costs much more than ordinary tires, and its installation will also require considerable costs.
7. Low-profile tires require increased control of inflation pressure: even small deviations from the specified parameters can lead to undesirable results.
8. Aquaplaning. This effect is greatly increased in low tires due to their large width. Therefore, driving in rainy weather requires caution.

If you decide to purchase low-profile tires for your car, then pay attention to two more problems that cannot be bypassed:

1. Large load on the suspension due to the increase in the width of the rim.
2. Difficulty mounting wheels with low profile tires.

To solve the first problem, you will need to purchase alloy wheels.

The second problem is considered by many motorists to be more difficult - not even every professional can solve it. Therefore, always before purchasing a low-profile tire, try on the rim to the suspension and check whether the wheel will catch parts of the body after installation or not.

Well-Known Low Profile Tires

When choosing low profile tires, you will have to take into account not only the recommendations of the car brand, but also the tire company - avoid fake or low-quality tires, otherwise you may run the risk of becoming the culprit of an accident.

Here are some brands of low profile tires that are the most trusted in the motoring world.

Tire BFGOODRICH G-GRIP 255/35R19

These are summer tires made in the USA. Its main advantages:

• provides the car with increased stability due to a special rib located in the center of the tread;
• has self-locking sipes, making braking more reliable;
• shoulder blocks are significantly reinforced, which increases the machine's directional stability;
• high-quality drainage from the contact patch of the tire with the road.

The disadvantages of rubber of this brand include its increased noise during movement.

Tire Pirelli Winter SottoZero serie III – 225/45R17 91H

These winter tires are produced in Italy. They are mainly used for high-speed machines of high power. Main advantages:

• the tread pattern is made in a symmetrical form, due to which the wheels have a sufficiently high grip with the road surface;
• provides reliable stability to the car;
• fairly high speed parameters;
• 3D sipes allow you to move without spikes when needed;
• A special rubber compound is used in the manufacture, which gives them durability.

Disadvantage: it is undesirable to use these tires in harsh winter conditions.

Tire Goodyear Wrangler F1 – 275/40 ZR20 102W

American rubber designed for crossovers and SUVs. Her virtues:

• the projector layer is equipped with special blocks that enhance traction;
• give the car excellent stability and controllability;
• with such tires, the car accelerates quickly enough;
• little noise;
• you can drive in urban areas.

Disadvantage: easily pierced.

Tires Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850 - 245/40 ZR18 97W XL FR

Developed in Germany. Advantages:

• special blocks in the tread layer provide high permeability;
• the lamellas are placed quite tightly, which makes the car more stable on slippery slopes;
• The lateral parts of the tires are designed in such a way that the machine acquires good stability and maneuverability.
• fast and reliable braking.

The disadvantage is the high cost.

When installing low-profile tires on your car, you need to know that it is produced in a variety of sizes for any brand of car.

Before purchasing such tires, be sure to consider the conditions in which you plan to operate the vehicle, because these tires will be more reliable on high-quality road surfaces.

Also, follow the machine manufacturer's recommendations and do not reduce the profile of the tires below the norm specified in these recommendations. Otherwise, undesirable consequences may occur, such as a reduced level of safety and comfort, as well as premature wear of the undercarriage parts of the machine. Good luck and safe journey!