Quite a number of cars have low profile tyres these days, especially in urban areas. They give cars a unique modern look that is quite different from the standard tyres. Any car can be fitted with the low profile tyres. However, it is important to first understand the impact that these tyres have so that you can evaluate if they are a good fit for your car or not. Below, learn what to consider before fitting your car with these tyres, the pros, the cons, and more.

What are low profile tyres?

Low profile tyres are those tyres that have a thinner profile construction (side wall) as compared to standard tyres. Standard tyres have a profile with an aspect ratio of about 75%. Low profile tyres have an aspect ratio of about 50% or less. Checking the aspect ratio is the surest way to determine if a tyre is classified as a low profile model or not.

What are the pros of low profile tyres?

The advantages of having low profile tyres on your car include:

  • They give your car a sportier look thanks to the larger wheels.
  • They can marginally increase the value of your car.
  • They can help to increase the height of your car due to the subsequent fitting of larger tyres. This not only gives your car a certain stance, it can also help when driving over bumps or steep driveway entries.
  • Low profile tyres are also said to offer better handling by providing a larger surface area between the tyre and the road.

What are the cons of low profile tyres?

Low profile tyres have some cons as well. These are:

  • Low profile tyres are more expensive than standard tyres.
  • Low profile tyres reduce the cushioning on your wheels because they are thinner. This can lead to increased tyre and wheel damage. Low profile tyres are, therefore, not recommended for off-road driving.
  • Low profile tyres can affect car steering by exceeding the manufacturer's recommended tyre size.

What to consider before getting low profile tyres

If you are really considering fitting your car with low profile tyres, consider the following:

  1. Will you be driving off road?
  2. Are you ready to purchase larger wheels to go with the thinner tyres?
  3. Will your larger wheels fit on your vehicle without causing any obstruction?
  4. What does your car manufacturer recommend in regards to maximum tyre sizes?

Your local car centre mechanic can further advise you on what profile best fits your car, as well as the right wheel size to match.

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