Low profile tyres are often considered the slickest, trendiest, and even the sexiest type of tyre you can fit to your vehicle, due to their sleek and shiny appearance. This is thanks to the sidewall being much smaller and the rim being much larger than they are on standard tyres.
But what are low profile tyres’ advantages and disadvantages? Why are some vehicles better suited to them than others? Below is our guide to everything you need to know:
Tyre profile relates to the size of the sidewall. It’s also known as model height and is the distance from the edge of the tyre to the rim. It is marked on the sidewall as a percentage of the overall width. To find out where this marking is located on the sidewall, check out our guide to tyre markings.
Because a vehicle requires a specific diameter for the size of the wheels - as outlined in the vehicle’s handbook - the size of the rim determines the size of the sidewall, and vice versa. That means, the smaller the sidewall, the larger the rim.
A low profile tyre has a much shorter sidewall than standard tyres. This means the tyre doesn’t contain as much air, and thus there’s far less flexibility, which in turn makes them less bouncy. There will also be a noticeable increase in the sound they make when the vehicle is driven.
Their structure is wider, which allows for wider tread patterns and therefore more contact with the road. This provides greater handling, which is why low profile tyres are generally seen on sports cars that travel at higher speeds and do less day-to-day driving on normal roads.
As you might expect, a high profile tyre is the opposite to a low profile one. The rims are smaller, with a much larger sidewall. They generally offer a smoother and quieter ride, and have strong traction and can handle hot temperatures.
They’re often fitted on 4x4s, and a good example of a high profile tyre would be those found on Formula One cars.
As highlighted above, low profile tyres are more commonly found on sports cars or other high-performance vehicles that require a high level of handling.
However, drivers do fit them to other vehicle types, as it’s a relatively cost-effective way of giving a non-sports car a sporty appearance. The thin sidewall and larger, shiny surface of the rim can add extra oomph to your car, so long as you’re prepared to compensate for how they’ll affect the handling.
Before changing your tyre rim size, you should check with your insurer that you will still be covered under your existing policy.
The overall diameter of your tyres and wheels must stay the same, so if you plan on fitting low profile tyres then you must compensate with larger wheels.
While more expensive than standard tyres, they’re an affordable way to increase your vehicle’s handling, while giving it a sleek and stylish look.
Your vehicle’s performance will be affected, both positively and negatively. Handling and braking will be better, however, prepare for a bumpier and noisier ride.
Be aware that these tyres will wear faster than others. You need to regularly check (once every two weeks) that your tyres are above the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm. Anything below this is illegal, and if caught you could face points on your driving license and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
Now that you know what low profile tyres are, why not take a look for yourself? We have a wide selection available, so if you’re looking to increase the handling of your vehicle, while turning a few heads, enter your reg into our quick and easy tool to buy tyres online today.