PROS AND CONS OF LOW PROFILE TYRES.

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Low profile tyres have great appeals to the sight. 
The visibility of the wheels/rims draws so much attention you almost forget to notice other exterior features in a car low profile tyres are installed.

What is Low Profile Tyres?
 Tyres with aspect ratios from 50 series downwards are considered to be low profile tyres. Just in case you are wondering what profile of a tyre means? The profile of a tyre is same as aspect ratio of a tyre. In a low profile tyre the rim/wheel occupies greater degree of the tyre's overall diameter.

Still confused, right? Ok.

You see, reading and understanding tyre sizes need some form of education to understand because the information is in alphanumeric codes. Example, 215/55R17 is not just series of numbers and letter. 
The numbers provide useful information about the dimensions of the tyre. 



Here are the breakdown, using same tyre size above.
215: is called Section width. Section width is the part of a tyre that comes in contact with the road surfaces. It's measured in millimetres.
55: is called Aspect ratio also known as profile (The focus of this article). It determines the height of a tyre's sidewalls. It is the per cent of the Section width.
R: Shows the construction type of the tyre. In this case, this is Radial tyre. There are other types of tyre constructions like Bias, Solid etc.
17: Shows rim diameter that fits into the tyre. Rim is measured in inches.

So back to our discussion on low profile tyres.

If you are switching from normal standard tyres to low profile tyres it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of low profile tyres.

ADVANTAGES OF LOW PROFILE TYRES
  • Pleasant Look: Low profile tyres give sporty looks. If you are looking for good appeal and fancy looks go for low profile tyres. The rim occupies greater degree of the tyre general diameter and the car stand out.
  • Improve Road Grip: Low profile tyres are made with wide widths which improve firm grip on a road surfaces. Low profile tyres are excellent in handling, acceleration and cornering.
  • Low Stopping Distance: One of the advantages of low profile tyres is the big brake hardware because of the big rim size plus it's wide width. This improves stopping distance when brake is applied.
  • Good Response To Steering: Low profile tyres are made with stiff sidewalls. Unlike conventional tyres which have to flex to respond to driver's inputs. Low profile tyres respond quickly because of the stiffness of the sidewalls and low section height.

DISADVANTAGES OF LOW PROFILE TYRES
  • Low Ride Comfort: Tyres are built to absorb road irregularities and protect vehicle occupants from discomforts. Because of low sidewalls, low profile tyres rims/wheels are closed to the road surfaces which could make drivings bumpy and noisy.
  • Damages Suspensions: Low profile tyres are OEMs installed mainly on Sports, Performance and Premium Luxury cars.Their suspensions are configured to deliver both handlings and comfort. Their spring rates are adjusted and stiff. Installing low profile tyres to a vehicle with suspension configured to run on high profile tyres might spell doom for the suspension because of constant vibration coming from road irregularities which low profile tyres cannot properly absorb.
  • Expensive: Before switching to low profile tyres you need to consider the extra costs when you need to replace them. Wider widths, big tread blocks, reinforced sidewalls make production of low profile tyres unique from the conventional tyres which also impact the price tags on them in tyres stores.
For your quality tyres call us at 08027623418
Or
tyres@swingstagetyres.com

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