Tyres are one of the most crucial parts of a vehicle. Your driving experience and safety heavily depend on the type and quality of tyres. Installing tyres that are not compatible with the vehicle or not suited for the weather is a dangerous move. So, you should be well aware of the difference between low profile tyres vs normal tyres vs high profile tyres. Read this blog to find out which tyre to buy for your car.
Many car owners often remain ignorant of the importance of tyres in their vehicles. As a result, they solely depend on the mechanic to install various car parts in their vehicle. They do not bother to check the quality or usefulness of anything the mechanic has installed.
Don’t you think you should be aware of the quality and features of your car parts? There are different types, profiles, sizes and features of tyres. Each one is different from the other one, and their uses are also pretty diverse. If you are thinking of buying low profile tyres, you must read this blog to find out their features.
Difference Between Low Profile Tyres Vs Normal Tyres Vs High Profile Tyres
Let us discuss the different types of tyres and their advantages and disadvantages.
What Are Low Profile Tyres?
You often see a car on the road with enlarged rim size; the thin-walled wheels look great on some cars. These wheels have low profile tyres. Those who want to switch to low profile ones from the standard variety do it to improve the car’s appearance.
The low side walls define these types. We see them on performance cars rather than normal cars. For normal cars, normal tyres are best. Check the aspect ratio; if it is below 50, it must be a low profile tyre. These types of tyres have a high section width for giving better and improved performance. They have the rigidity to some extent for their lower side section.
These tyres are attached to relatively high-end cars. Sports cars usually have these tyres to suit their power and performance. But if you want to provide a sporty look to your car, you may opt for these tyres. With thin-walled tyres, it is easy to achieve a stylish look for your vehicle.
Also Read: Tip and Tricks for Preventing a Car Tire Blowout
Low Profile Tyre Size:
The ideal low profile tyre size is 225/50 R 16. 50 is the aspect ratio. Therefore, the side walls are comparatively thinner than standard tyres.
Low Profile Tyre Pressure:
The tyre manufacturer company has a complete guideline for the tyre pressure to be followed. But, according to the different conditions, you must adjust the guidelines.
- Heavy cars need more air pressure.
- On rough roads, you need more air pressure in the tyres.
Advantages of Low Profile Tyres:
- Because they have broader section width and tough side sections, they are easier to steer and drive. In sharp and sudden turns, it is better to handle. That is why in sports cars you can see low profile tyres. In racing tracks, this feature is quite necessary to avoid accidents.
- The rigid side walls give good stability to the vehicle. This helps the car perform well at high speed. The tyre design is responsible for the stability of the vehicle. Thus, driving becomes smoother and more secure at an increased pace.
- The third advantage is effective breaking. The lower level of flexibility of the tyres helps in good breaking. The broader width of the tyres compared to the high profile tyres provide better friction. The friction helps in braking performance. This advantage is crucial for a car’s security on the road to prevent accidents.
- They also provide better cornering features. With better handling and steering performances, they are able to handle excellent cornering forces.
- The low profile tyres improve the car’s look. It provides a stylish and sporty appearance to the cars. Almost all high-end expensive car manufacturers use low profile tyres for their cars. It has far better visual appeal than high profile tyres or normal tyres.
Also Read: Tyre Construction: Its Parts and Their Function
Low Profile Tyres Disadvantages:
You have read all the advantages of low profile tyres. But, they have a few not so impressive features that you must know. If you are considering changing your standard tyres to the low profile ones, you must know these cons.
- Low profile tyre manufacturers have made them for high-performance sports cars. Therefore, they perform well on smooth surfaces such as a racing track. But on rough road conditions, they cannot perform well. For rural Indian roads, these tyres are absolutely unsuitable.
- Generally, these tyres are more prone to wear and tear. Their life is not quite long. In comparison to the high profile tyres, these ones wear really fast.
- On a normal road, the low profile tyres provide no comfort in riding or driving. You have already known about their lower flexibility levels. Due to that reason, they provide a rough riding experience. Moreover, these tyres are more prone to leakage and blowouts in harsh road conditions.
- The low-profile tyres are costlier than normal or high-profile tyres. Because they are generally used in expensive cars, the price is justified. But, if you want to install them in your normal car, the price will be more than the functionality they provide.
- Because of the broad width of the tyres, the road and wheel friction becomes more. This increased friction causes a lot of noise. You might have noticed race cars having too much noise. This is because of the low profile tyres.
- Suppose you are a car owner who is concerned about fuel expenses and car mileage. Low profile tyre will surely disappoint you. High-profile tyres are more economical.
Also Read: What Is Tire Regrooving? Know Its Advantages
FAQs:
Q1 – Do Low Profile Tyres Wear Quicker?
Ans: -Yes, compared to the high profile tyres, they wear quicker.
Q2 : – Are Low Profile Tyres More Prone To Punctures?
Ans: – Yes, they are more prone to punctures in rough road conditions.
Q3: – How Long Do Low Profile Tyres Last?
Ans: – It depends on the use of the tyres. Normally, high quality tyres last up to forty-five thousand miles.
Q4: – Where To Buy Low Profile Tyres From?
Ans: – Buy them from genuine cart parts and accessory dealers.
Q5: – Are Low Profile Tyres Better?
Ans: – Low profile tyres are better for high-speed cars. They have increased friction resulting in great braking and steering responses. Please read the above passage to know their advantages and disadvantages.
Q6: – Why Low Profile Tyres Are Bad?
Ans: – Low profile tyres are not ideal for rough roads or wet road conditions. To know the details read the above passage for their disadvantages.
Q7: – How Often Do You Replace Low Profile Tyres?
Ans:- Depending on the tyres’ condition you have to decide when to replace them. Normally, a low profile tyre lasts up to 40 to 45 thousand miles.
What Is A Normal Tyre?
These are the most commonly used tyres, especially in heavy vehicles. They are also known as standard tyres. Their design is also completely different from low profile tyres, they have different types of tyre tread patterns. These ones do not have side walls. Normal tyres are less pricey and provide a smooth ride in rough road conditions. You can also repair and reuse them, unlike expensive tyres.
Advantages of Normal Tyres:
Normal tyres are often great choices for your vehicle. They have the following advantages-
- The standard or normal tyres are much cheaper in comparison to the low profile tyres.
- Their wear and tear are comparatively lesser than low profile tyres. So, they last for many thousand miles without giving much trouble to the driver.
- Driving a vehicle with normal tyres gives comfort.
- These tyres perform well on all terrains. On rough roads, the normal tyres are ideal to use.
- They give excellent performance in all seasons. You do not have to repeatedly switch to winter and summer tyres for a better riding experience.
- With normal tyres, a driver gets better steering performance.
Also Read: How To Choose Between Summer, Winter Or All-Season Tyres?
Disadvantages of Normal Tyres:
As they have many advantages, a few disadvantages are also there with them.
- They are pretty simple in appearance. They are not as stylish as low profile tyres.
- They are not suitable for high-performance cars. Low profile tyres have special features that work well with high-performance cars.
- Because they do not have side walls, they cannot hold air pressure.
What Are High Profile Tyres?
High profile tyres have high side walls and smaller rim sizes. They are much sturdier compared to low profile tyres. The high profile tyres wear less and last longer.
High Profile Tyres’ Size:
The written tyre marking tells you about the tyre size, its section width etc. If the code is 165/ 80 R 14, it means 80 is the aspect ratio. 165 is the section width. Therefore, you can calculate the side wall height by the aspect ratio, which is 80. 80% of 165mm is 132mm. So, 132mm is the height of the side walls.
Normally, all regular vehicles and cars use high profile tyres for their long-lasting, durable nature. Visually, you can easily differentiate between high and low profile tyres.
Advantages of High Profile Tyres:
Most people use high profile tyres on their cars. They are definitely useful to them.
- With high profile tyres, drivers get a better riding experience and comfortable journey in all seasons. The thick side walls absorb road socks effectively, making your riding smooth.
- Because of their flexibility, driving becomes easier with these tyres.
- They are relatively less expensive. That is why people use these tyres more.
- Less friction causes lesser noise.
- These tyres are quite fuel-efficient. You can go the extra mile than the low profile tyres.
- Because the tyres have less friction and high side walls, they tend to wear really slowly.
Also read: 9 Amazing Methods To Reduce Tyre Noise While Driving
Disadvantages of High Profile Tyres:
- They do not provide a great steering response to the driver. In sharp turns or while cornering, they cannot perform well.
- At high speed, they do not provide good stability to the vehicle. For performance cars, these high profile tyres are an absolute no-no.
- At high speed, their braking performance is also quite poor.
- They do not add extra attraction to your car’s overall appearance.
FAQs:
Q1: – Can I put higher profile tyres on my car?
Ans- You can put higher profile tyres on your car if you need them. In this blog, you will get to know the pros and cons of different tyre profiles. If you want to upgrade your car’s look or performance, then put tyres according to your needs.
Q2: – Are higher profile tyres more comfortable?
Ans- With high profile tyres, car driving in any road condition is comparatively comfortable. The high side walls absorb road socks giving less inconvenience to the rider.
Q3: – Can you fit higher profile tyres?
Ans- Any car mechanic can fit high profile tyres to your car. They are pretty easy to install. There is a manufacturer’s guide that you can follow.
Q4: – How long do high profile tyres last?
Ans- Generally high profile tyres last up to 60 thousand miles. It is way more than low profile tyres.
Q5: – Are high profile tyres good?
Ans- High profile tyres are budget-friendly and fuel-efficient. They also provide a comfortable riding experience. To know more, read the above passage for the pros and cons of these tyres.
Which Tyres Are Better High Profile or Low Profile Or Normal Ones?
When you are thinking about buying tyres for your car, you must consider the type of car and its uses. All cars have different compatible tyres. While high-performance cars are good with low profile tyres, your regular family car might not need one. Rather low profile tyres are not good for all road conditions.
- High-profile tyres are best for rough, wet, or snowy road conditions. Normal tyres can also work well in all seasonal conditions. But low profile tyres can only perform well on smooth surfaces. In wet conditions or snow, they can be dangerous too.
- Low profile tyres are costly and suitable for high-end cars. But high profile tyres are less pricey and give better performance on the road.
- Low profile tyres have thin side walls making them susceptible to blowouts and inflation. But for high-performance cars, their better braking and cornering responses are beneficial. High profile tyres do not have good breaking responses.
- Low profile tyres have more friction on the road. This causes noise while driving. But high profile and normal tyres do not create much noise because they do not have much friction.
- Low profile tyres are not fuel-efficient, but high profile tyres are fuel-efficient. But, in high speed cars, low profile tyres are necessary.
- If you want to upgrade your car’s look, you can install low profile tyres with a large rim size. This looks quite stylish on cars. But normal or high profile tyres do not have a great appearance to them. They are pretty simple-looking.
- On the road, high profile tyres provide a smooth riding experience. But low profile tyres are unable to give a smooth ride on the road.
Also Read: How To Change A Flat Tyre? Know About Run Flat Tyres
Final Words: –
Now that you have a fair idea of tyre profiles, you can make an informed decision while buying them. Consider all variety’s pros and cons before making a deal. Tyres are responsible for giving you a smooth car riding experience. So, choosing the right tyres for your car is essential.
There are many options within easy reach but choosing the right one is necessary. This blog will prove helpful for you in making any decision. Carorbis has many options available for you. They have displayed authentic products on their online store to choose from.
