low profile tire advantage over fat tires.

[JJ650]

Originally posted by: AMCRambler
Lower profile tires handle better in high speed cornering as there is less sidewall to flex. The ride is harsher though for the exact same reason.

Tires with a larger sidewall will have more rubber to flex and absorb shocks. Flip side is that sidewall will flex when you try and corner hard.

True, but also depends on the tire as well.

I have 295/45R20.
I am on my 2nd set of tires. The first set were BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW 2. This tire had insane grip and a VERY stiff sidewall. Not the most comfortable tire either (in this size category...none of them really are). It would grab a line in the road and follow it. Kind of nerve wracking when all of the sudden it wants to "walk the lines" because of the really stiff sidewall.

I now have General Grabbers that have a much more flexible sidewall. It doesn't want to follow grooves nearly as much and the ride is slightly better than the g-Force tires because of more sidewall flex.

 

[Doggiedog]

The advantage to low profile tires? If you like curb rash, it's easier to get with low profiles.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Doggiedog
The advantage to low profile tires? If you like curb rash, it's easier to get with low profiles.

Haha... curb rash... I think the same people that worry about that are the same ones that go bumper bowling.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: SparkyJJO

Originally posted by: JLee
Narrower tires perform better on snowy roads.

I think he's talking about "rubber band" tires, i.e. little sidewall compared to lots of sidewall.

Less sidewall usually means for a rougher ride, and get thin enough you'll have less tread thickness due to lack of material available. Uses larger, heavier rims too so more unsprung weight causing slower acceleration (to a point, possibly not enough to worry about unless you're going for 1/4 mile times).

Thicker sidewall tires give more, so they tend to ride better, plus have deeper tread (usually). Also, you'll have smaller, lighter rims so less unsprung weight meaning quicker 1/4 mile times and such (if it matters to you).

lower profile tires have better turn in and control at speed. Yes they do lend to a more harsh ride, but whether it's noticable depends on many things...putting a 205/15R18 would probably be a world apart from a 225/45R16 and both are considered low profile.

However, if done right you will usually have a lower overall wheel weight over the steelies or heavy alloy that came stock.

The tread differences should be insignificant but usually a lower profile tire is a softer compound that wears faster.

 

[w00t]

looks
better feedback
less body roll

think that's about it

I run 255/40/17's on my car.. I've had 275's :-D

just run good rubber

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: w00t
less body roll

 

[Solodays]

lol, to all high profile lovers. ask urself this question.. how come ALL luxury car brands all uses low profile? bmw, benz, lexus, porsche, labo, ferrari, infinite, corvette etc...because they are superior to high profile.

but i heard that low profile aren't as good on snow, dont know how that have any effect. ive been into a low profile vehicle, they are indeed very bumpy on old roads with cracks and gaps.

I wonder how luxury sedans with low profile combat this problem since quietness and smoothness of the ride is top priority.

low profile

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xrrr/249584397/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/a...qu/2225050687/sizes/o/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1...03/2373065332/sizes/l/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/a...qu/2521140966/sizes/o/

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: Solodays
lol, to all high profile lovers. ask urself this question.. how come ALL luxury car brands all uses low profile? bmw, benz, lexus, porsche, labo, ferrari, infinite, corvette etc...

low profile

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xrrr/249584397/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/a...qu/2225050687/sizes/o/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/1...03/2373065332/sizes/l/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/a...qu/2521140966/sizes/o/

Because they look better. When you buy a luxury car, the looks play a very important part of the car. Before the lo-pro craze, luxury car makers didn't have lo-pro's on all their cars.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: ja1484

The only advantages low profile tires offer are:

1) Aesthetics
2) Allow for a larger wheel, which in turn allows for larger brakes.


Other than that, standard tires are superior in almost every category.

Those are not the ONLY advantages. Low profile tires have less sidewall flex which translates to a quicker response to steering input and less tendency for the tire to "roll over" under high lateral stress (hard cornering).

You'll also notice that tires with a larger profile tend to steadily and predictably lose lateral grip, where as a low profile tire provides excellent lateral grip up to a point and then it quickly drops off.

They also alter the torque band of the car, and will give you better fuel economy, especially on the highway. It can be the equivalent of giving your car a higher gear. Your car will go the same speed with less RPMs on the motor.

lulwat? My peak torque will still be at the same RPM range no matter what size the tyres. It can have a very minor effect on top speeds, but not so you will notice, unless you go from 65 to 35 profile or similar big jump.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: DivideBYZero

Originally posted by: SickBeast

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: ja1484

The only advantages low profile tires offer are:

1) Aesthetics
2) Allow for a larger wheel, which in turn allows for larger brakes.


Other than that, standard tires are superior in almost every category.

Those are not the ONLY advantages. Low profile tires have less sidewall flex which translates to a quicker response to steering input and less tendency for the tire to "roll over" under high lateral stress (hard cornering).

You'll also notice that tires with a larger profile tend to steadily and predictably lose lateral grip, where as a low profile tire provides excellent lateral grip up to a point and then it quickly drops off.

They also alter the torque band of the car, and will give you better fuel economy, especially on the highway. It can be the equivalent of giving your car a higher gear. Your car will go the same speed with less RPMs on the motor.

lulwat? My peak torque will still be at the same RPM range no matter what size the tyres. It can have a very minor effect on top speeds, but not so you will notice, unless you go from 65 to 35 profile or similar big jump.

changing overall tire height/diameter can have a pretty major difference at times. Those that race can find it's the difference in one less shift.