Low-profile tires. Advantages and disadvantages.

Today, the low-profile tires, can be described in one word - fashion.

For the first time, low-profile rubber steel tire manufacturers Michelin have use of the French in 1937. It turned out so that urban road, and the cars themselves that time were not able to make full use of such tires, but it gained its popularity only on racetracks. But already in 1977, Pirelli has presented to the public its line of low-profile rubber P6 and P7. Since tires with low profile has started to gain wide popularity among drivers and today, almost every bus company can offer its low-profile model.
The manual for the vehicle manufacturers recommend tires with a height profile of at least 70, so technically, the low profile tire is considered to be one in which the ratio of height to width ratio of less than 70 percent. It is believed that the smaller the ratio (e.g. 50%), the better handling of the vehicle. We dare to suggest that it is wrong, and often, the majority of drivers simply do not reveal the full potential of these tires. In most cases, this is a purely aesthetic point and to choose the rubber caused by the fact that the car looks cool type.
Low profile tires provide less "drift" and swinging the body of the car at high speed maneuver, and therefore increases its manageability. However, the reverse side of the coin is that low profile is not able to deal as effectively with uneven terrain. The return is transferred to the suspension elements of the car, increasing its wear and tear, plus the loss of smooth drive.
If we talk not about the height and the width of a tire, it also affects the handling and the related sensations on the steering wheel. The wider the tire profile, the better cruising stability and braking torque of the car, but the rotation of the steering heavier and occur if the machine is not equipped with power steering, wide tires significantly complicate the life of the driver when rotating at low speeds and parking.
As for freight transport, then it also produce low-profile tires with a profile height of 60, 55 and even 50. Global manufacturers supplying tires of commercial vehicles have the whole range of such models.

Pros low-profile rubber
Low-profile tires there because modern cars have become faster and more powerful. Such machines require more efficient brakes and a better grip. The size of the brake disc limited by the size of the wheel rim. Just to increase the diameter of the rim without changing the outer diameter of the tire can not - there is not enough air. Therefore, following the reduction is an increase in the width of the profile of the tire, thereby increasing the contact area with the surface.
Low-profile tires designed for high-speed cars. Even tread of such tires are often resembles that of racing cars. "Thin" tires differ from the standard, not only the high-speed characteristics, but also the best traction, especially in the "active" cornering and turns due to quite soft tire carcass. Less buildup, a higher degree of resistance to lateral withdrawal and, consequently, better stability and handling - that the advantages of low profile. Even when braking, this type of tire is preferable.

Cons low-profile rubber
Firstly, the short lifespan of the tire, especially on our roads. Secondly, it is necessary to sacrifice the comfort of the ride and resource suspension and some chassis parts. Regardless of the composition of the rubber car will be harder to respond to all the defects of the roadway. At the wheel of potholes less shock absorption. The lower profile, the worse tire fulfills
irregularities and the greater is the return on the suspension elements. In addition, wide low-profile tires produces more noise while driving, since the contact patch between the tire and the road is much greater than that of the standard tire.

In order to understand or not to put the low-profile tires, it must be clear use of the vehicle. If you mostly ride around on urban roads and highways, and in combination like the high-speed turns, then the tires just fits, especially in combination with alloy wheels. However, if you calm the driver, a lover of smooth, comfortable ride, as well as frequent trips on country back roads - limit to the standard profile height, well, or at least, make a choice in favor of a middle ground. Reliability and safety is much more important than a sharp appearance and sense of drive in turns. Unfortunately, the low-profile tires punctured and even break cast drive, hitting a hole not be easy, but the repaired tire is such a big city, on the road, can not every item and service centers is also a minus.
Finally I want to give a piece of advice: "While assigning priorities of choice is always pay close attention to security issues, and only in the last instance aesthetics and fashion. If you are not sure in his opinion, ask for advice from qualified professionals and carefully read the instructions in your vehicle.