What are low profile tyres?
Understanding low profile tyres
Low profile tyres have a short sidewall relative to their width, typically with an aspect ratio of 45 or lower. Common examples include 225/40 R18 and 245/35 R19. They are standard on many sports cars, performance vehicles and modern cars fitted with larger alloy wheels.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Sharper, more responsive steering |
Firmer, less comfortable ride |
| Better cornering grip and stability |
More vulnerable to pothole and kerb damage |
| Improved high-speed stability |
Higher road noise on coarse surfaces |
| Sportier appearance |
Generally more expensive to buy |
| Better braking feel and feedback |
Alloy wheels more exposed to damage |
Things to know
If your car came with low profile tyres from the factory, you should replace them with the same specification. Switching to a higher profile tyre would require a smaller wheel diameter to maintain the correct overall rolling circumference. If the overall size is wrong, your speedometer, ABS and traction control systems may not function correctly.
If you are tired of the firmer ride, check whether your vehicle manufacturer approves a smaller wheel size with a higher profile tyre as an alternative. This information will show in our registration search results.
