Low profile tyres might look sporty, but standard tyres offer more comfort and durability for everyday driving. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s vital to keep your wheel and tyre sizes compatible and adjust your driving style accordingly. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and safe transition.
When it comes to choosing the best tyres for your vehicle, drivers tend to be influenced by factors like price, performance, longevity, and of course the way the tyres look on the vehicle.
In fact, tyres play a bigger role in overall vehicle aesthetics than you might think.
While low profile tyres offer benefits relating to performance and handling, it is often the sportier appearance that draws drivers towards these tyres with a shorter sidewall. But are low profile tyres always a good choice, or are there times when it’s best to switch back to standard tyres?
When Should You Choose Low Profile Tyres?
There’s a reason why sports cars tend to opt for low profile tyres – and it’s only in part due to the look of the tyres.
Sure, low profile tyres have a sleeker and more streamlined aesthetic. But they are also excellent for handling around sharp bends and extended corners and have better grip.
This is because the low sidewall means there is less rubber present in the structure and build of the tyre. Less rubber means less flex when manoeuvring, which means the tyre remains rigid while handling corners and movements.
So, low profile tyres tend to be the tyres of choice for drivers looking to enhance the performance of their vehicle. But they’re not always the superior option.
Why Switch Back to Standard Tyres?
Despite the performance benefits, spanning appearance and grip, low profile tyres have their disadvantages.
The lack of rubber means that the sidewall is more rigid, and the tyre is stiffer when driving. While good for grip, this means a more uncomfortable driving experience with less flexibility – particularly when navigating bumps in the road. What’s more, if you hit a pothole or debris, the low sidewall and more rigid structure increases the risk of a puncture or tyre blowout.
So, for those drivers navigating rough and uneven road surfaces, standard tyres may be a more comfortable and safer option.
Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition…
How to Switch From Low Profile to Standard Tyres Safely
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about tyres, especially switching from low profile to standard tyres, is that the overall diameter needs to remain the same.
This means that, with thicker tyre sidewalls, you may need smaller wheels to sit inside the rubber tyre.
Inevitably, this need for both new tyres and potentially new wheels as well means that the transition from low profile tyres to standard ones may be expensive. However, the added safety and longevity benefits, particularly on challenging terrain, is worth it.
Other things to consider as you make the move from low profile to standard tyres, include making sure that all four tyres match for safety, and adjusting your driving behaviour to suit your new tyres.
