/ / Low profile tires: characteristics, pros and cons

Low profile tires: characteristics, pros and cons

Automakers regularly update newcar models in terms of travel speed and ride comfort, from which it is quite logical to make adjustments to the design of the wheels. The development and fairly widespread use of low-profile rubber was one of such innovations. It not only changed the design of vehicles, but also had a positive impact on driving performance.

What rubber is considered low profile?

Low profile rubber has been developedFrench company Michelin in 1937, specifically for use in racing cars. However, the experience of their use on ordinary roads was so negative that the company Pirelli again decided to return to a similar idea in 1978.

Low profile tires can be distinguished from normallabeling. For example, 225/55 R16, in which, respectively, the first number indicates the width of the tire in millimeters, the second - the ratio of the width and height of the profile in percent, the third - the type of rubber: standard, low profile or sporty. The ratio of the cross-section of rubber to its width in low-profile rubber should not exceed 80%, i.e. 0.8.

cars

Types of low profile tires

Despite the fact that a few decades ago toThe low profile rubber category included tires of no more than 70 series; today, only tires with a series not exceeding 55 are considered as tires. The index of low-profile tires for passenger cars gradually decreases with the development of technology: car owners reject such tires when choosing such tires usually from series 55 in the direction of its reduction. The main difference of such rubber from other types of tires is the speed index: H and V - 210 km / h and 240 km / h, respectively. For conventional rubber, only one speed index is characteristic - T, corresponding to 190 km / h.

low profile tires

Практически все современные марки и модели резины can be attributed to low-profile, since the tire width almost always exceeds the cord height, and the most common marking is from 50 to 75. For example, R18 255/100 tires, which are very effective in off-road conditions and completely useless, are installed on cars city ​​line.

Низкопрофильные шины отличаются большей stiffness with a small height of the wheel, which ensures the stability of the car when cornering, fuel economy and better handling. In most cases, low-profile tires are equipped with brake discs of increased diameter, which improves braking performance and reduces the braking distance of the car, thereby increasing the level of safety. Despite the fact that the reduction of the profile allowed to achieve such advantages, it entailed certain disadvantages that are typical for this type of tires.

Advantages and disadvantages of low profile rubber

Car owners in their reviews based on operating experience of tires, note the pros and cons of low-profile rubber. We list the main ones that drivers bring.

Advantages

  1. Compared with conventional tires - higher speed indexes, in other words, the full range of low profile rubber features is revealed at high speed.
  2. Improved braking performance for shorter stopping distances and improved driving safety.
  3. Maintains directional stability and provides excellent traction at high speed.
  4. In comparison with conventional tires - faster acceleration and speeding.
low profile tires pros and cons

disadvantages

Typical for low-profile rubber speedThe parameters turn into flaws, especially noticeable when driving on a low-quality highway. This is manifested in the rapid wear of the discs and the damage caused by the running vehicle.

Car owners in the reviews of low-profile tires note the following disadvantages:

  1. Quick wear rubber.
  2. High noise due to increased contact area of ​​the tire.
  3. High risk of aquaplaning due to the large width of the tire and the impossibility of diverting water from the contact patch.
  4. Increased load on the power steering and steering due to increased rigidity.
  5. Most of the old service stations are not equipped with special equipment for low-profile tire mounting, and therefore the installation of such tires is much more complicated.
  6. The need to control tire pressure, since even a slight change in it can cause a loss of control.
  7. Низкопрофильные шины стоят в разы дороже обычных analogs, moreover, the installation of such rubber is accompanied by the acquisition of disks of a larger radius, which is associated with considerable expenses on the part of car owners.
what rubber is considered low profile

What to consider

При ответе на вопрос о том, какая низкопрофильная rubber is better, it is necessary to consider the operating conditions of the car. Ideally, the vehicle should be used only on a flat track with the ability to travel at maximum speed. In addition, when choosing a low-profile rubber, the recommendations of automakers regarding the brands and models of tires that are suitable for installation on a particular car are taken into account.

Popular brands of low profile tires

When choosing a low profile rubber are taken into accountrecommendations not only of the auto concern, but also of the manufacturer of the rubber itself: the quality and safety of tires should not cause any complaints, otherwise there is a likelihood of loss of control on the road and the risk of accidents.

Car owners and experts identify several brands and models of low-profile tires that are of high quality and popular with motorists.

which low profile tires are better

Rubber BFGOODRICH G-GRIP 255/35 R19

American summer low-profile tires have the following advantages:

  • Improved vehicle heading due to central tread edge.
  • Increased braking performance and reduced stopping distance due to self-locking lamellas.
  • Reinforced shoulder blocks increase vehicle handling and stability.
  • Fast and high-quality diversion of water from the patch of tire contact with the track.

The only disadvantage of this rubber brand is a high level of noise while driving on the highway.

low profile tires

Rubber low profile Pirelli Winter SottoZero 225/45 R17 91H

Italian winter low profile tires are installed mainly on high-speed cars equipped with high power engines. The main advantages of tires are as follows:

  • Symmetrical tread design, ensuring a high level of adhesion to the road surface.
  • Guarantee vehicle stability.
  • High speed settings.
  • The ability to move on a snowy track without spikes thanks to 3D lamellas.
  • Special rubber compound that increases the life of tires.

The lack of rubber - it is not suitable for use in harsh winter conditions.

low profile tires reviews

Low-profile tires Goodyear Wrangler F1 375/40 ZR20 102W

American low profile tires designed for SUVs and crossovers have the following advantages:

  • Protectors are equipped with special units that increase traction.
  • Improves the handling and stability of the car.
  • Provides fast acceleration and set speed.
  • Low noise level.
  • The possibility of operation in the city.

The only drawback is susceptibility to damage.

Outcomes

Низкопрофильная резина - индивидуальный выбор every car owner who weighed all the positive and negative sides of this type of tire. On the one hand, a low profile guarantees good car handling and fuel economy, on the other hand, it requires frequent repairs of disks and suspension. If this rubber is installed, it is necessary to comply with certain requirements of operation and to adhere to careful driving style. Low profile tires are not recommended for novice drivers, because in the absence of proper driving experience, the risk of loss of control and emergency situations on the highway, as well as rapid wear of the tires, increases, as a rule, they do not withstand a single season of active use.

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