2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
Automakers regularly improve new car models in terms of speed and ride comfort, from which it is quite logical to make adjustments to the design of the wheels. The development and rather widespread use of low-profile rubber has become one of these innovations. It not only changed the design of vehicles, but also had a positive effect on driving performance.
Which is considered a low profile tire?
Low profile rubber was developed by the French company Michelin in 1937 specifically for use on racing cars. However, the experience of their use on ordinary tracks turned out to be so negative that Pirelli decided to return to such an idea again in 1978.
Low profile tires can be distinguished from regular ones by the markings. 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 sports. The ratio of the rubber cross-section to its width in low-profile rubber should notexceed 80%, i.e. 0.8.
Types of low profile tires
While a few decades ago, low profile tires were limited to 70 series tires or less, today only those tires that do not exceed 55 series are classified as low profile tires. and the development of technology is gradually decreasing: car owners, when choosing such tires, are repelled, as a rule, from the 55 series in the direction of its reduction. The main difference between such rubber and other types of tires is the speed index: H and V - 210 km / h and 240 km / h, respectively. For ordinary rubber, only one speed index is characteristic - T, corresponding to 190 km / h.
Almost all modern brands and models of rubber can be classified as low-profile, since the width of the tire almost always exceeds the cord height, and the most common marking is from 50 to 75. For example, R18 255 / tires are installed on cars and off-road vehicles 100, which are very effective off-road and completely useless in urban areas.
Low-profile tires are more rigid at low wheel heights for better cornering stability, fuel economy and better handling. In most cases, low-profile tires are equipped with larger diameter brake discs, which improves braking efficiency and shortens the braking distance of the car,thereby increasing the level of security. While downsizing provided these benefits, it also came with some downsides to this type of tyre.
Advantages and disadvantages of low profile tires
Car owners in their reviews, based on the experience of operating tires, note the pros and cons of low-profile rubber. We list the main ones that drivers bring.
Dignity
- Compared to conventional tires - higher speed indexes, in other words, the full range of low profile rubber is revealed at high speed.
- Improved braking performance for shorter stopping distances and increased driving safety.
- Maintains directional stability and provides excellent traction at high speed.
- Compared to conventional rubber - faster acceleration and acceleration.
Flaws
The speed parameters typical for low-profile tires turn into disadvantages, especially noticeable while driving on a low-quality track. This is manifested in the rapid wear of the disks and the damage caused to the chassis of the car.
Car owners in their reviews of low-profile tires note the following shortcomings:
- Rapid tire wear.
- High noise level due to increased tire contact area.
- High risk of aquaplaning due to the large width of the tire and the inability to drain water from the contact patch.
- Increased load on power steering and steering due to increased stiffness.
- Most of the older workshops are not equipped with special equipment for fitting low-profile tires, and therefore the installation of such tires is much more complicated.
- Need to monitor tire pressure as even slight changes can cause loss of control.
- Low-profile tires are many times more expensive than their conventional counterparts, besides, the installation of such tires is accompanied by the purchase of larger-radius wheels, which is associated with considerable expenses on the part of car owners.
Things to consider
When answering the question of which low-profile tire is best, you must consider the operating conditions of the car. Ideally, the vehicle should only be used on a flat track with the ability to travel at maximum speed. In addition, when choosing low-profile tires, recommendations from car manufacturers regarding brands and models of tires suitable for installation on a particular car are taken into account.
Popular low profile tire brands
When choosing low-profile tires, the recommendations of not only the automaker, but also the manufacturer of the rubber itself are taken into account: the quality and safety of tires should not cause complaints, otherwise there is a possibility of loss of control on the road and the risk of an accident.
Car owners and experts identify several brands and models of low-profile tires that are of high quality andpopular with motorists.
BFGOODRICH G-GRIP Tires 255/35 R19
American low profile summer tires have the following advantages:
- Increased directional stability of the car thanks to the central rib of the tread.
- Increased braking performance and reduced stopping distance thanks to self-locking sipes.
- Reinforced shoulder blocks improve vehicle handling and stability.
- Quick and high-quality removal of water from the contact patch of the tire with the track.
The only disadvantage of this brand of rubber is the high noise level while driving on the highway.
Pirelli Winter SottoZero Low Profile Tire 225/45 R17 91H
Italian low-profile winter tires are mainly used on high-speed cars equipped with high-power engines. The main advantages of tires are as follows:
- Symmetrical tread pattern for high grip.
- Car stability guarantee.
- High speed parameters.
- The ability to move on a snow-covered track without spikes thanks to 3D sipes.
- Special compound for longer tire life.
The disadvantage of rubber is that it is not suitable for use in harsh winter conditions.
Low profile tiresGoodyear Wrangler F1 375/40 ZR20 102W
American low profile tires designed for SUVs and crossovers offer the following benefits:
- Treads are equipped with special blocks that increase traction.
- Improve vehicle handling and stability.
- Provides fast acceleration and acceleration.
- Low noise level.
- Possibility of operation in the city.
The only downside is the susceptibility to damage.
Results
Low-profile tires are an individual choice for every car owner who has weighed all the positive and negative aspects of this type of tires. On the one hand, a low profile guarantees good vehicle handling and fuel economy, on the other hand, it requires frequent repairs of discs and suspension. If this rubber is nevertheless installed, then it is necessary to comply with certain operating requirements and adhere to a careful driving style. The use of low profile tires is not recommended for novice drivers, because in the absence of proper driving experience, the risk of loss of control and accidents on the track increases, as well as the rapid wear of the tires themselves, as a rule, they do not withstand even one season of active use.
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