You’re stopped at a light. You look around and see a hot-looking vehicle next to you. Admiringly, you gaze at the car. And, of course, the wheels and tires.
Low profiles tires always look sharp. Low profile does not mean they are trying to stay hidden – quite the opposite. They are meant to be seen. These tires are instantly recognizable because of their short side walls. They are the tires that have just a small amount of rubber that surround a very large rim. But, are low profile tires right for you?
There are a few things that you need to consider if you’re thinking about switching. First of all, the installation process is much different then purchasing normal tires. The ratio of wheel size to tire sidewall size will change. You should probably seek the help of a professional when making the switch so you do not make a mistake during installation. Using an incorrect wheel size can cause problems in the calibration of your speedometer and when shifting speeds.
Switching to low profile will help you ‘hug’ the corners and likely get better response from your car since there is much more rubber touching the road.
There are a few things that you should be aware of. The low profile causes the tires to lose flexibility because the shorter side wall does not give the tire much opportunity to bend and flex. The end result is that you feel every pothole and bump that your tires hit. Most low profile enthusiasts will recommend that you also consider upgrading your vehicle’s suspension.
In reality, low profile is all about the look. There are some performance advantages, but the real advantage lies with the fact that they will get you and your car noticed.
So, for all your tire solutions, whether new, performance-oriented or even gently used, you owe it to your family and business to call John Jensen at Total Tire Inc. Oakville at 905-845-3500 or visit them online at www.totaltire.net and check out why they’re the leader for tires in your neighbourhood.