Modern vehicles, especially luxury cars, now feature low-profile tires with larger rim sizes and smaller sidewalls. On the other hand, many users still opt for the standard tire versions thanks to their advantages over their aesthetic counterparts. If you want to change your tires and are unsure, this article expounds on the benefits of each type over the other.
So, can you change low-profile tires to regular ones? You can always change low-profile tires to standard regular ones depending on your car’s performance and preferred driving experience. However, it is essential to confirm that your new tire sizes perfectly fit your vehicle and match the wheels.
They usually take up more space due to the higher sidewalls, hence changing from a low profile tire to a regular one requires proper sizing. Once you measure the old tire’s dimensions, you can counter-check with the new regular tires, making it easier to choose and install a replacement.
The low profile and regular car tires appeal to various car owners, and there are valid reasons for choosing one over the other. Low-profile tires are common in high-end luxury cars and sports vehicles.
Although they are currently trendy given their aesthetic appeal, a great driver knows when to choose the regular tires over them. If you are thinking about swapping your wheels, the following tips may be helpful.
You can change your car tire from low profile to standard versions to improve your driving experience. They can withstand different weather conditions and are more durable than the low-profile alternatives.
Before you make the swap, it is essential to confirm that the new tire size is compatible with your wheels. Since the standard options usually have higher sidewalls, they take up more space and may not fit if you buy the exact tire size. Once you check the tire’s dimensions against the proposed one, choosing and installing a match is more straightforward.
You can always change your tires from low profile to high, but the main factor is the size. Regular tires feature more massive sidewalls, meaning that you must get a smaller size to fit inside the wheel. There are three main steps to follow when making the swap. Most importantly, it is advisable to check your rim and wheel dimensions to ensure that the new tires properly align with the brakes.
Otherwise, your wheel will brush against the car each time. For a perfect size and better riding performance, it is essential to measure the width and diameter of the wheel. The inner part of the rim gives you accurate measurements in bolt pattern and diameter. For instance, a tire of 16 inches will be perfect for a 16-inch rim.
The second step involves measuring the thicker new tires to ensure that they match your wheel. Not every regular tire will fit into your car due to its thickness, and there are chances that you will need smaller versions to be compatible with your wheel, but the new standard wheels must be more extensive in most cases. Installation is the last and final step if you are confident that the thicker tires are compatible with your car.
The most critical aspect to consider is alignment, which may be technical depending on your car type and specifications. Therefore, you need a professional to handle this process. A professional will easily check the tire sizes and set them up perfectly. Additionally, you will get excellent services like checking the vehicle’s suspension system and tire balancing.
Why Change Low Profile Tires To Regular?
Individual preference plays a significant role when choosing the perfect tire for your car. If you are confident that you want to change to regular tires, you will need assurance of making the right decision. Considering performance and features, the following are the advantages of the standard tires over low-profile versions.
The reasons to change from low profile tires to regular tires is that regular tires are less expensive and more durable than run-flat tires. Additionally, the conventional regular wheels are less stiff on the sidewalls, offering you a smooth and quiet ride.
They can also brave all weather conditions, including snow or rain, and are comfortable for use on unsurfaced rough roads and tarmac. Therefore, a regular wheel may be the single solution to all your driving needs unless you are keen on handling and vehicle stability, which low profile tires offer best.
Roads slowly wear the rubber the more you drive, hence the need for a thick tire with more defined treads. Thanks to their resilient treads in all seasons, regular options have a longer lifespan.
Moreover, they have longevity and can withstand heavy load carrying, high speeds, sharp braking, and driving on rough terrains. Therefore, the standard tire will serve you longer for thousands of miles before wearing and requiring replacements.
Hence, it is best to get genuine wheels for even better performance. Furthermore, regular tires are for all-season and all-road use and will perfectly serve you during heavy rains or even snowfall.
Another impressive aspect is that the standard tires will still work regardless of the road type and survive rocks and potholes, owing to their more significant aspect ratio. Consequently, you will get a smooth, comfortable ride, unlike when using low-profile tires.
Many users also love that the conventional tires are more affordable and easier to maintain even if you travel for long on off-roads. The standard wheels experience less resistance, hence are easier to maneuver, and relatively use less fuel.
Ultimately, in the long run, the option will be pretty economical and save you the extra expenses that you can channel to the maintenance of other car parts. Besides, the wheels boast better handling and shorter braking time.
Switching from low-profile tires may be the best decision for some users, regardless of their advantages. The wheels are thin, subject to deflation, and unfit for users who navigate unsurfaced roads.
They cannot withstand uneven surfaces because they lose grip and quickly suffer from impacts, affecting the rims and wheels. Furthermore, low aspect tires are noisy due to their stiff sidewalls. Overall, regular tires cut across the board, hence are the ideal choice for users who can compromise on aesthetics.
What’s the Difference Between Low Profile Tires and Regular
Cars have specifications, and their tires play a massive role in helping achieve them. Therefore, the tires in a racing car will be different from those in a regular vehicle. The two have glaring and functional differences, and it’s essential to understand them to help you make an informed decision if you are unsure.
The low profile and regular high profile tires differ in cost, braking, handling, comfort, and look. The regular high profile tire is cheaper and more flexible, guaranteeing a more comfortable ride because the massive sidewalls absorb road shock.
They also work for various terrains and weather conditions. On the contrary, the low profile alternatives have better handling and improve the vehicle’s stability. Moreover, they offer better braking performance and generally look better in cars.
If you are unsure of which tire version to go for based on your car’s performance, the following is a detailed side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
- Cost
The likely reason why most vehicles on the roads have higher-profile tires is that they are cheaper and easily accessible than low-profile versions. The latter has a unique design for performance cars; therefore, it comes with a heavier price tag, explaining why you will often find them in racing and luxury vehicles.
- Riding Comfort
Standard tires have higher sidewalls that effortlessly absorb road shock to give users a more comfortable driving experience. They are more flexible and seamlessly cruise over rough terrains. However, the low-profile tires are more rigid due to less cushioning, and the suspension components receive most of the road shock.
Therefore, placing them in a car can cause the suspension parts to wear out faster. Moreover, regular tires are the best option for adverse weather conditions like snow and heavy rain. Many users opt for them since they are flexible to use, and there are consequently low chances of you getting stuck due to bad weather.
- Handling and Vehicle Stability
Low-profile tires have better steering than regular types thanks to the stiff sidewall and massive section width. However, the high-profile tires have poor handling, especially when negotiating sharp turns.
Additionally, the low-profile alternative is preferred in racing cars since it keeps the car stable even under extreme speeds because of the rigid sidewalls. The other tire is usually more flexible, lowering the vehicle’s stability.
- Braking Performance
The low-profile version has a better braking capability than its counterpart. The braking increases due to more friction between the tire and the road since the tire is less flexible. In contrast, the high profile’s ample sidewall reduces contact with the road, negatively affecting braking.
- Aesthetic Value
Comparing the two tires side by side, it is evident that the low profile is sleeker and better looking. It offers the car a sporty appearance and is the best option for luxury vehicles. The tires are stylish and usually make the car look better. The only downside is that they are noisier due to the increased friction because of the larger width.
Are Low Profile Tires Good for Off-Road?
The tires you pick for your car mean a lot in safety and performance, depending on the type of road you frequently use. Low-profile tires are currently trending, and more car owners are swapping their old ones for them. If you are also considering the change, one of your first questions is how good they are for off-roading.
Unsurfaced roads require tires at least half the diameter of the whole wheel; therefore, the low profile tire option will find it challenging to maneuver. You risk deflation whenever you bump onto a rock or portholes due to the impact between the wheels and rim. It will be challenging to get a firm grip on such roads, and the surface’s nature is usually unpredictable. Besides, low-profile tires may overwork the vehicle’s suspension system since they are not for such terrains.
A low-profile tire may not be the ideal option for off-road use, and you may cruise safely only if the terrain is not bumpy with rocks and potholes. However, off-roads tend to be unpredictably rough and uneven in most circumstances, making the surface incompatible with the lower aspect ratio wheels. Therefore, experts advise that you avoid natural terrains to extend your tires’ service.
Thanks to their classy look, the tires are fashionable and ideal for aesthetic purposes. Racers love the grip on the tarmacked surface, and many enjoy the overall driving experience. You get impressive friction translating to total control of the wheels, offering you easy handling.
These features owe to the stiff sidewall that firmly grips and creates better contact with the road, giving you the response you need. Also, the wheel has low resistance, reducing fuel consumption.
You will notice that low-profile tires are best suited for riding on tarmac roads. Although you can take them off-roading, their build is not specialized for such terrain, meaning it will not be a great experience.
There may also be side effects, although they will not immediately show. Moreover, the car will be too noisy after several trips on the rough terrain. Since the vehicle has minimal cushioning, it becomes more vulnerable to the nature of unsurfaced roads.
In a low-profile tire, the thin rubber and rim are too close such that contact with a sharp stone or rock can risk the tire tearing and instantly deflating because the wheels contain very little cushioning.
Additionally, you get less control of the car due to the uneven surface and reduced tread grip. Finally, the low aspect ratio of the tires cannot perform decently, unlike on tarmac roads. If you must navigate to remote areas, it is best to brace yourself for a very bumpy ride.
Finally
The low and high-profile tires are equally perfect for use depending on the surface, car performance, and your needs. They have advantages that attract users thanks to how specialized they are to perform various roles.
If you have a sports car or a high-end vehicle, you will incline to the low-profile tires. Otherwise, if you want better handling and a more comfortable ride, you can opt for the regular version. Although low-profile tires have aesthetic value, the conventional tire is still a preferred option among users.
You can change to them if you want a cheaper, fuel-efficient tire that serves you in any weather or terrain. However, you will have to compromise on handling, vehicle stability, and braking.
