How low would you go? Low profile tyres.

[Red_EG4]

I am thinking about what type of tyres I will upgrade to in the not too distant future when I buy some new rims, and I was curious to know what everyone's opinions are on Low Profile tyres.
What is the lowest profile that you would go? and why?
For example a 195 R16 tyre?

Also, what tyre brand/model would you recommend for general street use?

[steve88]

i stopped at 35, anything smaller and imo you can damage the rim alot easier

[andiiso]

and also road noise if it bothers u, the lower u go the louder itll become

[SHIFTY]

40 is ur best bet.. if u wona go really low go 35.. these tyres will not last as long and doesn't mean there better just because they 'low profile' for example: are semi slicks low profile, no they are usually around 50/55 profile...

so yer, go 40 profile looks 'sick' and is a reasonably size for comfort (ride,noise) :)

[Red_EG4]

i stopped at 35, anything smaller and imo you can damage the rim alot easier
Yeah that is one of my main concerns.
I am only looking at reducing profile because I want to keep the rolling distance as close to stock as possible when I upgrade rims. I know low profile 'looks sick' but that is an added bonus for me. I thought 45 was going to be pretty low so it's good to know I have down to 40. Thanks guys.

Opinions on tyre's are welcome :cool:

[teaseR]

the lower the profile the more the tyres cost

[steve88]

i bought sonars, great tyres im happy with them. $150 a peice, $145 was the lowest i could bargain it too. they are where 215/35/18

[55EXX]

had 215/35/18's to in nexen firenza's and khumo's. 35 wasn't bad at all. camber and caster angle matters alot more tho! i've accidently hit the ocasional pot hole, cd would skip but no damage to the wheel. tyre didn't even pop or scratch my mag from hitting a pole even.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2436000-2436999/2436055_120_full.jpg

tyre fine. wheel prolly buckled. car written off!

[JohnL]

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/12/web/2436000-2436999/2436055_120_full.jpg

tyre fine. wheel prolly buckled. car written off!

You wouldn't have crashed due to poor handling from such low profile tyres by any chance? Christ you need at least some sidewall for decent handling and grip (on real roads with bumps and camber etc, and even race tracks have bumps). Compliance is necessary up to a point, how many race or rally cars do you see with 35s?? Not many I'd think.

So, what actual advantage is there to be had with such low profile tyres? Too stiff, too expensive, too easy to damage rims (your experience not withstanding, heard other stories of buckled rims). I really do find this fad for rubber bands stretched around the rims quite strange, especially considering all the added unsprung weight of huge rims.

IMO a good all round profile would be more like a 50 all else being equal, not too wishy washy, not to rigid. Anything a lot less is only a fashion statement, at the expense of practicality and function, but, each to their own I suppose...

[55EXX]

yeah i prefer the 215/45/15's i have now! 16s is the biggest i'd go. traction was lost from gravel on the road that had been from a storm the night before. they handled great on clean roads. very predictable and responsive. very direct feel with the road. i much prefer my 15" rota subzeros with toyo proxes any day!!! these too would wiegh 1/4 of my vaults

[JohnL]

very direct feel with the road.

I'd suggest this the only good thing likely from such low profile rubber, very little sidewall deflection so very responsive to steering input. I like razor sharp steering response more than the next man, but it's not the only thing...

Another problem with such tyres, they will run at very low slip angles, and tyres that run at low slip angles may grip and grip (on a smooth surface), but then tend let go completely with very little if any warning.