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Re: Low Profile vs Standard Tires - Durability?

"Nomen Nescio" wrote

Now we are in the age of -45 and lower profiles yet. What is the > experience with these low, but wide tires.

I know that among Focus owners there are complaints about the 50-series tires on some sportier models. They handle well but tend to break in potholes. Apparently it is quite common for Ford dealers in places like New York City to recommend that owners replace them with the regular 60 series tires on smaller rims (15 inch vs. 16).

Personally I think that all cars intended for regular real-world use should be available with 70 series tires. To their credit, DC offers this on the Neon, as does Honda on the Civic, but on most car models only offer the sportier tires. Even the new Kia Spectra5 pushed 50-series donuts as standard, for Pete's sake.

Reply to
Dave Gower
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Low profile tires simply will not last the same length of time that a similarly constructed 80 series tire will last. (heat torsional forces etc).

BUT !

They look pretty & they feel "a bit sharper" when handling.

Reply to
Full_Name

Life is just full of trade offs. Here is yet another set of them.

Reply to
SgtSilicon

Mind elaborating on that? I don't know much (I know virtually nothing) about tire construction, but offhand I can't think of any reason why a lower profile wouldn't last at least as long as an equivalently constructed taller tire. I can imagine the sidewalls not lasting as long (since the torsional forces are spread across a shorter distance), but I've never had a tire's sidewall wear out: every tire I've ever replaced has been because of tread wear or road hazard, and I don't see how sidewall height would affect either one.

Now, if you'd like to say that a lower profile tire will typically be a higher performance tire, and hence will have a softer compound so it will wear out more quickly, I'll agree completely. But that isn't inherent in "lower profile", and isn't my idea of "equivalent construction."

Reply to
Joe Pfeiffer

I agree totally. The lower profile make the things look like the Mexicans across the border just got done with the customization job. All that's missing is the dingle balls.

Ted

Reply to
Ted Mittelstaedt

I don't think the "modern" low profile tire and big wheel look that great. I think they look line the wheel is wearing a black sanitary pad for a tire. I feel like telling the dealer to send it flowers and a box of chocolates and I'll take it out to dinner next week.

Reply to
Ted Azito

You feel better with your racial generalization? The put down makes you feel superior hey? Can't make your point without belittling an entire race of people?

Reply to
Just Me "Koi"

Troll

Reply to
Bob

Troll? If you meant that I am/was a troll, you are wrong. I am a regular here with a 2005 Dodge Magnum RT. Not a troll.

Trolls don't normally include their webshots account when trolling now do they?

Reply to
Just Me "Koi"

This is why I enjoy reading this group so much. You guys are funny! I've always had the same feeling about low profile tires (and the people who like to go around corners at 60 mph) but have never been able to put it into words like Ted.

Reply to
GM Guy

damn, did you have to top post on this one?

-a|ex

Reply to
127.0.0.1

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