ALT-7 Tips for Buying Low Profile Tires
Low profile tires are popular and common on a wide range of vehicles from SUVS to small cars. Most of their appeal comes from the stylish look these tires give to vehicles and are used mainly to accent high end rims and wheels. Before looking to buy low profile tires it is important to ask yourself whether or not you are willing to sacrifice a smooth ride for slightly better handling and good looks. This is because low profile tires have less rubber and smaller sidewalls which for you means less rubber between the road and your rims. This leads to quicker wear and tear and a less smooth ride.
If you have considered the negatives of low profile tires and are convinced they are for you there are a few buying tips you'll need to know. First you'll need to know the size of your rims (obviously so you purchase the right size) and also know how large your tires and wheels can be while still fitting within your wheel-wells. Some people are quick to buy large chrome rims and wrap them in low profile tires only to find that the large rims do not fit within the wheel wells.
Also you need to consider buying a brand of tire that will sacrifice as little as possible in terms of wear and tear. Going for the thinnest tires might look good but will hurt your wallet if you have to replace them often. Air pressure is also an important consideration as some tires may have low pressure limits to look better while those with slightly higher pressure limits may allow for a smoother ride.
Finally you need to realistically look at your car and determine if low profile tires are really something extra worth paying for considering what your driving. Someone driving a beat up station wagon may want to invest the money in fixing up the car, while someone with a new SUV or new sporty car may do well to invest in the low profile look which will boost the car's appearance and value.
Keep in mind during your tire shopping that low profile tires are mainly considered cosmetic upgrades for your ride and that some car's handling, safety level, and ride comfort may suffer from low profile tires.
