Most auto manufacturers are equipping their latest car models with different types of tires and alterations that enhance the vehicle’s appearance and performance.
One such alteration is the low profile tires, mostly fitted on sports cars to improve the vehicle’s handling. But, how long do these low-profile tires last? Let’s find out.
How Long Do Low Profile Tires Last?
Low-profile tires typically last about 50,000 miles (80,000 km), which is also the limited warranty offered by most manufacturers. Based on the average yearly mileage of 13,500, low profile tires should last for about three to four years. However, this depends on how they are used, the driving conditions, and driving habits.
For more information about low profile tires, how long they last, their wear-out rate, and whether they can be replaced with regular tires, keep on reading!
How Many Miles Do Low Profile Tires Last?
Car owners that drive vehicles fitted with low profile tires often question how many miles these tires are good for.
On average, these tires will last 50,000 miles without requiring a replacement, according to most tire manufacturers.
According to some drivers, these low profile tires have offered them about 25,000 – 40,000 miles on their cars.
An average person drives around 13,500 miles every year; therefore, these tires will get you around 3.7 years if well maintained.
Like other tires, the mileage of your low profile tires will vary depending on individual use. If they are exposed to rough terrain, they tend to last for a shorter period.
Do Low Profile Tires Wear Faster?
Tire manufacturers design each tire with a particular technology to make them durable; therefore, if used correctly, low profile tires should have the same lifespan as standard tires.
Like most performance or sport tires, low-profiles have a better road grip, but this comes at a cost.
Compared to regular tires, they wear out faster because sporty alternatives are designed with softer rubber compounds to help improve traction. However, the rubber wears out much faster and leaves elements on the road.
Additionally, the tires will also wear out faster depending on the individual driving habits and driving conditions.
Some drivers report that they’ve had terrible experiences with these low profile tires, even before the mileage warranty was up.
According to tire experts, your low profiles will wear out faster if you overload your vehicle, which increases pressure on the rubber, if you drive at high speeds, if you brake without lowering the speed and if you corner too hard at high speeds.
If you hit the curbs with your sidewall, you will speed up the wear out process.
How Often Should Low Profile Tires Be Replaced?
According to NHTSA, you should replace your tires every six to ten years, even if they still look good.
As we have established, these tires will tend to wear out fast if not well maintained; therefore, this is one of the major determinants of when these tires should be replaced.
If your car is running on low profiles, you should constantly check the pressure; because if the tire is underinflated or overinflated, the sidewall will be damaged much faster, and you’ll need to get new tires.
How Do You Identify A Low Profile Tire?
Tire sizes are usually indicated on the sidewall, with a string of numbers that represent the overall size of the tire.
Manufacturers embed a code known as the aspect ratio, which shows the width of the tire tread in millimeters, the diameter of the wheel the tire should be fitted into in inches, and the height of the sidewall. This sidewall size is expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width.
For instance, if the code on the sidewall is 195/45R15V, it means that the height is 45% of the width, which is the aspect ratio. Typically, if the percentage is below 50, the tire is considered a low-profile; therefore, the lower the ratio, the lower the profile.
Can Low Profile Tires Be Replaced With Regular Tires?
If you are considering switching your low profile tires to regular ones, you can do it by decreasing the size of your wheel diameter.
Once you follow these replacement tips, your tires will have a higher sidewall, and your tires can now perform like other standard tires.
Are Low-Profile Tires More Prone To Flats?
When compared to regular tires, these low profiles are not more prone to punctures. Their probability of getting a tire puncture is pretty much the same.
However, because they have a shorter sidewall, they have less cushion to absorb impact from curbs and potholes, leading to structural damage of the sidewall. When this happens, the tire might bulge or form bubbles which can cause air pressure loss or a puncture.
What Are The Pros and Cons Of Low Profile Tires?
If your car is fitted with low profile tires, here are some of the benefits and disadvantages.
Pros
Better Look
With low profile tires, your car appears more sporty because it has less rubber and larger rims. Because the sidewall is thinner, the car owner can install fancy custom wheels with a larger diameter for aesthetic purposes.
Improved Performance
Shorter wheel sidewalls allow the vehicle to handle curves and corners much better. These tires have a wider contact patch area and stiffer sidewalls, ideal when cornering at high speeds.
Designed with larger tread blocks, the car has improved traction on dry, smooth surfaces, which improves steering.
These types of tires often have larger rims, and you can also install larger braking elements that reduce braking distance dramatically.
Cons
Uncomfortable Rides
Cars with low profiles are pretty noisy, and the rides are very uncomfortable.
Some drivers who have used these tires have shared complaints about how much these tires contribute to a harsher ride.
Since they have short, stiff sidewalls, there’s increased rigidity contributing to less shock absorption, even when driving on smooth roads.
Sidewalls are usually responsible for absorbing the impact from the bumps and potholes; therefore, their effectiveness is reduced with these tires.
Noisy Rides
Nobody likes driving a car with noisy tires. However, compared to regular tires, low profiles are noisier because of the wider contact patch area.
What Are Low Profile Tires?
Low-profile tires have increasingly become popular as more auto manufacturers build cars that are performance-oriented and visually appealing.
Compared to regular tires, these alternatives have short sidewalls that improve the vehicle’s look, handling, and performance. When you look at the tire directly from the side, you’ll notice that the distance between the rim and the tread is shorter.
While these tires provide better grip, they might wear out faster than other tire types and will be louder because they have a wider contact patch area.
With this larger contact area, the car has good traction on dry paved roads, and it can also stop faster because of the larger rims and brakes.
However, you need to keep in mind that low profile tires can be quite uncomfortable; the tires absorb less shock from the bumps.
To find out more, you can also read our posts on how long do performance tires last, how long do Firestone tires last, and how long do will tire last with bad alignment.
Conclusion
Low profile tires last about 50,000 miles if driven under normal conditions and maintained well. While most manufacturers offer this mileage warranty, it could be lower or higher depending on individual use.
Compared to standard tires, these low profiles may wear out faster on some occasions because of their design.
However, when maintained properly, they can serve your car for up to three years.