Kyle's Corner (FYI) Taking a Blow to Low Profile Tires

Vehicles are getting better
and better every year! Or
are they? Look at Toyota
lately!

As a group, vehicles have
generally become more
dependable. However,
what about the joy of
the driving experience?
Another question mark
indeed!

And what about low
profile tires? It is the

distance from the edge of the wheel rim out to the edge of the tire where the tread
begins. Many of today's tires have a sidewall that is as low of a profile as most
racing tires of about five years ago. Such low sidewalls enable vehicles to be
equipped with larger diameter rims and thus larger discs which improves braking.

Additionally, low profile tires have sidewalls that flex less when cornering
and this improves a vehicle's handling. All this is good right? Well, just
like engines with ever more horsepower, I opinion that low profile tires are
of only so much driving value. Why do I suggest such? Well, in this time
of fiscal belt tightening, do we need 0-60 times under say 7.5 - 8 seconds
especially when fuel prices will top $3.00 per gallon (likely again this
summer)? It is somewhat the same with low profile tires.

But low profile tires do not eat up fuel (more about this below)! They can
provide a stiff ride however, and if you drive roads that have winter potholes
or other road hazards (road maintenance is an unfortunate state and local
funding cut), such are more likely to bend the rim of a low profile tire. The
rims on a common vehicle can cost $50 - $100 each. And the ones on the
upper vehicles can easily cost $200 - $500 a pop or dent!

Similar to 'necessary' engine horsepower, I opinion that a tire sidewall
of 60 or 65 is sufficient for good handling and some pothole protection.
And a higher profile tire (taller not wider) usually does not cost any more
that its shorter sidewall brother. However, if you go up in tire profile
(say from a 55 to a 60), your vehicle will have a slightly softer ride, better
pothole protection and even better fuel mileage as each turn of a taller
tire rolls further.

So when you buy your next set of tires for your vehicle, keep in mind
that how low a profile can you go is indeed a worthwhile question to
ask.

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com.