Low Profile vs Standard Tires - Durability?

Cars of the 50s used the equivilant of -90 profile, almost round in cross
section. In those days, most tires were bias ply and 20,000 miles was
considered pretty average durability.

The VW Rabbit was equipped with slightly more oval tires, usually -80
radials. Typically, tires were good for 60,000 miles on the fronts and
100,000 on the rears. This was very a commendable improvement. The fronts
wore out first because of higher weight, braking forces, and higher slip
angles in turns than the rears. If the tires were rotated, 80,000 miles in
mixed city and highway mileage was overall achievable with economy radials.

Now we are in the age of -45 and lower profiles yet. What is the
experience with these low, but wide tires. Are they proving to be as
durable as the -80 radials of 25 years ago?

 

Durable. Yeah. But the ride can be the shits on anything less that 40s.
80,000 miles? No way. Maybe 30,000. But it's a good 30.

Brad

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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."

 

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

 

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.

 

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?

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

 

Troll

 

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?

--
_______________________________________
"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is
like an eggs-and-ham breakfast:
The chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

http://community.webshots.com/user/godwino

 

Well hell....... I'm sorry about that! I'll be sure and take you off my
troll list and put you on my idiot list.
Bob

 

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

-a|ex