Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Why are low profile tyres becoming more common?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Why are low profile tyres becoming more common?

I am puzzled by the way tyre profiles have changed in the new millennium. On many cars they are now of such low profiles as to resemble a bit of tape wound around a big wheel. I have read your views about 'bling' and agree, but I now find that the road noise and ride in most cars quite unacceptable. Indeed, when we purchased a new Volkswagen three years back, how inferior the noise and ride were to our previous Scenic. I much prefer to drive one of my two Daihatsu Terios, though even the later 2003 model is not as good as the 2002, as it has 17-inch wheels and lower profile tyres.

Why has this happened? I guess it is down to costs, but is there also a reduced risk of serious blowouts with almost non-existent tyres? I know that some of them are runflats. I hope that there are still deeper profile tyre options on new cars. Or is there not a simple relationship between noise, ride and profile?

Asked on 27 October 2012 by GV, Newbury

Answered by Honest John
The very simple explanation is 'marketing'. Low profile tyres wear at a faster rate then deep profile tyres and are much more susceptible to damage. So tyre manufacturers offer them to car manufacturers at preferential rates knowing they will get their money back and a lot more every time the tyres have to be replaced.

There is an argument that they give more grip in some cases. Some oddball cars are actually better on lower profile tyres than they are on deep profile tyres. But it isn't generally true for normal cars, and you will find that anything pushing the boundaries of fuel economy is on deep profile energy tyres, such as the Ford Fiesta Econetic and the BMW 320d ED that I am currently driving. That's on 205/60 R16 balloons and is averaging 67.5mpg, which isn't bad for a 140mph car capable of 0-60 in eight seconds. And I'm perfectly happy with the compromised handling.

From choosing the right tyre to what to do when it goes wrong - we have the answers.

Tyre News And Advice
Similar questions
Telegraph Motoring recently carried photographs of two high performance cars: the Jaguar E-Type and the De Tomaso Mangusta. Both clearly show sensibly-sized wheels with hefty tyres to absorb the shocks...
My BMW 320d Sport is of course fitted with runflat tyres as original equipment, 235/40 R18 on the front wheels and 255/35 R18 on the rears. I have just replaced the fronts with Michelin Pilot Sport runflats...
I have a budget of around £17,500 and I'm looking at the Audi A5 or BMW M Sport 3 Series coupe. Fuel economy and cost of insurance is important as well as looks. Which would you recommend?
Related models
Brilliant to drive, powerful and fuel-efficient engines, good interior space and practicality.
Sharper looks than the previous Ford Fiesta. Comes with the award-winning 1.0 Ecoboost three-cylinder.