N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 16:20
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - FP

I've been meaning to post this for a while.

As some may recall, I'm running a Mazda CX-5 and have been very impressed with the car - except for one thing. It's the SportNav model and that means the dreaded low-profile wheel/tyre set-up. (The specs are 225/55R19/99V.) The ride, on original Toyo Proxes tyres, was pretty harsh.

However, last summer a freak occurrence meant the two rears were simultaneously damaged by steel nails seriously enough to be irreparable and the local place offered Pirellis, which I had fitted. A definite improvement in terms of ride and comfort. Since then I've been impatiently waiting for the wear on the fronts to let me replace those.

I changed the fronts a couple of weeks ago, to Pirellis (though a different tread pattern from the backs) and the improvement is very apparent. Much more supple ride and less noise (though the noise ratings for Toyo vs Pirelli are only 2 dB different). My drive is a lot more relaxing.

I'm not sure why Toyo Proxes, which I believe are thought of as a mid-range product, are fitted as original equipment when better/more expensive tyres make such a huge difference.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 16:29
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - Xileno

Toyos possibly are fitted as that company provided the best deal to Toyota. Years ago I had an old Polo with Michelins, the tyre noise was quite bad and I was recommended Pirelli by the tyre fitter at that time. I also found a significant noise reduction but the Pirellis didn't last as long being softer.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 17:31
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - RT

There are variations in sidewall stiffness across the brands, assuming the same size/profile/speed/load ratings - some test results include ride comfort which may help.

My VW Touareg is on 255/55R19 - I'd like something more comfortable but I'm wary of the increased puncture risk from softer sidewalls.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 17:51
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - badbusdriver

My VW Touareg is on 255/55R19 - I'd like something more comfortable but I'm wary of the increased puncture risk from softer sidewalls.

I'd expect the puncture risk to decrease rather than increase on taller softer sidewalls, certainly re punctures resulting from potholes.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 17:51
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - Bromptonaut

55 isn't that low a profile by modern standards.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 17:54
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - Adampr

As I recall from my days of MGF ownership, Toyo Proxes were always the tyre of choice because they are a high load tyre with a very stiff sidewall.

They were much loved as they suited the MGF's setup perfectly. Not much point on a big lump, but perhaps Mazda were trying to keep the motoring press happy with a 'sporty' feel.

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Sat 30 Dec 2023 23:13
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - groaver

I have the same size on my CX-5.

It came with Bridgestone tyres.

I was pleasantly surprised at the suppleness of the ride.

Then again I came directly from a MX-5 with thinner sidewall tyres

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Sun 31 Dec 2023 08:45
N/A - Low-profile wheels/tyres - gordonbennet

Been years since i had Toyos (T1R if i recall correctly), whilst an excellent gripping tyre they were noisy and hard riding, but then so were the Fulda set the present Forester came on.

Edited by gordonbennet on 31/12/2023 at 08:46

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