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Question 24
Posted by Ralph on November 18, 2004
What is the advantage of low profile tires over the standard tire. Also can you mix them with standard tires on one axel and low profile on the other axel.
There are many things to consider when specifying low profile radial tires. The lower profile provides greater lateral stability, lower deck heights, improved treadwear, and reduced weight, all at generally lower cost than standard aspect ratio radial tires.
However, low profile tires will rotate faster than standard tires negatively impacting fuel economy if the drivetrain is not modified to account for the RPM change. Generally if the tire's RPMs increase by more than 3% then the gearing and transmission will require adjusting. It is important to also look at the effect on your speedometer, engine and rear axle ratio. Low Profile tires also are more susceptible to sidewall damage. It is not recommended to mix low profiles and standard tires on adjacent drive axles since the smaller diameter on one axle can put undue load on the other. Consult with your local commercial truck dealer for recommended practices for retrofitting trucks with low profile tires.