What is tyre profile?

How tyre profile affects ride and handling:

High profile or low profile, that is the question! If you’re trying to work out what is the profile of a tyre and which is best for you, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. You’ll find tyre profile explained so you’ll be able to easily find your current tyre profile, and know whether you can—or should—change it up.

And if you’re still in doubt, our mycar tyre experts are only a call away.

What is tyre profile meaning in terms of tyre size?

You may have heard of low and high profile tyres, which refers to the width of the rubber tyre when viewed side on, from where it meets the road, to where it meets the rim. It’s calculated as a percentage of the tread width, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as the ‘aspect ratio’. So, if you have a tyre with a profile of ‘40’ that means that the profile of your tyre is 40% of its width.

How do I know my tyre profile?

To know your tyre profile, find and check the numbers on the sidewall of your tyre. You can also find these numbers on the tyre placard, which is usually located inside the driver’s side door, in the glove box, or under the bonnet. Once you’ve located these, the tyre’s profile will typically be the second number after the forward slash. For example, if the numbers are ‘225/40R18 92Y’, your tyre profile is ‘40’, or 40% of 225 mm.

It can be a bit confusing, so if you’re still not sure, you can always call your local mycar experts to check it out for you.

Can I change my tyre profile?

While you can change your tyre profile, it’s important to make sure you take a few other things into account first. You need to make sure that the total diameter of your tyre and wheel rims remains the same, as changing this will mean incorrect readings on your speedometer. It can also affect your car’s suspension, brake clearance, and handling, so it’s important to speak with a professional tyre fitter first.

Does tyre profile affect performance?

Yes, tyre profile can affect performance. A larger profile increases your tyre’s radius, meaning you may notice a drop in performance when cornering, and a reduction in torque, or power, that your tyres transfer to the road. A lower profile tyre on the other hand has more tread contact with the road, which along with its stiffer sidewalls mean superior cornering performance.

Like most things though, it all depends on context. While lower profile tyres have more traction on dry, smooth surfaces, higher profile tyres can provide better performance if you’re going off road or carrying heavy loads.

What are the different types of tyre profile?

The two types of tyre profiles are ‘high profile’ and ‘low profile’. High profile tyres are thicker when viewed side-on and fit onto smaller diameter rims, while a lower profile tyre is thinner from the side, and fits on a larger wheel rim. The type of profile you have will change the performance and look of your car, so it’s important to get one that meets your vehicles needs and your driving style.

What is a low profile tyre?

A low profile tyre, meaning a smaller sidewall height is a tyre with an aspect ratio of lower than 40. It provides higher performance with a more responsive feel. They’re more common on sports and luxury cars, and known for improved cornering stability thanks to their reduced sidewall flex. You will notice a slightly rougher or harsher drive though, as low profile tyres tend to pick up every bump in the road. Your car is also at greater risk of damage with low profile tyres, as there’s less clearance between it and the road.

What is a high profile tyre?

High profile tyres have a wider sidewall height, making them ideal for vehicles carrying heavy loads or going off-road. They’re common on 4WDs as they’re more resistant to road surface damage, such as potholes. They also make driving over rocks and uneven terrain more manageable. On the other hand, high profile tyres have slightly less grip than lower profile tyres, and have less cornering stability.

Which tyre is better - low or high profile?

Whether low or high profile tyres are better depends on the performance and look you expect from your vehicle. If you’d like better performance, speed and cornering ability, a lower profile tyre could be a good choice. It means your car won’t roll or bounce as much and has better grip. But, high profile tyres are better if you go off-road, drive on rough roads or need to carry heavy loads frequently. Whatever you choose, getting higher or lower profile tyres fitted can impact your car’s road worthiness and insurance, so it’s best to consult your mycar mechanic for advice and professional tyre fitting.

Still not sure? Drop into mycar for help

We know tyre profiles can be complicated. With plenty of mycar mechanics across more than 275 stores, you can leave it up to our experts to help you get the performance you need from your car. Call us on 13 13 28 to book in your tyre services today.