Low Profile Tyres - Improving Cornering Performance by Up-Stepping
A simple modification is to replace standard car tyres and wheels with a larger rim and wider, low-profile tyres. The overall wheel-tyre diameter remains unchanged.
In theory, up-stepping like this gives a wider tread that has better cornering force and better grip, thus improving overall steering stability.
Wheel Diameter and Speedometer Error
The car is designed and the speedometer calibrated to be accurate for a specific wheel-tyre system with a known average diameter.
Rotational wheel velocity is converted to linear speed by an inbuilt calculation based upon wheel diameter. Changing the average diameter will cause the speedometer to be inaccurate.
Wheel Well Clearance
It is important to ensure that modifying the wheel system does not significantly affect well clearance. It is possible that a wider tyre will not have sufficient clearance and rub against the wheel well when turning. Needless to say, this is not good and should be avoided.
Select Wheels with the Correct Pitch Circle Diameter
When choosing replacement high performance wheels select wheels with the right offset and pitch circle diameter (P.C.D.) for your car
Low-Profile Tyre Modifications Give:-
- Improved handling and grip
- Greater traction and braking
- Increased road noise
- A harsher ride
- Increased risk of aquaplaning depending upon tyre tread pattern and width
