Changing Low Profile Tires to Standard: Can You?

Can you change low-profile tires to standard tires? The answer is simple! Yes, you can change your low-profile tires to standard tires. This will improve the quality of your rides.

The braking system, ride cushioning and cornering performance achieved with low-profile tires are not the same as standard or regular tires.

If you have a broad understanding of what is considered a low-profile tire, there are a lot of reasons why you would love to change your low-profile tires to standard tires.

To some, it is around the speculation that low profile tires are bad in rain, issues with flexibility, width, and durability.

This also includes the cost of purchase, fuel economy, and tire grip on snow. In some cases, to avoid having a problem when changing from low profile things you should consider increasing or reducing your rim size.

It will look like a near-impossible task, trying to change low-profile tires to standard without getting a compensating rim size.

Your new standard tires will add some extra sidewall height. This will impact the size of the tire.

Sure, changing low-profile tires to standard tires is possible, but you need to take into account the size of the tire. If the standard tires can easily fit into your wheel, then you can easily change to it.

How to Change Low Profile Tyres to Standard?

Since the answer to the question can you change low profile tires to regular or standard is a YES! Here are three easy steps to change low-profile tires to standard tires.

  • Confirm your wheel and rim size
  • Confirm your proposed tire and choose a perfect match
  • Install

1. Confirm your wheel and rim size

The wheel and rim size remain one of the major issues with changing low-profile tires to standard tires. Firstly, you wouldn’t want to choose a smaller rim size, because they may fall out of alignment with brake calipers.

The new tires that you will install on the wheel will rub on the body of your car if the rims are not in the perfect size. These are things that you wouldn’t want to experience.

Do you want an enhanced ride performance? You must confirm the rim size before switching to a normal tire. You must take into account the wheel width, and diameter.

The offset and backspace of the wheel are as essential as the fitting of the wheel and your tires.

Confirm the rim size of your car’s wheel by looking at the inner area of the rim’s hub. The classification of the rim size falls into different categories; width, diameter, and bolt pattern. 16-inch rim diameter is good for 16-inch tires.

2. Confirm your proposed tire and choose a perfect match

The second thing you should do after confirming your wheel and rim size is to confirm the proposed tire for the car. You cannot fit any standard into your cars.

You must confirm your tire size and ensure that it is a perfect match for your wheels. For instance; a P215/50R17 is a perfect match for a car with a 17-inch rim size.

Sometimes, getting a perfect match for your cars will require that you downsize your wheels. New standard tires to replace the old low-profile tires always come with increased size. You shouldn’t consider making provisions to make purchases for new wheels that will suit the new tires. 

3. Install

Now, you have the perfect wheel and the perfect tires. It is time to install the tires. Depending on your car’s specifications, you might not need to change the wheels.

However, in most cases, alignment is necessary. This might look technical, so you could hire the services of a repairman.

You wouldn’t want to run into mishaps or an accident by putting on mismatched tires.

A good mechanic will not only help you ensure that the tires and wheel fit each other, but they will also ensure that you achieve the ride quality that you desire while taking into consideration the suspension system of the car.

The estimated pay to install the wheels and tires of your cars is $20 – $50 per tire. The price varies for each car service store and location. This will include mounting and balancing the tires.

If you still wish to install the wheels and tires by yourself, your car’s owners will act as a good guide.

Why do people change low-profile tires to standard?

The reason why a lot of people change low profile tires to standard is because of the benefits of standard tires over low profile tires.

But, are there other reasons why people change low profile tires to standard? What are the benefits of standard tires to low profile tires?

Here are four reasons why people change low profile tires to standard ones.

  • Durability Needs
  • Low-profile tires are not a good option for some weather conditions
  • Less sidewall
  • Cushioning effect and Better Performance

1. Durability Needs

There are no protections or guards for low-profile tires. Considering the sidewall height of low-profile tires, there is no sidewall bulge as in larger tires with large sidewall heights. The rims of low-profile tires flush on the outside.

This makes the rim vulnerable. Low-profile tires are mostly found in sports cars. They present a “more wheel, less tire” fitting.

This makes them susceptible to damage when they encounter difficult terrains. The absence of flexibility, sidewall height, and width makes low-profile tires vulnerable to damages.

You are safe to ride on low-profile tires if you will only stick to smooth roads. But, if you will ride on complex road terms, you should go for a standard tire.

2. Low-profile tires are not a good option for some weather conditions

The truth is, low-profile tires are not great choices for bad weather conditions. They are bad at riding in the rain and will perform poorly in winter.

You wouldn’t want to experience the annoying ride that comes from riding your low-profile tires on low-profile tires. They could get stuck in the snow and the level of handling is always low.

3. Less sidewall

Lesser sidewalls pose a lot of disadvantages to drivers. From blowouts to bad rides, I wouldn’t advise that you use a short sidewall. A less sidewall reduces the distance between the rim and the tires.

This places the rider on an edge to receive and feel all first-hand impact of bad roads on the tires. This opens up the car to a greater risk of getting damaged wheels. This is because the sidewall is not bulky enough to shield impacts.

4. Cushioning effect and Better Performance

You deserve a smooth ride. While it is indisputable that low-profile tires achieve better handling, take sharp turns, and have great grips on smooth roads.

On a double thought, you are not assured of a smooth ride with low-profile tires. Low-profile tires have a loud ride. You might prefer a more peaceful ride.

The cushioning effect attained by standard tires is better when compared to low-profile tires. The increase in the sidewall height of standard tires impacts the superb cushioning effect it achieves.

The better performance achieved by standard tires goes beyond the ride styles. Standard tires achieve a better level of fuel economy, better grip in wetlands and snow, and are cheaper.

It is normal to change from low-profile to standard tires just to save a few bucks that you should spend on low-profile tires.

How long should low-profile tires last?

A good low-profile tire should last 40,000 – 50,000 miles of constant usage on the road.

Low-profile tires are made of soft rubber compunds. Although they maintain a great deal of traction, they wear off faster.

Nevertheless, how long your low-profile tires will last greatly depends on the type of roads you use them on, and the intensity of usage. However, the treadwear rating determines how long your low profile should last. The higher the treadwear rating, the more it will last.

A low-profile tire with a treadwear rating of 580 will last longer than low-profile tires with 300 ratings. Nevertheless, your style of riding will determine.

Can you put regular tires on low profile rims

Whether you’re to mount a regular tire on a low profile rims all depends on if it’s the same size with your rim, since tires and rims are quite two different things. So you’re to check if they’re quite the same size and compatible.

In a perfect world where the road is without bumps or portholes, low profile rims would have been the best bet to operate on. Low profile rims have a lower aspect ratio and taller sidewall, having said that for rims with 50% aspect ratio or less are considered having a low profile rim.

No doubt, using a low profile rims helps the tire to brake more and gives it a sportier look, that is one reason all sport cars are designed with low profile rims. But if you intend to be commuting on a rough road, regular tires would be the best to use. Regular tires are best for bumpy road and irregular roads with surfaces with poor friction, example paths covered with snow, since it improves the suspension systems efficiency and to avoid wheel damaging.

Can you put different profile tires on cars?

Yes, you can. Although I wouldn’t advise that you put different profile tires on the same car, there is nothing wrong with doing so.

You must know that a change in the tire profile will affect the handling of the vehicle, the accuracy of your speedometer, and the comfortability of your ride.

However, you should ensure that the different tire profiles have an accommodating size. You wouldn’t want to fit in a profile tire that will hit and damage the internal components of your car.

A mismatch in the mixing of tire profiles will affect the balance and control of your vehicle. It could also compromise your safety.

Naturally, most tires run on different profiles from front to rear. This is not a problem. This is mostly seen in BMW cars. These differences are targeted at achieving a more aerodynamic lift across the body of the vehicle.

In general, you should seek the help of an expert before mixing tire profiles.

Can You Replace Low Profile Tires With Regular Tires

It is not an uncommon practice that people replace their low profile tires with regular tires but you want to know if that is a safe thing to do – Yes, you can replace your low profile tire with a regular tire and it is safe if all conditions involved are met. 

To be sure, speak to your tire technician to confirm if you can carryon with the replacement without causing any trouble.

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6 thoughts on “Changing Low Profile Tires to Standard: Can You?”

  1. A question . Now have a 2021 Lexus ES 350 low profile tires having 3 tire replacements and one rim replacement. Please provide specs to allow replacement of both rims and tires to non profile tires

    Reply
    • For the non low profile specs, you can try out any of tires from brands like Michelin and bridgestone e.g. Michelin X-Ice Xi3 – Best for Ice, Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack, Michelin Defender T+H; all specially designed for a comfort ride and better grips with road surfaces.

      While for the rim, you can try out the Cinturato p7 all-season plus II.

      But know that you must confirm that you are buying just the exact tire and rim sizes. You may need to seek your mechanic help, for you to get this right with relative ease.

      Reply
  2. I had my car stolen and they put 18 low profile tires and rims and I wanted to go back to the regular manufacturer tires. And I wanted to know if they would fit on the rims I have or what do I have to do? It’s a 2005 Mazda tribute s. I’m lost about this.because my husband passed away and I just don’t know. Thank you

    Reply
    • Hi Gina,
      It all depends on the specifications of the rims and the tires that you want to replace them with. You’ll need to make sure they are compatible.

      The best way to find out is to check the size and specifications of your current rims and tires, and then compare them to the size and specifications of the original manufacturer’s tires for your Mazda Tribute. To find the size and specifications of your current rims and tires, look at the information printed tires sidewall.

      What you should specifically look out for is the Width and diameter details. They determine tire and rim compatibility. For diameter you’ll need to be sure that your tires and wheels are an exact match.

      For example, a P235/70R16 104T tire of Mazda tribute 2005 will only fit on a 16″ diameter wheel. (“R16” means that the tire is designed to fit a 16-inch diameter rim.) As for the widths, there’s a bit more flexibility.

      If this still feels like a lot to process for you , you can consult with a tire professional or your Mazda dealership to determine whether the original manufacturer’s tires will fit your current rims. They may also be able to recommend other compatible tire options for your vehicle based on your driving needs and preferences.

      And, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss.

      Reply
  3. I just purchased a 2020 Mercedes 450sl roadster.
    Front tires are 255 35 R19
    Rear tires are 285 30 R19
    The aluminum factory rims are too soft and with the low profile tires they cannot take any pothole hits. What size rims and non low profile tires can I purchase

    Reply
    • Hi Steve, Congrats on your new Mercedes 450sl roadster! If you’re looking to upgrade your rims and tires to better handle potholes, there are a few things to consider.
      Firstly, when choosing new rims, you’ll want to ensure they have a higher load rating than your current factory rims. This will help ensure they can withstand the impact of hitting potholes without bending or cracking.
      As for tire size, switching to a non-low profile tire may be beneficial for pothole protection. A higher profile tire will provide more cushion and absorb shock better than a low profile tire.
      Here are some potential tire and rim options for your vehicle:
      Tire size: 255/40 R19 front, 285/35 R19 rear
      Rim size: 19-inch diameter, 8.5-9.5 inch width, with a higher load rating
      Alternatively, you may want to consider switching to 18-inch rims with a higher profile tire. This will provide even more cushion and protection against potholes.
      Keep in mind that any changes to your tire and rim size may affect your vehicle’s handling and performance, so it’s important to consult with a professional mechanic or tire specialist before making any changes.

      Reply

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