low profile?

[flinter]

Hi,

Is tire size 225/45/R17 considered "low profile"? I ask this because I would like to purchase the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Limited, but I am concerned those tires will profile a rough, stiff ride. I did a quick test drive and they seems fine, but it is hard to tell. Personally, I think size 16" is the sweet spot for ride comfort.

Thanks
Michael in NJ

 

[dubber09]

IMHO they are low profile. Some tire shops won't touch them too.

 

[MParr]

Yes, they are considered low profile tires.
225 is the tire width at the tread. It is actually 225 mm. The 45 is the height from the rim to the top of the tread. The 45 is actually a percentage of the tread width. So, the actual sidewall height is 101.25 mm. The 17 is the actual wheel diameter, in inches.

 

[flinter]

IMHO they are low profile. Some tire shops won't touch them too.

What??? Why would a tire shop not touch them??

 

[RooflessVW]

IMHO they are low profile. Some tire shops won't touch them too.

225/45R17 has been a common size for like 25 years

 

[Dave Hess]

Common tire size that will definitely give you a firm ride, here in Florida with nicer roads won’t be bad.

Might regret if the roads in your area are bad with potholes.

 

[Japanese]

I think tires below 50% side wall are considered low profile. So yes, those are low profile. I run 225/45/R18 and if inflated to specs and the car is just with me, they are a bit bumpy, I cannot say the ride is rough though, that is more of a suspension question.
However, I always prefer stability over comfort, so that's fine to me.

 

[bdcardinal]

I would say so. Being that the 45 is a percentage of the section width, that is a short sidewall.

 

[Wireman1987]

225/45/17 is pretty popular to euros i have seen many vw's bmw and audi with this wheel & tire size

 

[f355spider]

Hi,

Is tire size 225/45/R17 considered "low profile"? I ask this because I would like to purchase the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Limited, but I am concerned those tires will profile a rough, stiff ride. I did a quick test drive and they seems fine, but it is hard to tell. Personally, I think size 16" is the sweet spot for ride comfort.

Thanks
Michael in NJ

I would say these are not low profile by modern/today's standards. I have 45 and 40 series on a 24 year old BMW four door family sedan.
Most manufacturers will tailor the ride based not only on the tire size and profile, but also based on its intended use.
Tire profile alone is not a good way to base how a car handles or rides. I have a newer BMW sedan with 35 and 30 series tires and while I consider those to be low profile, the ride is surprisingly plush, especially when in "comfort" or "eco" suspension setting.

The only true arbiter of how the car's comfort and ride is for you to test drive one extensively, ensuring the tire pressures are set correctly. Consider renting one for a weekend if possible.

 

[edyvw]

IMHO they are low profile. Some tire shops won't touch them too.

If the tire shop does not want to touch it, avoid that tire shop.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Yeah that's low profile. Regular everyday cars don't need low-profile tires for NJ's bad roads.

If you're lucky, you can swap them for the base model's tires/wheels. The dealer will probably let you do it. There's also Tire Racks pre-mounted tire/wheel packages

Lower Elantras have either 205/55-16 or 195/65-15

I would say these are not low profile by modern/today's standards. I have 45 and 40 series on a 24 year old BMW four door family sedan.
Most manufacturers will tailor the ride based on not only the tire size and profile, but also based on its intended use.
Tire profile alone is not a good way to base how a car handles or rides.

The only true arbiter of how the car's comfort and ride is, for you to test drive one extensively. Consider renting one for a weekend if possible.

No-profile tires are stupid on regular economy cars. Hyundai should save them for the N model

 

[The_Jeff]

Yes it's low profile.

Hopefully the wheels have deep drop centers, though, which will make mounting replacement tires as easy as any other size.

 

[edyvw]

Hi,

Is tire size 225/45/R17 considered "low profile"? I ask this because I would like to purchase the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Limited, but I am concerned those tires will profile a rough, stiff ride. I did a quick test drive and they seems fine, but it is hard to tell. Personally, I think size 16" is the sweet spot for ride comfort.

Thanks
Michael in NJ

Tires are fine, especially Continental or Michelin.
I had 225/45 R17 on BMW 328. Though the complexity of suspension on BMW definitely helps in absorbing impacts.
I run now 225/40 R18. It is daily, drive kids, go to work, ski etc.

 

[dubber09]

If the tire shop does not want to touch it, avoid that tire shop.

I think Costco of all shops would not do them.
Mounting and dismounting 45 tires on nice and expensive rims can be a liability, it isn't easy to do with low end machine and lack of training.

To a daily commuter/driver me who often goes thru construction zones, anything below 55 would be a concern for rims damage.

 

[edyvw]

I think Costco of all shops would not do them.
Mounting and dismounting 45 tires on nice and expensive rims can be a liability, it isn't easy to do with low end machine and lack of training.

To a daily commuter/driver me who often goes thru construction zones, anything below 55 would be a concern for rims damage.

I yet to see that Costco. With low end machines and poorly trained staff.
I am not sure why you think anyone would have 225/45 tires for construction zone?
I have on daily 225/40R18 and they do perfectly fine. If I had to go to construction zone I would not use that car.
OP is inquiring about tires that are on Elantra. Hardly a vehicle used on construction zones, except to maybe drive yourself to one. People who do that in vehicles like that, park vehicles outside the construction zone.
So, not sure how is that connected to inquiry by OP.

 

[RooflessVW]

I think Costco of all shops would not do them.
Mounting and dismounting 45 tires on nice and expensive rims can be a liability, it isn't easy to do with low end machine and lack of training.

To a daily commuter/driver me who often goes thru construction zones, anything below 55 would be a concern for rims damage.

Bro the OP is asking about a factory tire size for the VW Jetta since the MK4.

You're probably right though. Costco has never done tires for a Jetta.

What about a Corolla? Factory size on those is 215/45R17.

 

[RooflessVW]

I yet to see that Costco. With low end machines and poorly trained staff.
I am not sure why you think anyone would have 225/45 tires for construction zone?
I have on daily 225/40R18 and they do perfectly fine. If I had to go to construction zone I would not use that car.
OP is inquiring about tires that are on Elantra. Hardly a vehicle used on construction zones, except to maybe drive yourself to one. People who do that in vehicles like that, park vehicles outside the construction zone.
So, not sure how is that connected to inquiry by OP.

I used to drive my 911 to solar projects when I worked in that field.

225/40R18 and 285/30R18. Wal-Mart put those tires on for me.

 

[edyvw]

I used to drive my 911 to solar projects when I worked in that field.

225/40R18 and 285/30R18. Wal-Mart put those tires on for me.

Impossible
Well, my BMW with 225/45 R17 (I use that size on track) saw more off roading when I slide off the track than most trucks in my neighborhood

 

[SC Maintenance]

285/30R18. Wal-Mart put those tires on for me.

Why bother with air. Just wrap a strip of rubber around the wheel.