low profile?

[Jetronic]

A 45 aspect ratio tyre is no longer considered very low profile by modern standards but that doesn't make them the best thing in my book. They ride harder and the rims are more subject to pot hole damage. People think they look good which is fine, to each there own as long they don't complain about the consequences.

45's on 17" are not that bad but they would be my absolute limit. The trend to ever larger wheels and even lower profile tyres is simply a stupid fashion fad that puts form before function. Meanwhile I'm miles behind that trend with 205/55/R16's and very happy with the excellent ride quality they provide.

I haven't had a car that could accomodate 16" wheels since 2013, so 17" it must be for me.

 

[RooflessVW]

A 45 aspect ratio tyre is no longer considered very low profile by modern standards but that doesn't make them the best thing in my book. They ride harder and the rims are more subject to pot hole damage. People think they look good which is fine, to each there own as long they don't complain about the consequences.

45's on 17" are not that bad but they would be my absolute limit. The trend to ever larger wheels and even lower profile tyres is simply a stupid fashion fad that puts form before function. Meanwhile I'm miles behind that trend with 205/55/R16's and very happy with the excellent ride quality they provide.

You can feel this difference?

 

[TiGeo]

No. 45 ratio isn't but I'd say once you get to 40 and below, yes.

 

[Sam_Julier]

We’re a bunch of old folks still enjoying 60, 65 and 70 ratios.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

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

No but the load rating might influence firmness.

 

[TiGeo]

We’re a bunch of old folks still enjoying 60, 65 and 70 ratios.

Good lord. You can offroad with those things! I like my 235/40s and 245/40s. 35 is a bit much, my son runs 19s with a 35 ratio tires, it's pretty harsh but it looks good!

 

[Sam_Julier]

Good lord. You can offroad with those things! I like my 235/40s and 245/40s. 35 is a bit much, my son runs 19s with a 35 ratio tires, it's pretty harsh but it looks good!

Indeed. Or drive to Alaska.

 

[andrew_j]

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

Your statement is true of outdated tire shops about 15 years ago. Now you’d be out of business turning down a 45

 

[TiGeo]

Your statement is true of outdated tire shops about 15 years ago. Now you’d be out of business turning down a 45

Agreed - 45 is nothing now, I mean my Passat and Sportwagen both were spec'd with those OEM (225/45) and are hardly low-profile tires in 2025.

 

[leeharvey418]

We’re a bunch of old folks still enjoying 60, 65 and 70 ratios.

My dad once gave me a back in my day… story about how anything lower than an 80 aspect ratio was low profile.

 

[4wd]

Likes me a bit of sidewall - and here’s my preferred way to modify the ratio