Are low profile tires more prone to punctures or blowouts?

Low profile tires are becoming more common as manufacturers build vehicles or offer options to suit more demanding or performance oriented customers. These are tires with short sidewalls, which is indicated by the second number in the tire size.

For example, in tire size P225/55R18, 55 this is a profile. This is the percentage or aspect ratio of the width of the tire. The lower the average, the lower the tire profile. Tires with an aspect ratio of 50 and below are generally considered low profile tires.

Low profile tires provide an enhanced sporty look and are often paired with very attractive large rims. There are advantages and disadvantages to using low profile tires on your vehicle, especially if your vehicle was not originally equipped with them. You can experience:

• Improved Handling
• Attractive appearance

or

• A harsher ride
• More road noise

Larger rims are the norm for low profile tires. Bigger discs mean more room for bigger brakes, resulting in shorter stopping distances.

Are low profile tires more prone to tearing and punctures?

Low profile tires have a much shorter sidewall and less cushion to absorb impact from potholes or curbs. This can damage the sidewall structure of the low profile tire. This may show up as a bulge or bubble on the sidewall, or the tire may actually undergo immediate and total loss of air or a puncture while in motion.

Low profile tires are not more prone to punctures than regular profile tires. They have the same width and surface area in contact with the road, and their composition is almost the same. The probability of a tire puncture in any case is the same.