
Earlier we saw some 25-series tires, and at SEMA last year Kumho introduced 15-series tires to the amazement and bruised kidneys of automobile-dom. That seems like about the limit of tire-painting capabilities these days, and is more for show than for go, but we want to know how skinny is your rubber?
Back in the day, most standard tires ran anywhere from 85-series on down to maybe 70 on your Euro-sport models and cars that were intended to go around corners. Then came the era of wider than tall and 65, 60 and eventually 55-series tires became mainstream, and not just something that wild-eyed drivers affixed to their cars for something called gymkhana.
Now it seems like every ricer and new-moneyed celebrity is getting their tires applied with a roller, degrading both the ride and handling of their cars- whether Versa or Veyron. It may seem like getting as little sidewall shift as possible would be a good thing, but there are so many trade-offs in heat displacement, elasticity and adhesion cut-off that at a certain point you want a little height in your Hoosiers. Most of us can’t even afford the wheel/tire combo that would give the lowliest of profile-ness, and still fill the wheelwells, but many of us still like the look and handling that comes with a plus one, or plus two set up. So, with that in mind, what’s the lowest profile you’d go?
Image source: [Jalopnik]
Haven't ever had a car that needed anything lower than a 40 series. Your wheels only need to be 17" or big enough to cover your brakes, whichever is larger.
My Mustang came with 235-55R17s off the lot. Anything with a smaller sidewall would wind up bruising my pancreas or causing my liver to fall out.
Wait, I could use a new liver. Maybe I should buy a set of 245-30R22s. I'll need more shirts though so I can pop 4 collars.
Don't do it brah!
I've got 45 series on the Subie GT and wish they weren't. The Alfa has 65s and I wish they weren't. 55-series sounds about right for both.
Where I come from, the streets are prone to all kinds of bad shit. Potholes, ruts, bumps and imperfections abound So I will never go lower than 50 series. Never EVER, for the sake of my bling!
WRXagon runs 215-45 R17s, which seem about right.
Getting down under 40 seems like a treacherous proposition on anything but a track car.
Pet-peeve: anything under about 50 series on a classic. My Falcon runs 195-55 or 60 R14s. It's gonna be a long time before I change those.
HUZZAH! my full sizes are 235/60R15 front 235/70 R15 Rear!!
MMM tire meats.
Going by my cars so far, my avatar represents my ideal tire. Both the T-bird and Dakota are on 70 series (215/70R15 and 265/70R16) though I did have Mark VIII wheels with 225/60R16's on the T-bird for a while. I'd like to stay at 55-series or above on the next car.
I'll be rockin' 70's forever.
<img src="http://www.bernardembden.com/xjs/rims/3.JPG">
I have the same wheels. Aspect ratio of 70, FTW!
Who needs rubber tires anyway?
<img src="http://p.webwombat.com.au/motoring/car-images/hummer-wagon-wheels-1-big.jpg">
I have stock 45s on both cars right now but don't want to go any lower than that.
I am waiting for 10-series tires.. if it takes too long I am just going to spray bed-liner on my wheels…
Rhino liner wheels…I swear I have seen those before.
I have 40-series on the Corrado, but had 35-series on the Merc before; with advances in technology, there's really nothing wrong with 30- or 35-series now, provided you're willing to shell out the cash for a good set. The cheaper ones are just rubbish. Lots of road noise, and you feel like you're driving on the wagon wheels posted above. The good ones are as good or better than my stock 50-series winters as far as ride quality.
I'm rocking 40 series on the Jetta. But they are cheap Kellys… I hate 'em. Never buy cheap lo-pro tires. Good advice Deathair.
<img src="http://www.clubavalanche.com/forums/uploads/post-155-11498149400.jpg">
nice grocery getter.
I'm getting vertigo just sitting here looking at that.
Maybe it's all the coffee and no breakfast?
40s. Next time the LTD gets tires, they'll be 255/40/17s. Currently it has 245/45/17s.
185/70R14.
The snows go on tomorrow. Pretty sure they're the same.
GO TEAM SIDEWALL!
275.35.r15.
Prefer 31x10x15 though.
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