Question from the forum “Behind the wheel” – we periodically answer them:
– Why are car manufacturers increasingly equipping cars with low profile tires that are so easily damaged?
– Initially this was a technical necessity. As the car’s power increased, larger braking mechanisms were also needed. Since they are limited by the diameter of the rims, they also started to grow.
But the wheel arches are not dimensionless: as the rim increases, the height of the tire profile has to be lowered. With an increase in speed, more grip is needed – they increased the width of the tread, which entailed an additional decrease in profile.
Then designers stopped: big wheels look great!
Meanwhile, the production of R14 tires costs the manufacturer about 5 euros, R17 – 10 euros, R20 – already 15 euros. And they sell for 50, 100 and 150 respectively! Consumers were told that large, low profile tires are cool, beautiful and necessary. Even on a small and not very fast car.
Does Lada Veste Cross therefore have 17 inch wheels? Taking into account the fact that with a low profile, all parts of the chassis “fall apart” much earlier, because the shocks of the road are transferred more strongly.
Do you have questions? Write to [email protected].
- Can 16-inch tires be fitted to a car if the manufacturer recommends R17? Expert answer here.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Yandex.Zen.