The Difference Between Low-Profile Tires and High Performance Tires: How to Choose

What Are High Performance Tires?

Performance tires typically feature the same basic elements as standard passenger tires; only they have been fine-tuned to maximize performance attributes. Below you'll find a description of these elements:

• Apex - usually made stiffer and wider than standard passenger tires to enhance cornering power.
• Chafer - some feature rim flange protectors to help protect wheels and provide lateral stiffness.
• Belts - usually at a lower angle than standard passenger tires, making it more responsive.
• Overlay - material and layup facilitate higher speed ratings.
• Tread Cap - compounding for both wet and dry traction.
• Tread Pattern - uses less blades and aggressive blocks to enhance handling capabilities.

Performance tires are developed and fine-tuned for an enhanced driving experience. Some of the features that go into a performance tire that allow it to provide driving enjoyment are:

• A short, low--profile sidewall to offer enhanced cornering
• Large tread blocks for dry traction and grip
• A stiff and wide apex to enhance cornering power
• Lower angle belts to allow for enhanced steering response
• Optimized compounds to enhance grip and traction on both wet and dry roads

At Goodyear, some of our sport performance tires feature these unique technologies:

• The Eagle® F1 Asymmetric All-Season features TredLock technology provides biting edges for commanding wet traction and grip in turns.
• The Goodyear Eagle® F1 Asymmetric 2™ tire offers Active Braking Technology for enhanced stopping power on wet and dry roads.
• Active CornerGrip® technology for commanding dry grip and ultra high-performance handling is featured in our Eagle® F1 Asymmetric tires

Low-Profile Tires are tires with a shorter sidewall height and a wide tread. Considering low-profile tires? These are some key advantages to making that switch:

• Low-profile tires typically have wider contact patches on the road
• These tires tend to offer enhanced traction and grip when it comes to steering and handling performance, such as the Goodyear Eagle® F1 SuperCar® 3
• Optimal sidewall stiffness is one of the advantages that come with low-profile tires
• Low-profile tires tend to be more visually appealing with sleek sidewall styling shown in the Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate™

What to consider when buying Low Pro Tires

• The feel of steering may change
• You may encounter an increase in noise
• Driving comfort levels may change