Okay, ive got alot of questions on how to choose a tire.

Width. Larger width means more traction which equals better gripping for turns and for acceleration when getting that traction in the beginning. However, it makes the tire heavier more rubber on the floor so it may slow acceleration and hinder brakeing/performance. However, needed for high hp cars to use their power.

Profile. I am confused on this. I know sport cars generally have low profile tires. But why? I know they damage easier when hitting things such as pot holes or dents than high profile tires. Is the reason for them because, like suspension, its stiffer so it has less yield?


So, feel free to add onto anything i touched on as well as adding other parts that should be included. I know NOTHING about tires basically. Trying to get my facts straight.

 

Part of the low profile trend is purely fashion. People love the big wheel low profile look. For race applications, larger wheels allow you to use larger brake rotors. F1 is truly an exception as they are mandated to use 13 inch wheels, but with carbon fiber components they can shed incredible amounts of speed. CART limits its cars to 15 inch wheels and they use iron based brake rotors. Most race series limit the size and width of the competitors wheels and tires so your statement is an over simplification. In general, low profile tires will have stiffer side walls and thus communicate more of the road to the driver. They also will turn in more quickly. Now larger wheels will weigh more unless you invest in expensive material and production techniques. Low profile does not equate to wider tires. It all depends on what you want. In general race cars want as wide a tire as rules will allow. Exceptions include (but not limited to) open wheel cars which have to take into account aerodynamic consequences of wider tires, and cars competing in adverse conditions such as gravel, dirt, rain, and snow. There's allot more to tires than aspect ratio's and widths. Rubber compounding and construction can make taller and narrower tires perform very well.

Your tire choice will depend on what you want to achieve. Maximum performance? Competition? Rules restrictions? Fitment restrictions? Budget? Appearance?

 

Im just trying to familiarize myself with the diffrent parts of the tire. Like, what the application of diffrent things and what they will do.

 

If you haven't already, you might want to poke around the Tire Rack site at www.tirerack.com . They have quite a bit of educational material on tires and wheels. (no affiiliation, etc).

 

Ask Matt H, on the 944 board, nicely and I'm sure that he can fill you in on anything you want to know about tires. Hint Hint, he's in the industry.