Is a tire aspect ratio of 45 considered thin?
2 Answers
Tire aspect ratio of 45 is considered thin. Below is relevant information about tire aspect ratio: Function: It is the main factor affecting the vehicle's sensitivity to road conditions. Vehicles with lower aspect ratios have thinner sidewalls, and the tires bear greater pressure. They are highly sensitive to road conditions, quickly transmitting road signals to the driver for better control, commonly seen in performance-oriented models. Characteristics: Higher aspect ratios mean thicker sidewalls, providing ample cushioning but poorer road feel, especially during turns where they tend to be more sluggish, commonly found in comfort-oriented models.
A tire with a 45 aspect ratio is considered a low-profile tire. The aspect ratio refers to the percentage of the tire's height relative to its width—the lower this number, the thinner the tire appears. Most factory tires for family cars typically range between 55 and 65, so 45 is noticeably below average and thus qualifies as a low-profile tire. I've personally used 45-profile tires on my sedan—visually, they look extremely stylish, making the wheels appear much larger. However, I had to slow down significantly when going over speed bumps, as even a slightly faster approach would make me feel the harsh vibration of the wheels hitting the ground. These thin tires also demand better road conditions, as they are prone to bulging when encountering potholes. Performance cars nowadays often opt for even lower aspect ratios like 35 or 40, but from a daily usability perspective, 45 sits right at the boundary between performance and practicality—offering some sporty handling while barely managing everyday comfort. If you drive mostly on well-maintained roads, 45 is fine, but if you frequently navigate rough urban-rural roads, a 50 or higher aspect ratio might save you some headaches.
