Low Profile Tires
 

I’m thinking of swapping out my old tires and rims. Does anyone have any insight into how the cart rides with low profile tires and rims (215x35 14) versus standard profile tires on their gas Yamaha? I suspect the low profile provides a much ‘bumpier’ or ‘rough’ ride due to the narrow and stiff sidewall on these tires.

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What is the objective of changing to low profile tires/rims?

I would expect a much harsher ride, so do not offer rides to anyone with back problems. This would be especially true if you have a 4-passenger setup with the stiffer springs like we do. Also, you will need to research the correct tire pressure as I expect it will be different for these type of tires. One final concern, does these come in an approved tread for golf course use?

Here are the requirements for golf cart tires on the championship courses:

The manufacturer of the tire must refer to the tire as a "golf course tire".
The tire must have a rounded vertical tread with a maximum depth of ¼ inch.
The total width must be a minimum of 8 inches.
The tire pressure must not exceed 28 psi.

These rules do not apply to the executive courses because you can only drive on the cart paths.

Bad idea, the tires are essentially part of the suspension and the low profile tires will result in a stiffer ride. Other than looks, I can’t see any benefit.

Waste of money ������ IMO, but I like 60 series or higher tires with some cushion. 35 series would be none.

Donk look 👀.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz5l6GL5ynk

I have them, they came on my Evolution. They do have a stiffer rider but I am not sure I'd use the word Harsh. I didn't put them on and I didn't buy the cart because they had them. They do look nice and on the road they do handle better. I do get compliments from people on the course and I haven't been tossed off any course yet, at least not for the tires...

For me, I would not spend the money on the wheels and the tires to get them. They came on the cart. When it comes time to change the tires, depending on cost, I will likely just replace them. If I get the chance to put traditional tires on these wheels, I'd probably do it. But for me it's more of a cost issue. The ride doesn't bother me.

Act your age! Low profile tires offer a hard ride, increases rim damage and make the owner look like a wanker

This comment reminds me that the saying “Florida's Friendliest Hometown" does not apply to every resident. :ohdear: :ohdear: :ohdear:

OP, I suggest you disregard this curmudgeon.

I had them on our last cart. Better looks but needed to put on flares because the wider tires got us wet when running thru puddles or in the wet. The tires wear out much faster, harder to get (online order), and I took 2 tires off at a time to take into the tire shop to get changed. They had a harsher ride but another benefit for a bigger tire you will go faster on flat ground, but will go slower up hill

Going to a 215 35 14 from the popular 205 65 10 will give you a slightly shorter tire which will reduce your top speed if that's a concern. At 25 mph, the ride could be a little rougher but not noticable. You might want to consider a 205 40 14 so you can match the height of your current tire and retain most of your current ride characteristics.

I had low profile tires on my first ParCar cart. The ride was a little bumpier of the roads. The biggest jolts came when you cross the shallow gutters across the entrance to cart paths . Some of those were really rough and you really have to slow down to keep from having the fillings in your teeth jar out. My 2nd cart was a Yamaha with regular tires. The ride is much smoother.

Those rules DO APPLY to executive courses. Most execs have one or more par 4 where you can drive on the fairways. Also, if a person has a CAP card, they are allowed to drive on the grass within 10 yards of the greens on any hole.

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softer ride
 

I run my golf car tires at 20 psi, rather than 24 or 28 as some others do, precisely for a softer ride. I suppose I get a few less miles per gallon, but it's an easy tradeoff for me.

You can use the low profile tires on the executive courses, if you only drive on the path. The complete set of rules is on the '"golfthevillages.com" website, including a list of approved tires.

No I don’t.

22” low profile
 

Out new car has 22” low profile tires. It handles better but the ride on “bumpy” roads is not as cushy. The more “side wall” your tire has the better softer the ride will be so it’s a trade off.

Hey Fred! Wanna go for a ride?

Everybody has an opinion, it always amazes me how some people think of theirs as the quantitative correct answer with no doubt whatsoever.
The low profile tire can be used on golf courses, yes it is a slightly tougher ride but it also is much more stable as it has dramatically less sidewall. This sidewall flexes and moves so it can cause sway and drift which barely exist with the LP tire.
The appearance of the cart is much better as the wheels are more pronounced.
In summary, the right is not as soft, but not bad, tge aesthetics and the handling are dramatically improved.

I don’t know about low profile tires, but I can tell you for sure that radial tires provide a much softer ride than the standard tires on golf carts. I’ll never have anything other than radials.

Ohiobuckeye
 

Can’t speak for golf carts but I had them on my Fusion Sport & they were terrible riding & if they got a little low & you didn’t know it, well they would fly apart & the were expensive to replace. So why would you buy them? I’ll never have them again. Sorry I wasn’t much help but I have no idea how they would preform on a cart, other than don’t waste your money!

Ohiobuckeye
 

Good explanation!

If you have 65 series tires they will wear out very quickly at 20 on rear. Yes, I know cause I wore mine out in year and half.

Very rough you feel every bump in the road

Radials are an upgrade at a considerable higher price per tire.

Screw him! Be a wanker!!! Never act your age! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

low profile tires
 

I have a 2009 yamaha with low profile tires and it has a harsh ride. The tire size is 205 30 12. I would like to mount new tires with taller sidewall. The current tires are 18.5 inches tall. I would like to put on 215 50 12 which are 20.5 inches tall. I don't have a lift kit on so I'm not sure if they will scrape the rear fenderwell being 2'' taller. Has anyone done this succesfully?

Suggestion
 

I went with a compromise with my Yamaha. I went with 12 inch rims with radial tires. Both gave a nice look and a good ride. No change in overall rim/tire diameter so no loss of speed. There is a maximum diameter before the tires start rubbing on the body so check that out.

Yessss, go with the radials. Best all around ride.
:coolsmiley::coolsmiley:

You must not play executive courses. Lots of the executive courses in TV have a par 4 or 2. And no cart paths on these so you can drive in the fairways...

:bigbow::bigbow::popcorn::popcorn:

Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person

Note that, if you are trying to find a consistent written rule for this topic, you won't find one on The Villages website. There are at least five different sections about golf cars and tires, and they are contradictory. One rule says that you cannot drive on the executive course fairways, with no exceptions. But, another rule says that you can drive on the par four fairways, but it doesn't address the type of tires at all. Another rule contains a long list of approved tires that can be used on all courses. Another rule cites the tread depth, tire pressure, and tire width that are acceptable. So, I guess you can do whatever you want and hope you don't get cited for violating one of the rules. Obviously, the confusing golf car rules need to be edited and consolidated into one section of the website.

Wheels
 

I put 13” wheels and radial tires on my cart when it was built. I’ve had to replace the front tires twice. My guy who repairs carts said there was no way to toe in the wheels to adapt to the size. I feel every bump in the road because of the tires. Don’t do it.

I can just picture them trying to actually check and enforce the last item. You check in for golf, and the workers come out and check your tires with a gauge. LOL

Wanker is a term of endearment! We are all striving to share our personal preferences with the OP… sidewall height can make or break our vertebrae. I love all Villagers..

I play both Championship and Executive courses with my Evolution that came with the low profile tires. The Ambassadors ask me two questions when I check in with my cart, What color is it and where did you get those lights.....

Other than to complement the tires and wheels, no one has ever said anything to me about where I can drive and where I can't. I think there was a comment about ground clearance but on my cart, I have more clearance than many of the other carts...

Pretty sure they are more concerned about knobby tires that belong on ATV trails, not golf courses. Been seeing a lot of knobby tires on golf carts at the squares.