Tires: low profile, high performance, high performance tires, low profile tires

Question
My seventeen year old son drives a 1997 Volvo sedan, a hand-me-down from his mom.  He would like to equip this car with 'low profile, high performance' tires.  It's my understanding that these tires have a very skinny wall between the rim and tread.  He says these tires can fit on the steel rims that came with the car.  He also says he can get a set of these tires for around $400.  I have some questions:  Safety is a priority.  Are these type of tires at any disadvantage with regard to safety?  Will the rims or suspension be at greater risk of damage because the tires will not be able to absorb shock from potholes, etc? Or... perhaps a high performance tire adds a measure of safety... better traction??   What is the life span of this type of tire?  Will this type of tire perform on a stock Volvo 960, or are they meant to be installed on cars with special suspension systems?  Is $400 a reasonable price for a set of this type of tire?  If there are red flags to be raised, I'd like to know...  Thank you!  

Paul Myers

Answer
Paul,

Red flags:

1)  As to move from high profile to low profile, the rim width requirement gets wider as well.  So there is a limitation as to how wide you can go and still maintain the load carrying capacity - which is extremely important.

2)  Generally low profile tires are higher speed rating and that is not only safer for durability but also grip.  However, they don't wear well.

3)  $400 is not a lot to spend on a low profile tire - so either it is an odd brand or the tire isn't an H rated or better tire.  But just be aware that every couple of years he is going to have to spend $400 to replace the tires, where if he stays where the car is now, he could probably make it through college on the set.

But as a father of a now 24 year old, I think I would go ahead and let him do what he wants - with his own money.  The lesson learned from this experience will be invaluable.