Originally Posted by SpeedDemon
Thanks for all your replies. All I'm wondering is if the current, expensive wheels that were on my car when I bought it are the reason I have to buy low-profile tires, or if I'd have buy the same type of tires no matter what kind of wheels are on the car. In other words, do the original wheels require low-profile tires?
Unlike a lot of people here, I'm not crazy about my Crossfire because I was naive when I bought it and didn't realize it would be such a money drain. Once I get the loan paid down to blue book value, I plan to get rid of it. I had no idea this car would be so expensive. I'm sure this is typical of women - we don't know enough about cars to even ask the right questions.
The wheels that are on the car cost $600 each new. The tires are crazy expensive and have to be replaced about once a year. I never bargained for this when I bought this car. Yes, it's a hot, sexy car - but all I can see right now is what a ridiculous drain it is on my finances. So that's why I'm asking if the original tires would also be the low-profile tires. If not, I may sell the wheels so that at least I don't have to deal with spending $1,000 on tires every year.
The regular tires should be good for at least 40,000 miles depending on your driving habits. From your description I do not think anyone can say if you really need low profile tires or if you are being mislead. If is true and they require expensive short lived tires then I would suggest selling them and buying the OEM wheels and fitting OEM equivalent tires. you may find the wheels on ebay at a reasonable in cost. I would suggest that you have them checked over by someone knowledgeable before you commit to their purchase if possible.
Low profile tires give a poor ride so that should be a positive aspect when you get back to the OEM sizes which are relatively low profile. For an even better ride fit smaller wheels 17" and 18" and go for tires with higher sidewalls, there are more tires available in these sizes and the prices are cheaper. Starting from scratch, after selling your current wheels, this may be a better way to go for you. If you could post the tire sizes that are given on the tire side walls then we may be able to give a more accurate answer to your problem as it stands now.