Re: low profile tires
Not possible to run higher profile (aspect) tires on the stock rims. The tires will not fit in the wheel wells. By going to a slightly wider tire with the same aspect, the sidewall will be a little deeper. Overall, you have to drive pretty dang careful in NY/NJ/CT to avoid pot holes and depressed drains in order to avoid blowing a tire or bending a rim. I feel sorry for ya.
If you want thick sidewalls, you will have to find some 16" or 17" rims that fit.