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Rokeby · 09-11-2011, 09:16 PM

I for one don't feel in any way "duped" when driving on or buying radial tires.
Should you ever have the pleasure of driving an American circa mid-50s or
earlier car, you will be horrified at how tenuous the bias ply tire's connection
with the road was "back in the day." Although the radial tire was invented in
the mid-40s, it wasn't widely used in the USA until the 60s. Even in the late
60s, OEM radial tires were a major part of muscle car advertising copy.

Most every 'Net site that discussses the differences between bias and
radial ply tires comes up with comparisons like this:

There are two types of tires mostly used in cars and commercial vehicles:
Radial and Bias.

Bias Ply tire: This type of tire has diagonal or bias plies. These plies
crisscross. This makes tire strong in all directions because of the plies
overlap.

Radial ply tire: In a radial tire, the ply cords run in the radial direction.
The plies run parallel to each other and vertical to the tire bead. Stabilizer
belts are applied over the plies to give extra strength parallel to beads.

Now we look at advantages of radial tire over a bias tire:
1. Good high speed capacity
2. Longer lasting and Longer tread life (Up to30%- 50% longer)
3. Steel Belted - Results in tougher overall construction
4. Better floatation ,larger contact area wider footprint
5. Low heat build-up or run cooler
6. Lower rolling resistance
7. Better Fuel Economy
8. Better stability
9. Wear resistant
10. Smoother, more quiet ride

Disadvantage of radial tire over a bias tire:
1. More prone to puncturing at side walls
2. Side wall bulging
3. More difficult to repair
4. Higher purchase price
5. Heavier steering at low speeds but power steering facility is
there so it is acceptable.
Read more: What is the difference between bias and radial tires

Here is link for the more visual learner. Granted, it is Michelin discussing
their agricultural tires, but the visuals work just as well for road tires:
Michelin AG - Advantages - Bias vs Radial

Tires for trailers, ATVs, motorcycles, and classic cars are special cases and
require vehicle specific research.

09-11-2011, 09:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rokeby Gen II Prianista Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ballamer, Merlin Posts: 453 Thanks: 201 Thanked 146 Times in 89 Posts	I for one don't feel in any way "duped" when driving on or buying radial tires. Should you ever have the pleasure of driving an American circa mid-50s or earlier car, you will be horrified at how tenuous the bias ply tire's connection with the road was "back in the day." Although the radial tire was invented in the mid-40s, it wasn't widely used in the USA until the 60s. Even in the late 60s, OEM radial tires were a major part of muscle car advertising copy. Most every 'Net site that discussses the differences between bias and radial ply tires comes up with comparisons like this: There are two types of tires mostly used in cars and commercial vehicles: Radial and Bias. Bias Ply tire: This type of tire has diagonal or bias plies. These plies crisscross. This makes tire strong in all directions because of the plies overlap. Radial ply tire: In a radial tire, the ply cords run in the radial direction. The plies run parallel to each other and vertical to the tire bead. Stabilizer belts are applied over the plies to give extra strength parallel to beads. Now we look at advantages of radial tire over a bias tire: 1. Good high speed capacity 2. Longer lasting and Longer tread life (Up to30%- 50% longer) 3. Steel Belted - Results in tougher overall construction 4. Better floatation ,larger contact area wider footprint 5. Low heat build-up or run cooler 6. Lower rolling resistance 7. Better Fuel Economy 8. Better stability 9. Wear resistant 10. Smoother, more quiet ride Disadvantage of radial tire over a bias tire: 1. More prone to puncturing at side walls 2. Side wall bulging 3. More difficult to repair 4. Higher purchase price 5. Heavier steering at low speeds but power steering facility is there so it is acceptable. Read more: What is the difference between bias and radial tires Here is link for the more visual learner. Granted, it is Michelin discussing their agricultural tires, but the visuals work just as well for road tires: Michelin AG - Advantages - Bias vs Radial Tires for trailers, ATVs, motorcycles, and classic cars are special cases and require vehicle specific research.