When shopping for tires, you need to know the alternatives available in the market, the design, and how comfortable and durable they are.
Radial tires are the most commonly used type of tire today. They are installed on passenger vehicles, light trucks, and SUVs for their durability and performance. But, what exactly are radial tires? Here’s all you need to know.
What Are Radial Tires?
Radial tires, or radial-ply tires, are the standard design of all tires currently used on vehicles today. Introduced to replace bias tires, they are the most popular ones. Their construction plies start at the center and are placed radially from bead to bead around the tire. Radial tires have better sidewall flexibility due to this structure.
To learn more about radial tires, how they function, their advantages and disadvantages, their history, and how they differ from bias tires, read on!
What Is Considered A Radial Tire?
Car drivers and enthusiasts question the difference between a radial and a bias tire.
Tires are primarily made from rubber and include specific internal constructions that utilize different materials such as polyester, steel belts, and Kevlar to ensure they perform well and are durable.
In the world of tire construction, there are two main types of tires, the radial-ply, and bias-ply, which are differentiated by the way the plies are placed in the tire’s construction.
Of the two, radial tires are the most common and are used in all types of cars, from SUVs, light trucks, and passenger vehicles.
Also known as the two-part construction tires, their design is different, and the cable plies are placed radially from the center of the tire.
Unlike bias tires, where the plies run diagonally, these ones run perpendicular to the direction of travel on top of the steel belts.
Because of this structure, radial tires have more flexible sidewalls, less heat build-up, and overall extended tread life. Therefore, they have more grip on the road and come with a smoother ride.
What’s The History Of Radial Tires?
Although radial technology is currently the standard design for all automotive tires, drivers were using bias tires up until the 1970s, when new tire technology was introduced.
However, this is not the first time they were created. Radial tires designs were first patented in 1914 and were later commercialized by Michelin in 1946.
In the 1970s, Ford Motor Company became America’s first automaker to manufacture cars with radial tires.
After this, more companies, including Goodyear and Pirelli, continued developing the tire.
Radial Tires Vs. Bias Tires
Radial and bias tires differ mostly based on the structure. Your tire’s durability is reinforced by the radial structure because the ply placement ensures that the tire’s ideal shape gets maintained throughout the drive.
Additionally, the radial plies reinforce the tread center, which ensures the tire contacts the road surface well, reducing tread stress as well as reducing rolling resistance when the car is in motion.
On the other hand, the bias tires have the plies placed diagonally in their internal structure, limiting the sidewall flexibility and allowing heat build-up as you drive.
Furthermore, since the tires can’t optimize heat durability, the car will consume high amounts of fuel.
Today, bias tires are not designed for passenger vehicles. Although they are still manufactured, they are only used for special trailers which need them for smooth performance.
How Long Do Radial Tires Last?
Just like most tires, radial tires should also be replaced and inspected every six years to see if the tread depth is still within the required legal limit.
However, after ten years, most manufacturers recommend that the tires need to be replaced whether they still look like they have enough tread.
You can check whether your tires have hit this age by looking at the DOT serial code.
A standard set of radial tires should last from 60,000 to 75,000 miles, depending on the tire brand, type of tire, driving conditions, weather conditions, and individual use.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Radial Tires?
If you compare the radial tires to the traditional bias alternatives, this design has several advantages on your tires.
Fuel Efficiency
Because of their structure, these tires have less rolling resistance than bias-ply tires.
In addition, they get to maintain the ideal tire shape even when driving under stress which makes road contact easier.
Better Driving Experience
Radial tires have flexible sidewalls designed to make the vehicle stable when driving. With the radial layout of the plies, the tire is more stable when it contacts the road.
Extended Tread Life
Since the tires reduce heat build-up, the tread is preserved and can last for much longer. Radial construction also enables even pressure distribution on the tires; therefore, it prevents uneven wear.
Better Handling
Radial tires are much easier to handle because the radial plies improve the controllability of the tires and boost the steering wheel responsiveness.
Durable Tires
Compared to bias tires, radial ones are more durable because of the strength in their construction.
These tires have steel belts to maintain the ideal tire shape even under pressure. In addition, the radial-ply placement prevents deformation.
What Are the Disadvantages Of Radial Tires?
Like any other vehicle component, radial tires also have their cons. Here are some of them.
They Are Hard To Repair
Because of the tire structure, radial tires sidewalls are pretty hard to repair when they get damaged or worn out.
Therefore, you should not repair the shoulder ribs or sidewalls because the patches will not hold; they can only be repaired at the tread center.
They Can Be Noisy
Radial tires come with a thicker tread. Although this is ideal for tire performance and durability, it can become noisier when driving.
They Are Expensive
Compared to bias-ply tires, radial tires are more expensive. However, despite being costly, they last longer; therefore, they could save you money in the long run.
They Are Prone To Misuse
Since they have flexible sidewalls and a well-designed tread, most drivers tend to misuse them.
If you overload your car too often or underinflate them, you could easily get a puncture or damage the tires.
Are Radial Tires Suitable For All Cars?
As stated, radial tires have replaced the traditional bias-ply tires in most automobiles.
Most passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks are now fitted with radial tires due to the advantages. Their durability and smoothness on the road make them ideal for most cars.
However, it’s better to use bias-ply tires in the construction and farm areas because they can withstand heavy loads.
To know more about tires, you can also see our posts on what is tire alignment, why tires are wobbling, and why do tires dry rot.
Summary
Radial tires have become the modern-day tires used by all manufacturers. Made from state-of-the-art technologies, these tires are constructed with plies starting at the center and placed radially around the tire.
Because of this structure, they have better sidewall flexibility.
These tires have become more common because they are secure, have less heat build-up, have flexible sidewalls, and are more durable than bias tires.
Since they have superior features, they provide more controllability on the road, better handling, smoother driving experience, and fuel efficiency.