What is a Radial Tire? How Does It Differ from a Bias Tire?

What is a Radial Tire?

Radial tires are the most common type of tires used in modern vehicles. Their main feature is that the cord fabric is arranged at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel.

This structure provides better durability and grip, resulting in a more comfortable ride. The design also reduces rolling resistance, thereby improving fuel efficiency.

What is a Bias Tire?

A bias tire is a type of tire construction where the cord fabric is arranged in a crisscross pattern. This design was widely used in trucks and agricultural machinery vehicles in the past.

Differences Between Radial Tires and Bias Tires

Compared to radial tires, the manufacturing process of bias tires is simpler, resulting in lower costs. The cord fabric in bias tires is arranged at an angle, allowing for smoother rotation on rough terrain and better off-road performance.

However, this design also leads to faster wear, so the lifespan of bias tires is generally shorter than that of radial tires. Additionally, bias tires offer less ride comfort and fuel efficiency.

On regular roads and less extreme terrains, radial tires provide a better driving experience and are more suitable for high-speed driving.

Although bias tires generally have better pressure resistance, radial tires are also capable of withstanding high pressures. Radial tires maintain their high rigidity through steel belt layers, which are added to the outside of the cord fabric layers.

The steel fibers in the reinforcement layers are usually arranged at angles less than 90 degrees, helping the tire maintain its shape and rigidity under high pressure.

Conclusion

Radial tires, with their more efficient structure and reinforcement layers, offer superior performance and have become the mainstream design in modern tires. However, bias tires may be a better choice for vehicles operating on extreme terrains, such as agricultural machinery and construction equipment vehicles.