Radial and Bias Tire Construction Differences

Tires, if you have an automobile you have to have tires. Little thought is given to their construction by the average driver as the tread pattern or the size is more of a concern. There are two basic types of tire construction, Radial and Bias-Ply tires. Tires are not just ballons that hold air, as without the built in chords or belts the tire would simply expand in a round fashion being unusable. By adding constriction to the tire it is shaped, given tread, and given the ability to support weight by it's air pressure.

Radial Tire - A radial tire has the plies running perpendicular to the bead and to the ground. This gives the chords, which make up the plies, a radiating look giving the tire it's name. Radial tires generally are made out of softer materials than their Bias-ply cousins. Normally the plies are made of polyester with steel belts over lapping on the tread section forming a damage resistant tread and very stable tire. However, the side wall is generally weaker on Radial tires than on Bias tires when it comes to puncture resistance. Part of this is due to less rubber being needed as the radial cords give the tire it's strength and low bearing ablity. With a radial design there is better handling, mainly due to the tread being independent from the sidewall so side wall flexing does not alter tread pattern. This leads to better traction with less heat build up resulting in greater tire wear with better fuel economy.

Bias-Ply Tire - A Bias-Ply tire has criss crossing layers that are generally 32 to 40 degrees from each other from the center line of the tread. Each layer is only strong going one direction, so the criss crossing pattern gives the tire it's strength in both directions. Bias tires are generally made from Nylon chords. Nylon is very strong for load ratings but is also very stiff. As the tire is loaded by the vehicle the chords are stretched and the entire body supports the weight. Since there is no other layer to the plies for the tread the tread tends to be round. If you look at military truck tires from the past they appear to be rounded. This is due to their bias construction. This creates a smaller tread pattern for contact to the road hindering handling. The bias tire also creates more heat as the cords flex and stretch. This heat is retained and degrades the tire over time. However, the bias design does have a very strong sidewall and can more easily withstand trail hazzards than a radial design. Due to their weight and less ease in rolling Bias-Ply tires tend to be less fuel effeciant for highway use than Radial tires.

Corbeau Seats & Harnesses

Rugged Ridge Modular<br>HD Front Bumpers

Rugged Ridge Modular
HD Front Bumpers

Special Offers on Jeep Parts

Truck Parts

©1995-2009, Quadratec, Inc. All rights reserved. This entire site with its content and parts is copyright protected. All images are invisibly watermarked and cannot be used without explicit agreement from Quadratec Inc.

High Quality Jeep Parts & Jeep Accessories

Take your Jeep to the next level with the Jeep parts found on our site. We are a leading Jeep accessories retailer, providing performance Jeep parts to our customers. It's a Jeep thing-and we do understand!We work hard to give you the best information and Jeep parts & accessories to turn your vehicle into a top-notch ride. Whether you are looking for 4wd Jeep suspension parts & accessories or want improved Jeep performance, we have the essential Jeep parts & Jeep accessories you need. Best of all, each one of us is a Jeep enthusiast and if you have questions about any 4wd Jeep parts & Jeep accessories we offer, simply give us a call and we can help!

The terms Quadratec and Essentials are Registered Trademarks of Quadratec Incorporated, Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All manufacturers names, numbers, symbols and descriptions are used for reference purposes only, and it is not implied that any part listed is the product of these manufacturers or approved by any of these manufacturers.

*Jeep, Wrangler, Rubicon, Renegade, CJ, Quadra-Trac and the Jeep Grille Design are registered trademarks of Chrysler LLC. Quadratec, Inc, has no affiliation with Chrysler LLC. Throughout this website and catalog the terms Jeep, Wrangler, MOPAR®, & Rubicon are used for identification purposes only. Geo is a registered trademark and Tracker is a registered trademark of the General Motors Corporation. Sidekick and Samurai are trademarks of Suzuki Motor Corporation. Amigo is a product of Isuzu Motors Limited. Chevrolet, the Chevrolet Emblem, S Series, GMC, GMC Truck, Chevy, Vortec and Sonoma are registered trademarks of the General Motors Corporation. Expedition, F-Series, F-150, F-250, F-350, Super Duty and Flare Side are registered trademarks of the Ford Motor Company. All other marks, names, and logos mentioned on this web site are the property of their respective owners.

Throughout this web site all the preceding marks & logos are used for identification purposes only. Quadratec has no affiliation with the Chrysler LLC, MOPAR®, General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Suzuki Motor Corporation or Isuzu Motors Limited. It is not implied that any part listed is a product of, or approved by Chrysler LLC, General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Suzuki Motor Corporation or Isuzu Motors Limited.

Quadratec, Inc. is sometimes mis-searched as Quadartec and Quadratech Jeep Parts, we have no affiliation with either.
[4]