What is the difference between a radial and a bias tire?

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.

So mostly in all modern cars radial tires are used.