Tire Construction

There are three types of tire designs: bias ply, belted bias, and belted radial. Your owner's manual will specify which type of tire is recommended for your car. It should match the tire type indicated on the tire itself. Let's look at tire construction in more detail:

Bias Ply or Diagonal Bias -- these conventional tires have their internal reinforcing components, or plies, set in a crisscross pattern underneath the tread. Bias ply tires are generally least expensive. The basic disadvantage of bias ply tires is they do not flex much laterally when cornering because of stiff sidewall construction. As a result, these tires lean on turns and some tread is lifted off the ground. This causes faster tread wear (on the contacting surface) and poorer handling in turns.

Belted Bias -- these tires are similar to bias ply, but they have additional belts running underneath and parallel to the treads. The bias plies are set at a reduced angle to improve ride quality. The additional belts are meant to stiffen the tread and provide better traction. Belted bias tires are usually moderately priced.

Belted Radial -- these tires are most advanced and have the carcass plies running underneath and perpendicular to the treads. A few plies also run parallel to the tread like the belted bias design. The radial tire is superior to the others because its flexible sidewall allows up to 10% better gas mileage (due to less rolling resistance) and greater tread contact in maneuvering. This permits better steering control and braking while also extending tire life. But these tires create a stiffer ride at low speeds or over rough surfaces. Radial tires are the most expensive type available.


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