Design and Construction Considerations of Radial Passenger Car Tires

The radial ply tire has been established as a growing factor in the American tire market because of the many basic advantages the radial ply concept offers as compared to the conventional bias tire. There still remains much work to be done, however, before the full potential of this concept -- an efficient and economic means of combining materials to perform the function of a tire -- is realized. In addition, disadvantages must be minimized or eliminated. Modifications in construction and design are means toward these goals and are considered in some depth in this paper. It should be noted that construction and design features consistent with bias tire experience must be carefully re-examined when applied to the radial tire principle.