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What are Radial Tires ?
Radial tires are a particular kind
of tire design. It is constructed with belts which are fixed
sideways under the tread rather than lengthwise.
Origin
of radial tires
These tires were designed by Michelin in 1946. It soon became
the standard for all automotive tires conceived it.
How are radial tires different from
other tires?
Tires are made of layers of rubber and a network of polyester,
steel, and other textile materials. This helps to hold the tire
firm and give it shape. In the earlier days, the cords of fabric
were built on a steel drum as the base, with the cords placed at
an angle of 60 degrees from the direction of travel and they
crisscrossed each other. Hence these tires were also called
cross ply or bias ply tires. However, radial tires are placed at
an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of travel. Unlike the
bias ply tires, the radial tires with their unique design helps
to economize the use of fuel unlike the bias ply tires. It also
looks bulging and not tight like the bias ply tires.
How are radial tires made?
The radial tire has two distinct parts;
• The cords in the sidewalls which is meant to enhance
flexibility and comfortable ride
• The steel belts which affords high mileage and performance
The belts around the tire were initially made of steel and later
polyester and aramid, a heat -resistant synthetic fiber. Unlike
the traditional cross ply tires, radial tires have one or two
layers of textile cord which gives it flexibility. So also the
tread is made rigid with two or more layers of steel cord. This
gives the radial tires better grip on the road and a longer life
span.
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