• Radial tyre construction uses body ply cords which are laid across the tread extending from bead to bead, so the cords end up parallel to each other at approximately 90 degrees to the centreline of the tread.
• Radial tyres are extremely durable and maintain good traction with the road, providing good traction with the road providing better steering control.
• Radial tyres have much more flexible sidewalls because of their construction. They use 2 or more casing plies, with cord loops running radially from bead to bead.
• A properly inflated radial tyre runs cooler than a comparable bias ply tyre, increasing tread life.
• Also a radial tyre has less rolling resistance as it moves over the road surface increasing fuel economy.

Factors that can affect the life or rate of car tyre wear include:

1. Make of Car Tyres

   Every car tyre is designed differently to meet specific criteria. Long life tyres are made from a harder rubber compound. This can increase the noise when driving. A softer tyre compound will be quieter but will wear out faster.

2. Position of Car Tyre

   Front tyres wear out faster than back tyres, especially if the car is front wheel drive. The extra wear is caused by the movement through steering.

3. Weight of Vehicle

   The heavier the vehicle the faster the car tyres wear.

4. Tyre Pressure

   A car tyre that is inflated below its recommended pressure will wear faster because of its higher operating temperature and the extra flexing of the rubber. Over inflation can also increase wear due to the decreased size of the contact area between the tyre and road.

5. Speed

   Driving at high speeds increases the car tyre temperature and accelerates the wear.

6. Car Tyre Alignment

   Incorrect alignment of car tyres causes uneven and increased wear.

7. Driving Style

   Aggressive cornering, accelerating and braking excessively are all causes of car tyre wear.

8. Time

   One factor that is unavoidable is time. Tyres deteriorate naturally over time due to the effects of the weather. Car tyres on vehicles kept outside will degrade faster than those kept in a garage.

Cross ply or Bias ply Construction:

• In this type the alternate layers of cords run in opposite diagonal directions.
• It is also known as cross bias tyre construction.
• These type of tyres have better wear and road holding characteristics.
• The main plies of the tyre run at 45 degrees from one bead to the other.