At some point, every driver wondered what that "R" on the tire size means. That is more than just a letter, and we are here to explain why. The "R" stands for "Radial", meaning that the specific tire has a radial ply construction, which is actually very important information. Tires aren't simply rubber sheets put together, because the most complex part is under the rubber.
Various materials such as steel chords, nylon plies, belts, and so on are carefully integrated inside the tire to keep everything in place and deliver the optimal performance that every driver demands.
A radial tire's construction involves plies that stay square to the road (90 degrees to the direction of travel). This design avoids having the plies rub against each other, thus reducing the tire's rolling resistance. Besides all other benefits, this allows vehicles to achieve better fuel efficiency. Moreover, radial tires absorb road vibrations better, leading to higher comfort levels for the driver and its passengers. Tires with a radial construction have significantly softer sidewalls. A small number of plies span the tire's entire casing, and the belts sit right below the tread. This design massively reduces internal friction. In addition, this helps them wear slower, resulting in a longer service life.
Aside from that, radial tires offer better handling precision, making them suitable for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. As a final thought, radial tires are a great addition to the car industry, aiding day-to-day drivers with higher fuel economy, comfort, and safety.
Considering that the most popular tires are actually radial tires, the best options for those who want to invest in high quality models would be: Continental SportContact 7, Bridgestone Turanza 6, and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. If you are looking for something more affordable, then the Falken Azenis FK510 and Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 are suitable for you. For a larger list of products, use the NeoTires search system to find the best deals for your individual needs.
At some point, every driver wondered what that "R" on the tire size means. That is more than just a letter, and we are here to explain why. The "R" stands for "Radial", meaning that the specific tire has a radial ply construction, which is actually very important information. Tires aren't simply rubber sheets put together, because the most complex part is under the rubber.
Various materials such as steel chords, nylon plies, belts, and so on are carefully integrated inside the tire to keep everything in place and deliver the optimal performance that every driver demands.
A radial tire's construction involves plies that stay square to the road (90 degrees to the direction of travel). This design avoids having the plies rub against each other, thus reducing the tire's rolling resistance. Besides all other benefits, this allows vehicles to achieve better fuel efficiency. Moreover, radial tires absorb road vibrations better, leading to higher comfort levels for the driver and its passengers. Tires with a radial construction have significantly softer sidewalls. A small number of plies span the tire's entire casing, and the belts sit right below the tread. This design massively reduces internal friction. In addition, this helps them wear slower, resulting in a longer service life.
Aside from that, radial tires offer better handling precision, making them suitable for passenger cars, SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks. As a final thought, radial tires are a great addition to the car industry, aiding day-to-day drivers with higher fuel economy, comfort, and safety.
Considering that the most popular tires are actually radial tires, the best options for those who want to invest in high quality models would be: Continental SportContact 7, Bridgestone Turanza 6, and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. If you are looking for something more affordable, then the Falken Azenis FK510 and Sumitomo HTR A/S P03 are suitable for you. For a larger list of products, use the NeoTires search system to find the best deals for your individual needs.