Shop Radial Tires

Before buying radial tires: what the R in the size means

Radial tires are tires whose body plies run straight across from bead to bead, at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, with steel belts under the tread. The R in a size such as 225/65R17 marks radial construction. Nearly every tire sold for cars, SUVs, pickups and highway trucks today is radial.

Radial vs. bias tires before you buy

Radial tires run cooler, ride smoother, wear longer and roll with less resistance than bias ply tires, because the sidewall and tread work independently. Bias tires, sized with a dash such as 18.4-38, still suit slow work in rock and brush, hillsides and small equipment, where a stiff sidewall resists cuts.

Where buyers choose radial tires over bias

• Cars, SUVs and pickups use radial tires in every size.
• Commercial trucks use radial tires in sizes such as 11R22.5 and 295/75R22.5.
• Tractors use radial tires such as 480/80R46 for less soil compaction and slip; see farm tires.
• Trailers use radial ST tires such as ST225/75R15 for cooler running on long highway trips.
• ATVs and UTVs use radial tires such as 28x10R14 for a smoother ride at speed.

Not mixing radial and bias tires

Radial and bias tires flex differently, so they do not belong on the same axle. Buyers replacing one tire on an axle match the construction of the other tire, and buyers switching from bias to radial replace the whole axle, and preferably the whole vehicle.

ZR and speed markings on radial tires

Some radial performance tires add a Z before the R, as in 255/35ZR19, which marks a tire built for speeds above 149 mph. The speed symbol after the load index, such as W or Y, sets the exact maximum speed.

Radial tire sizes to match when ordering

Radial tires are ordered in the size, load index and speed rating on the door-jamb placard or the current tire, such as 225/65R17 102H. The R stays the same; the width, aspect ratio and wheel diameter decide which radial tires fit.

Picking radial tires on NeoTires

Radial tires are chosen by the full size on the placard and by the type of driving, from touring to all-terrain. Search your vehicle or size on NeoTires, compare radial tires by brand, warranty and price, and add the set to the cart. NeoTires dispatches radial tires the same day and ships them nationwide across the US, free on tires marked Free shipping, and checkout offers Klarna, Affirm and Afterpay for buyers who prefer installments.