Differences Between Radial and Bias Tires – Tires are a vital component of a car to ensure its performance.
There are two different types of tires according to their construction, which are bias tires and radial tires.
Knowing the difference between the two will help you figure out the ideal use of tires according to your car’s needs.
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But, before discussing the differences between bias and radial tires, first understand the following definitions!
Table of Contents
What is Radial and Bias Tire?

1. Bias
A bias tire is a construction on a pneumatic tire that has a polyester thread arrangement with an angle of less than 90 degrees, when viewed from the center point of the tire tread.
The thread arrangement in bias tires is diagonal and zigzagged and overlapping each other, with the inner casing layer of the tire made of nylon.
There is also a double bead, to attach the tire to the wheel, which is made of metal.
Here are some cons for the bias tire:
- Wear faster due to higher traction
- High rolling resistance can affect fuel economy
- Can causes roll-over due to loss of traction while cornering
2. Radial
Radial tires are the most common type of tire used on modern vehicles. They have perpendicular sidewalls and are made of a single layer of steel wire ply arranged at a 90-degree angle to the centerline of the tire.
Here are some cons of the radial tire:
- Steel belt construction can affect ride quality
- Sometimes noisier due to harder tread
- Curb impacts can cause sidewall damage.
Also Read: “How to Take Care of Car Tires“
Differences Between Radial and Bias Tire

1. Construction
The construction of the tire is the main significant difference between the two types of tires.
For bias tires, the construction uses a nylon fiber layer. The origin of the tire is a sheet of cord that is then formed as a tire frame.The cord is then formed into a zig-zag pattern, which has an angle of 40 degrees to 65 degrees with respect to the tire circle.
Meanwhile, radial tires are composed of layers of steel fibers. The layers cross diagonally on the tire circle, and the shape has an angle of 90 degrees or more when viewed through the centerline of the tire.
2. Application
The next difference is the application or use of the tire. For radial tires, the general application is on passenger cars.
This is because the weight of the tire tends to be lighter and its heat-resistant ability at high speeds.So, radial tires are applied to cars that carry passengers in their daily lives.
Meanwhile, the application of bias tires is on vehicles with large loads. The supporting factor is the thickness of the tire tread which is suitable and able to support heavy loads in daily life.
3. Traction Capabilities
Radial tires have superior grip compared to bias tires. This is due to their design, which focuses pressure on the sidewall during use, unlike bias tires that press toward the front and rear.
Because of this, radial tires can distribute load and heat better, making them less prone to wear. These advantages make radial tires a better choice for various road conditions and improve overall vehicle performance.
4. Comfort
Another difference between bias and radial tires lies in their shock-absorbing capabilities that provide comfort during ride.
Radial tires have more flexible properties, so they can absorb shocks better when going over bumpy roads.
This makes you feel more comfortable, as radial tires are able to absorb vibrations and shocks more effectively, reducing the negative impact on the vehicle and its passengers.
These advantages make radial tires the preferred choice for trips that require comfort and stability.
So there you have it! The 4 differences between radial and bias tires that we’ve summarized just for you!
Either you choose the radial or bias tire as your tire of choice, it is important to know this information.
Which is to choose the tire that has already been certified by the SNI certification to ensure the quality and safety of the tire that you bought.
The SNI certification itself is a type of product approval that applies to many if not all of the products in Indonesia.
And in fact, the car’s tire is one among the mandatory products to be certified by the SNI certification before being sold and distributed in Indonesia.
Before the tire is eligible to be sold and/or distributed, it needs to undergo a series of tests to ensure its quality and to ensure that it is roadworthy.
The said regulations and standards that need to be met for a tire are clearly stated in:
- SNI 0098-2012: For passenger car tires
- SNI 0099-2012: For truck and bus tires
- SNI 0100-2012: For light truck tires
- SNI 0101-2012: For motorcycle tires













