What is the difference between bias tires and radials?

i am thinking of getting super swampers for my jeep and have noticed that the really nice super swamper is a bias tire. i know that they will hum, but, how about interstate travel? is there a big difference handling?|||Yes. Bias ply tires have the same case for the sidewalls and the tread - any flex in the side wall will be transmitted to the tread. It will deform the contact patch, increase friction and wear and reduce traction and fuel milage. You should use a radial tire whenever possible.





to mr. master tech below - directly from the site you listed:





Is the radial tire better?





Of course it is. It’s the “new improved” tire. In fact, it’s a better tire today than it was when it was first introduced as Original Equipment in 1973. Its design is better for road and hwy use. It is safer; it provides higher gas mileage, longer tread life, and better handling.|||I don't know if the second responder could be more incorrect if they tried. Please ignore the answer above. I won't bore you with the facts because I don't car to type. Just click here;





http://resources.coker.com/tire-tech/tir…





Hope this helps. If I can further clarify the answer, just e-mail me.





.|||The "bias" tire was developed first, and has some handling and wear problems. The "radial" was developed to be more efficient, and to reduce tire wear. The radial is "softer" in a corner, but (until it "breaks" contact) has more adhesion with the road.





They are manufactured differently - the "bias" has cords going the tread on an angle, while the radial has cords going across the tread perpendicularly.





The radial is more efficient in that it flexes more forgivingly, and has less friction with the road.





Ron.|||Bias tires have no belts.


Yes there is a big difference in handling. The "Belted" tire was developed to reduce the flex in the tread due to cornering stresses and to reduce risk of tire failure.|||bias ply tires have belts that go side to side, so they do not flex well, you have to keep them fully inflated or you can lose the tread. They can also carry more load for less money


Radials are good for normal road handling they have belts that follow the tread around the tire. They flex more allowing better cornering. And you usually get slightly better milage with them. They are more expensive