Glossary
Radial tire
A tire with cord plies running radially from bead to bead at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, stabilized by belt plies under the tread. Virtually all modern commercial truck tires are radial, indicated by the "R" in size markings.
Real-World Use
A fleet replacing tires on older equipment checks whether the current tires are radial or bias-ply before ordering, since the two types cannot be safely mixed in a dual assembly.
What to Pair It With
Read this term with the full tire sidewall, vehicle rating information, manufacturer documentation, and the actual condition of the tire.
This site is for general information only. It does not replace professional tire service, DOT compliance advice, tire manufacturer instructions, vehicle manufacturer recommendations, or fleet policy.