Ah, tyres. Those rubber circles that allow us to roll, but which are often underestimated. Imagine yourself aboard a 1960 Cadillac, a gentle breeze in your hair, when suddenly, the tyre screams “Help!” at every turn. The difference between a bias-ply tyre and a radial is a bit like going from a crackling old vinyl to a live performance by a symphony orchestra. One squeaks, the other resonates with power and precision.
The challenge of bias-ply tyres
For classic car enthusiasts, bias-ply tyres may have a certain nostalgic charm. On our 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood, the tyre carcass reveals a whole world of suffering. Take a good look at this image 
, and you will notice how the car’s imposing weight – over 2,300 kg – deforms the tread. These stiff sidewalls give the impression that the tyre is fighting against the road. It’s like an elephant trying to dance on a tightrope: the result is a disastrous sway.
Indeed, with a pressure as soft as 24 PSI, these tyres seem to be in constant struggle to maintain their shape. This results in rapid wear and a feeling of vagueness in the corners. Drivers often complained about the deafening noise of the tyres and a soft handling, comparable to that of a duck on a lake.
The advantages of radial tyres
If bias-ply tyres were once the norm, they have now largely been replaced by their radial counterparts. In the following image 
, the difference in design is clear. Here, the radial tyre, with its more flexible sidewalls and rigid steel frame, maintains its shape under pressure while maximizing the contact patch with the asphalt. This results in better grip and a much more stable ride.
The magic happens thanks to the flexibility of the sidewalls that absorb road irregularities without deforming the tread. Imagine a marathon runner who breathes deeply and keeps their pace rather than a sprinter who collapses after a few meters. Radial tyres not only allow for better traction during acceleration and braking, but they also limit the heat generated, which is essential to avoid premature wear.
A return to the future: the radial tyre
Radial tyres do not just shine on modern roads; their story began in the 1940s with Michelin, which pioneered this revolutionary technology. Since then, their use has exploded, moving from cars to giant trucks and even airplanes. For proof, check out this image 
comparing a radial tyre to its bias-ply predecessor. The difference is striking.
On an industrial scale, Michelin recently introduced radial tyres for mining trucks measuring up to 63 inches in diameter and costing a whopping $150,000 each. That’s the equivalent of a small apartment for tyres! This development highlights how much tyre technology has evolved since ancient times.
Authentic choices
For purists who wish to maintain the authenticity of their vintage vehicle, like our Cadillac, there are classic-looking radial tyre options 
. These preserve the style while offering the necessary performance for a pleasant and safe drive. This blend of old and new is reminiscent of those Hollywood films where an old car is used for a high-speed chase.
Look at this other photo 
. The difference is subtle but present: the sidewalls of the radial tyres allow for adequate deformation without compromising the tread. This enables drivers to fully enjoy their car without fearing that the tyre will collapse under their weight.
The future of tyres: towards universality
Radial tyres have come a long way since their first appearance on the Citroën 2CV in 1948 
. Not only are they now present on all types of vehicles, but their use even extends to bicycles! Yes, even your two-wheeled friends can benefit from this revolutionary technology.
In summary, the evolution of tyres is a perfect metaphor for automotive innovation: it illustrates how each technical advancement can transform our experience on the road. Whether you are a classic car enthusiast or simply a driver looking for comfort and safety, it is undeniable that radial tyres are the choice of the future.
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