Menu

Shop

Garage

Cart

Account

Products to Compare (max of 3)
X
Compare These Parts

Can I Mix Bias and Radial Tires?

9/15/2016
Add Article To List
Tags: Tech

Everyone has that special voodoo that they do. From those special driving gloves, to making your significant other take off their shoes, to the fuzzy dice handed down from your grandpappy, we all have our little quirks that we think help our vehicles perform better. Sometimes you heard about it from a buddy over cards, sometimes someone at a show told you they heard it from their brothers’ sister’s third cousin twice removed. (It’s happened.) We are going to address one of those quirks right now.

What’s the big deal with mixing radial tires and bias-ply?

The main difference between radials and bias-ply tires is in the construction. Radials are built with cords basically running at right angles compared to each other when compared to the tread pattern center, and have reinforcing belts of either cording or steel. Bias-ply tires are constructed using overlapping cords placed in a crisscross pattern of 30°-40°.

Due to the respective construction, the bias ply tire will have significantly less sidewall flex than the radial. The contact patch will be less, and in result you will not be able to transfer as much power to the ground. The tire is also less flexible when mounted, which provides for the major disadvantage of a bias tire, as more feedback is transferred back to the car on rough surfaces.

Radial tires will have more sidewall flex, allowing for more efficient transfer of power to the ground. Increased efficiency in power transfer means better fuel economy. Radials also last longer than their bias-ply counterparts, and are more resistant to punctures and tears. You will also reap the major benefit of the radial tire: better steering responsiveness.

What this means is that at highway speeds, the bias-ply tire will heat up and actually lose traction. While it is not recommended that you not mix radials and bias-ply tires on the same vehicle, some do in race applications. If you so choose, be certain that the radial tires are placed on the rear axle, and the bias-plys on the front. In a race situation with bias-ply tires on the front axle you will experience under-steer. Be aware that the difference in construction will make the tires react very differently, and result in the vehicle being very unstable.

In the end, we will leave you with one last bit of advice. Tires of different sizes, constructions, and wear history can and will affect the stability and handling of your vehicle, and potentially endanger you and those around you. We say don't mix them.

Products Featured in this Article

Related Articles

How Big of Tires Can I Fit - Plus Sizing Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
3/7/2023
Changing your tire’s profile, be it width, height, or both, can provide increased traction, braking, and handling. Learn more in our guide.
67-72 C10 Rust Repair: Cab Floor & Rocker Panel Replacement
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Tech
3/6/2023
Like many, we found ourselves with a rusty C10 project. Watch as we show how to tackle common 67-72 C10 rust repair, including floor pan replacement, rocker panel replacement, and cab corner repair.
Mopar Flexplate Identification Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/25/2023
Determining the correct flexplate for your V8 Mopar-powered project takes a little understanding of how these engines were balanced. Our Mopar flexplate buyer’s guide will help.
Filling Trim Holes in Car Body: Sheet Metal Welding Tips
by Jefferson Bryant - Posted in Tech
1/20/2023
How to eliminate unwanted to holes in your car's body, trunk, floor, or firewall with easy to use patch plugs from Speedway Motors.
Ford Flexplate Identification Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/13/2023
Ford’s small block and big block engine families have their share of flexplate differences. We’ll show you what to look for in this buyer’s guide.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Car's Paint
by Speedway Tech Team - Posted in Tech
1/13/2023
Maintaining your car's paint finish is essential to keep it looking great. It doesn't have to be hard, and we offer some tips to keep your car's finish in top shape.
Q&A With Our Race Experts: Tuning and Maintenance Tips
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Tech
1/12/2023
We talked to a few of our in-house race experts about ways to make this racing season your best one yet!
LS Engine Flexplate Fitment Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Videos
1/11/2023
The LS swap is no doubt still going strong, but if you’re planning to run an automatic behind your 4.8, 5.3, or 6.0L LS-powered ride, you’ll need to pay attention to a few items we discuss in this buyer’s guide.
Small Block and Big Block Chevy Engine Flexplate Guide
by Mark Houlahan - Posted in Tech
1/11/2023
Over several generations of small block Chevy (and big block Chevy) engines there have been several changes that dictate what flexplate works with them. We’ll help you determine the correct flexplate for your Chevy engine in this buyer’s guide.
How to Adapt LS Engine to 700R4 or Turbo 350 Transmissions
by Joe McCollough - Posted in Tech
1/6/2023
We show you how to keep that old GM transmission when swapping in an LS engine. Our LS swap adapter kits make it easy!
Error
X
Note
X
Ok