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A belted bias tire, also known as a bias-belted tire, combines elements of both bias-ply and radial-ply tire constructions.
- Construction:
- Bias-Ply Construction: The tire utilizes diagonal or bias-ply body plies, where the cords run at an angle (typically 30-40 degrees) to the direction of travel. This construction provides strength and durability.
- Belted Design: In addition to the bias-ply construction, a belted bias tire incorporates belts made of steel or other materials. These belts are placed between the tread and the bias-ply carcass. The belts run circumferentially around the tire, similar to how they are used in radial tires.
- Functionality:
- Sidewall Stiffness: The incorporation of belts enhances the stiffness of the tire sidewalls compared to traditional bias-ply tires. This improvement in sidewall stiffness helps in maintaining stability and handling characteristics, especially during cornering.
- Performance: Belted bias tires typically offer better performance in terms of handling, traction, and tread life compared to standard bias-ply tires. They may not match the performance capabilities of full radial tires but provide a balance between durability and performance.
- Applications:
- Belts in bias-ply tires are primarily used in applications where the robustness of bias-ply construction is desired, but additional handling and stability benefits from belt reinforcement are also required.
- They are commonly found in certain off-road vehicles, agricultural machinery, and vintage vehicles where bias-ply tires are preferred but with enhanced performance characteristics.
In summary, belted bias tires combine the strengths of bias-ply and radial-ply constructions to offer improved sidewall stiffness and performance characteristics suitable for specific applications where a balance between durability and performance is required.
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