Radial Tires Have a Long History

Radial tires are a standard feature on modern vehicles, including models from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche, VW, Volvo, Jaguar, Lexus, Toyota, and Honda. They offer improved grip, longer lifespan, and a smoother ride compared to older bias-ply tires. The concept of radial tires was first patented by British-born inventor Arthur Savage in 1915, 30 years before Michelin filed its own patent in 1946.

Savage's design was not widely adopted at the time, but Michelin later perfected the technology. The first production car to feature Michelin radial tires was the Lancia Aurelia B20 in 1951. Today, radial tires are used on nearly every car on the road, providing better handling and longer tread life, typically lasting between 40,000 to 60,000 miles.

However, they can still be prone to uneven wear, low pressure, and sidewall cracks, which can affect safety. According to historical records, the development of radial tires has had a significant impact on the automotive industry, with many manufacturers incorporating them into their vehicles over the years.