Increased resistance to tread wear, improved road holding and safety, reduction of wander at ridges in road surfaces, lower spring rate, reduced transmission of road roar generated on rough textured road surfaces, and reduced fuel consumption have all encouraged the introduction of the radial ply, rigid breaker tire on the European market to the extent that it is being used as original equipment on a number of modern vehicles. Although satisfactory endurance and standing wave performance have been reached, there are several areas which still present problems and the need exists for high precision in manufacture. This new type of tire is probably most suited to a vehicle designed to meet its specific characteristics.
