Diagonal tires and radial tires: the pros and cons

Imagine you have perfectly restored your classic from the end of the 1960s and are ready for new tires. The history of the vehicle has indicated that it was supplied with diagonal tires from new. Bystanders, many 'advisers' and connoisseurs have tried to convince you not to mount diagonal tires in particular,'because those are worthless tires' they told you in unison.

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Why? They can't tell you that. "Hear say" let's just say, or hear, say… Contrary to what 'people' know to say with certainty, radial tires were available in the very early 1950s. Diagonal tires were cheaper to produce than radial tires, which is why the 'diagonal bars' remained popular for so long ... And not only at the first assembly by the car manufacturer. We have listed the pros and cons for you.

Pros and cons

Diagonal tires versus radial tires. That has to do with the 'construction' of the tire. Diagonal tires wear faster than radial tires, but steer lighter, give less 'road noise', are less 'stiff' than radial tires. The driving characteristics, especially with 'straight ahead' driving, are considerably less. Steering corrections must be made on every seam or line on the road surface. The grip of a diagonal tire is considerably less, just like the 'water drain'. With diagonal tires you are also faster at the limit in terms of handling. In fact, any post-war car can suffice with radial tires. The trick is finding the right size, type and especially the brand. It is better to leave 'Made in China' to someone else ...

Photo: A diagonal tire is perhaps the best thing about an ashtray?