On the other hand, there are critics who say radials play havoc with your car's suspension, give a rough ride, make steering heavier and are not suitable for Indian roads. This may be true for older cars such as the Ambassador and the Premier Padmini, but fitting cross-plies is detrimental for other cars. Manufacturers such as Hindustan Motors have addressed these problems to a large extent, and nowadays the Isuzu Ambassador 1800 has started appearing with radials. Yet, Cross-ply tyres still account for the bulk of tyre manufacture in India, because they are more affordable, and offer good service on the older model vehicles. Radials are suited to cars like the Maruti 800 which does not come fitted as OE because of high purchase costs.
Radials transform the dynamics of the car.
Their adhesion levels are higher and they have dynamics that make manoeuvres easier. All this leads to enhanced safety. Also, low rolling resistance contributes to better fuel-economy. Radial tyres often have 40 per cent more life than an equivalent cross-ply tyre. Radial tyres are manufactured through a high-tech processes and are built to exacting standards and tolerances.