The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1919-07-19
CORD TIRES WINNING
AUTO WORLD PLACE

Now that pneumatic cord tires have
made such big place for themselves
in the automobile world, and have
come to be regarded as the best type
of tire so far developed for automo.
bile use, much interest centers in the
story OF the development of this type
from its adoption to, yehicular use to
its present advanced state
Cord tires have only assumed
prominence since 1914. although at
that time they were not new, having
been made in this country as early as
1904 by the Goodyear Tire and Rub
Der Company
They are so called to distinguish
them from the fabric type of tire.
which up to that time had been used
universally on automobiles. In a
fabric the body OF the tire built up of
Cross-woven cotton fabric. or duck"
each successive layer of fabric being
placed at an angle OF 40 degrees in its
relation TO the layer OF fabric under
il. This construction makes for ex-
treme durability. but in comparison
with cord tire lacking somewhat in
resiiency. or livelinesE
Cord tires are not made OF cross
woven fabric. They are built Of
strong cords, similar to a fishing line,
laid side by side. without any cross
weave The several layers OF cords
are built up on the bias to furnish
maximum strength. This COnStruc-
ton permits easy flexing. or bending
of the tire as il follows the surface
OF the street, goes far toward elimi-
mating friction. and greatly reduces
power consumption.
First Used for EIectrica.
The first cord tires were intended
for use on electric vehicles. and for
nearly ten years were confined to
this sphere. Their advantages in this
service during this period became so
apparent that tire engineers sensed
their aadaptibility to Easoline-prope
led cars, and aafter much experiment.
ing and refining evolved cord tire
suitable for use on these cars
At first they were used on large
passenger cars and were very costly.
which caused them to be regarded as
a luxury by automobile owners. But
with Increased use new advantages
and tire engineers soon were
making cord tires for the medium
cars. no matter what the size of the
wheels.
In cost per tire they exceed other
types somewhat, as the construction
is more expensive, but the extra mile
age reduces the cost per mile and off /
sets the higher cost. If cord tires did
nothing more than permit greater
than the fabric type. their cX-
istence would be amply Justified
AbSOrbs Shocks Easily.
But as appealing a feature as the |
increased mileage is the IiveIiness OF /
the tire-its ability to absorb the |
shocks and prevent them from affect |
ing the mechanism OF the car. The |
layers OF cords yield readily to the in |
qualities OF the road aand furnish |
the easy riding qualities or which !
cord tires have become noted.
The cry Of the public is for better !
ures-less tires fewer tire changes !
Longer tire Iife-Iower cost per /
mile. The fabric tire made the auto
mobile possible, but for many years |
pneumatic tires came in for their |
share of criticism. They were credit |
ed with being responsible for the |
high cost of mOtOring-and blamed |
for most of he motorists trials and |
This was the condition that cord |
Tires have overcome And that they
actually oVercame it is indicated in
The fact that practically every manu-
'acturer Of fabric tires has followed
The lead OF the Goodyear Tire and
Rubber Company in offering a tire of
ord construction.