What type of tire is indicated by the "R" designation in tire specifications?

The "R" designation in tire specifications stands for Radial Tire. This indicates that the tire's internal construction features radial ply construction, which is characterized by the tire's cords running at 90 degrees to the direction of travel, leading to improved performance characteristics. Radial tires offer advantages such as better fuel efficiency, enhanced traction, and improved ride comfort due to their design, which allows for greater flexibility in the sidewalls while maintaining firmness in the tread area.

In contrast, a bias tire has cords that run diagonally, which can lead to greater rolling resistance and less efficient overall performance. The all-season tire designation refers to tires designed to perform well in a variety of conditions, while tubeless tires are designed to work without an inner tube. While these tire types serve different purposes and may be suitable for particular driving conditions, they do not refer to the Radial construction represented by the "R" designation.