What is the difference between radial and non-radial tyre The fundamental difference between the Radial tyre and the cross-ply (sometimes called as nylon) tyres is the design of the tyre. In radial tyres, there are layers of tyre materials with a layer of steel belt/ reinforcing belt between them. They are used in most of the vehicles today. Cross-ply tyres have fibres of nylon layered in a diagonal manner to provide high side-wall stability to the tyres. These tyres are used where there is heavy loading.