<p>A pneumatic radial tire for automotive vehicles comprises at least one rubber coated steel cord consisting of a pair of filaments having a flatness ratio f in the range of 0.6 </= f </= 0.9 where f is defined by 2d/h where d is a diameter of the filament and h is a maximum diameter of a 1x2 cord. This characteristic cord is obtained by deforming the same with a force applied transversely unidirectionally over its length.</p>
