Abstract: A 3-D nonlinear finite element model was established to simulate the static load test of a radial tire. The nonlinear property and incompressibility of rubber materials, the anisotropy of cord-rubber composites, geometric nonlinearity due to large deformation of tire and the nonlinear boundary conditions resulting from the contact of tire with rim and road are considered in this model. A technique of overlaying elements representing two different materials, cord and rubber, to model the cord-rubber composites is proposed. The numerical model is shown to be more stable and efficient than those using orthotropic elements. The results of deformation and stress distribution of the radial tire under inflation and vertical load, and the contact pressure distribution of the ground-contact area by finite element analysis are presented and compared with experimental results. Good agreement is achieved.