The debate on retread tires is as old as the process itself: Are retread tires safe? Are they worth it? Some seem to swear by them, and for others, "only new will do." We’re here to settle the debate! Read on to learn why retreads are not only safe, but a smart investment for your business.
In this post, we cover:
- What retread tires are
- A look into our retreading process
- Debunking myths about retreads
- Benefits of using retreads
- What to Look for in a Retread Provider
Retreaded tires are tires that have undergone a retreading or remanufacturing process, whereby the old, worn tread is replaced by a new tread. This process extends the life of premium tires by preserving the tire body (or casing) and simply replacing the tread. Let’s take a closer look at two common retreading processes.
There are two popular processes for retreading commercial tires: mold cure retreading (sometimes called hot retreading) and precure retreading (sometimes referred to as cold retreading). These processes and their variations are similar up until the point where the tread is applied.
After applying a layer of cushion gum to the buffed casing, precure methods apply tread that has already been vulcanized (cured) with the tread design, hence the name pre-cure. This tire is then placed in a curing chamber to form adhesion to the casing.
The mold cure method is different. Uncured rubber is applied directly to the buffed casing in one continuous strip—a process very similar to new tire manufacturing. The tire then enters into a mold to be fitted with the appropriate tread design. The heat and high pressure of mold curing result in superior adhesion and a clean finished look.
Mold Cure and Precure Retreading Compared
At Wonderland Tire, we use the AcuTread® mold curing process, owned and co-developed by our company. The tires produced using our mold curing process outmatch their competitors in performance, safety, looks, and quality—yielding countless benefits for both our customers and us.
Professional Inspection. Trained AcuTread® Inspection Technicians look for specific tire conditions that either qualify or disqualify the casings for the possibility of retread. The casing is checked for micro-porosity and injuries; when detected, they are repaired using a 2-piece cured repair system.
Computerized Buffing. AcuTread® Computerized Buffing is specific to each type of casing. The precision of this machine provides a tolerance within 1/32″ in diameter. This results in one of the most uniform and consistent finished products on the market today!
Cushion Extrusion. A thin layer of high-tack, uncured cushion rubber is applied to the buffed casing. An exact specified width and depth automatically fills buzz-outs in the tread area. This thin layer of rubber becomes the base for the extruded tread rubber, promoting tread-to-casing adhesion values that rival that of new tires.
Precision Rubber Application. AcuTread® Precision Rubber Application uses a new digitally controlled extruder that applies a continuous splice-free strip. Matched tire diameters result in even loading, a smooth ride, even wear, lower cost per mile and improved fuel efficiency.
Tread Molding and Curing. AcuTread® Tread Molding and Curing Technology uses segmented curing presses with three heat zones to ensure minimal heat exposure to the casings while in the presses. AcuTread® Molding uses high internal air pressure which results in superior adhesion values.
Final Inspection. After the molding and curing process there is a very thorough final inspection of the retreaded tire to ensure that the quality of the final product is at an unrivaled level.
The mold cure remanufacturing process is very similar to the original tire manufacturing process, so why do retreads get a bad rap? Much of the negativity surrounding remanufactured tires is due to misinformation! You may have heard myths about retreaded tires such as:
- They’re unsafe.
- They're illegal.
- They don’t look good.
- They don’t perform.
- They can’t take the heat.
- They litter the roads.
In reality, tires remanufactured with state-of-the-art retreading processes are just as safe, if not safer, than new tires. The remanufacturing process meets the same standards as the original tire manufacturing process, and follows many of the same steps. Retreaded tires are manufactured with only certified materials and undergo multiple vigorous inspections. They’re perfectly legal, and are used safely by trucking fleets, ambulances, fire engines, school buses, and aircraft every day.
As to the appearance, aesthetics, and performance of your retreaded tire, these will parallel the quality of the retreader. Tires that are skillfully and precisely remanufactured (with advanced retreading processes like our own) both look and perform good as new.
Many people believe the myth that the tread from retreaded tires is what litters the side of the road, causing them to think that retreads can’t take heat or perform at high speeds. The rubber debris that lines the side of the road is not correlated with retreads: multiple studies have proved that this rubber comes from truck tires that are not maintained properly. Tire abuse, like lack of maintenance, overloading, and underinflation can ruin any tire. As with new tires, the key to getting the most life out of your retreaded tire is proper maintenance.
But be careful when assessing retread suppliers—not all retreads are created equal. Just like poorly manufactured tires, poorly retreaded tires have a higher likelihood of failing. That’s why we have developed the AcuTread® process to remanufacture tires that are built expertly for safety, uniformity, reduced heat buildup, and longer tread life. Our streamlined technology and safety benefits include:
Matched tire diameters. The AcuTread® segmented molds produce a fixed diameter every time—just like new tires. Each tire—regardless of brand—is within 1/32” in diameter. This important feature promotes even distribution of load, extending mileage and reducing heat build-up.
Superior adhesion values. Each AcuTread® tire is cured with direct physical pressure resulting in very high adhesion values. AcuTread® products can withstand severe twisting and turning and higher running temperatures—just like new tires. This puts the AcuTread® process at an advantage over precure retreading.
Contoured tread. The technology of the AcuTread® process ensures that every casing is prepared to an exact width and contour each time. Proper buffed casing dimensions reduce casing fatigue, shoulder separations, and tread edge lifts while also promoting even wear for extended mileage.
Splice-free. Using a computerized rubber extruder, specialized rubber compounds are applied to the casing in one continuous strip, eliminating the need for a splice. Alternative precure retreading processes apply fully cured tread to casings and splice it together where the ends meet. The splice can cause a weak point and ride disturbance from an out-of-balance condition.
Full-depth siping. Siping assists in dispersing heat from the tread. This “new tire” feature reduces casing fatigue and stress due to excessive heat build-up in the tread. Lower tread temperature is a key factor in extended wear and fuel economy.
The increased safety of modern retreading technology (see above) makes retreads not only safe, but smart for your business.
It is cheaper to retread your tires. It’s no secret that tire ownership is one of the highest expenses for your fleet. But the solution is not a cheap, ultra-low-cost tire. Investing in premium tires and getting several additional lifetimes out of them by retreading is a smart business decision to improve your ROI and your bottom line. A retread will cost you 30-50% less than a quality new tire! And as an added benefit, while you’re saving on tire ownership, you’re also keeping tires out of landfills and using much less material, oil, and energy.
“I can’t talk about retreading without mentioning the massive environmental savings our industry delivers. A retread tire uses 15 gallons less oil and approximately 90-100 pounds less total material than a new tire. The U.S. and Canada tire retread industry, therefore, saves approximately 217.5 million gallons of oil and delivers 1.4 billion pounds of landfill avoidance on an annual basis.”
- David Stevens, Managing Director of Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB)
Extended Tire Life. How long does a retread tire last? You can expect your retreaded tires to last as long as premium tires do, of course depending on how many miles you put in. Proper inflation and regular maintenance are also key to extending your original tires’ lives, and ensuring they will qualify for retreading. Retreading them several times can give them a lifetime of up to 600,000 miles! It is best to send in your tires for retreading before they get down to 4/32” (for steer tires) and 2/32” (for drive and trailer tires) to ensure that they qualify.
Looking to get started? Here’s how can find the right retread provider.
1. Consult current users of their product. Are they satisfied with the quality, cost, and service?
2. Speak with their sales team. Are they knowledgeable and transparent about the products and processes and able to answer your concerns? Ask for resources and information on what they have to offer.
3. Tour their retread facility. See for yourself the equipment being used, how your tires are handled, and the orderliness of the shop! Learn from the plant manager or an employee each detailed step.
4. The finished product. Is the tire up to your standards? Are you impressed with the process?
Learn more about what to consider when partnering with a retread supplier.
We'd be happy to provide your team with everything you need to make your decision. Request a plant tour, downloadable resources, or a quote from Wonderland Tire today!
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