Tire Retreading: Is it worth it?

Tire retreading is the process of taking an old, worn-out tire and repairing it so that it can be used again.

It’s not as expensive as buying a new set of tires, and is greener as it makes use again of a tire that would otherwise have been disposed of. Testing has shown that it can be just as effective as a new tire in keeping you safe on the road.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of tire retreading so that you can decide if it’s the right choice for you.

What is tire retreading?

When your car’s tires start to wear down, the first thing you might think of is getting a new set. But what if we told you there was another cheaper and greener option?

Tire retreading is the process of taking an old, worn-out tire and repairing the tread so that it can be used again. This means that the tire can be used for the same purpose as a new tire, but at a fraction of the cost.

There are three main types of tire retreading: cold, hot, and pre-cure. Cold retreading is the most common type and involves bonding a new tread to the tire using adhesives and fillers.

Hot retreading is similar, but the tire is first heated to make it more pliable before the new tread is applied.

Pre-cure retreading involves bonding a pre-made tread to the tire with adhesives. The results are the same regardless of which type of retreading is used.

What are the benefits of tire retreading?

There are several benefits to tire retreading:

-It’s cheaper than buying a new set of tires

-It’s more environmentally friendly as it makes use of a tire that would otherwise be disposed of, saving materials

-Retreaded tires have been shown to be just as effective as new tires in keeping you safe on the road.

-Some tires can be retread up to 10 times.

What are the drawbacks of tire retreading?

There are a few drawbacks to tire retreading:

-The process is not perfect, and there is a chance that the retreaded tire will not be as good as a new tire

-It can take a few weeks for the retreading process to be completed

-There is a limited selection of tires that can be retreaded

-Mainly only suitable for larger commercial vehicle tires

How is retreading done?

The first step is to inspect the tire to see if it is suitable for retreading. The tire must be free of any damage that could affect the performance of the new tread, such as cracks or punctures. The tire is also inspected inside to ensure the metal cords and structure has not been compromised.

Once the tire has been inspected, it is cleaned and any old tread is removed. This is done by a process of buffing and sanding the tire down to the bare surface.

The next step is to apply the new tread and depends on the type of retreading being done. For cold retreading, a new tread is applied to the tire using adhesives and fillers. The tire is then cured in a mold at room temperature.

Hot retreading is similar, but the tire is heated before the new tread is applied. Pre-cure retreading involves bonding a pre-made tread to the tire with adhesives.

After the new tread has been applied, the tire is cured in a mold at high temperatures. This process vulcanizes the rubber, which gives the tire its strength and durability. The last step is to inspect the tire again to ensure that it meets safety standards.

Is it right for you?

Retreading tires is very popular among commercial and heavy duty vehicles as these larger wheels are more ideal for retreading. Considering if this is multiplied over a large fleet of vehicles, it is a very cost effective way to maintain tires and offers huge cost and environmental savings.

If you are looking to replace one or two tires on your personal vehicle, it is less suitable as passenger vehicles have thinner and smaller tires, which make them unsuitable for treading. You can always speak to a professional to get their opinion on whether retreading is right for your specific

Tire retreading vs. buying new tires

Next Steps

Tire retreading is a process that has been around for many years, but has seen a recent resurgence in popularity due to the benefits it offers as it is a great way to make a green choice for the environment and save you money!

If you are considering tire retreading for your next set of tires, be sure to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right choice for you. If you are unsure if your tires can be retreaded, or if you have any other questions, speak to a professional to get their expert opinion.

We hope this article was helpful in your search for your next tire purchase. If you have any questions then please leave a comment below or get in touch via email or through social media and we will read and respond to every comment, email or question. Thanks for reading!