Revealed: retreading realities

While some operators have “seen the light” and have turned to retreads – saving a small fortune in the process – others remain hesitant. Concerns abound. Are they safe? Will they last? MONAL NAIK, marketing manager of Bandag, shares some retreading realities …

From time to time, operators still question the use of retreads – maybe because they seem to be too good to be true. They’re not! There are many reasons why retreading makes sense. Here are just some:

• Retreading gives quality used tyres a new life and maximises the initial tyre investment.
• Retreads account for nearly one-half of all replacement TBR tyres in SA.
• Retreads can be used on all Drive and Trailer positions.
• Premium new tyre manufacturers build truck tyres to be retreadable.
• Retreading is both economical and environmentally friendly.
• It costs significantly less to produce a retreaded tyre than it does to produce a new tyre.

From time to time, we get asked about the safety of retreads. The good news is that retreads are super-safe! The Bandag retreading process consistently delivers premium retread products that are compliant with global standards. In fact, they’re so safe that school bus fleets rely on them.

As revealed in Bandag’s scrap tyre database, the main reasons that casings are removed from service were related to operational issues and road conditions. Both new and retreaded tyres are equally vulnerable to failure. The difference comes in that budget tyres have shown to be less retreadable and fail earlier. Tyres are not scrapped because they are retreads, affirming the safety of retread tyres.

Finally, the good thing with retreads is that you can also reuse your casings. A casing can still be good long after your tread wears. A tyre casing doesn’t wear out like a tread does. So, with proper maintenance, you can expect to get multiple lives out of a quality casing. The key is using a “quality” casing!

Naturally, I would also say that it’s equally important to use a quality supplier. Ultimately, Bandag retreads take you further for less, they cost less than new tyres and they are comparable to new tyres in performance and generally offer a better cost per kilometre.

What more compelling evidence do you need to go the retreading route?