Part II: Are Retread Tires As Good As New Tires?

In a word: yes.

Modern tire recapping technology produces retread tires that are affordable, durable, environmentally friendly, safe, and hard-working. We understand that many consumers have reservations about recapped tires, but well-crafted retread tires look, feel and perform just like new tires.

Quality Assured

High-quality retreaded tires are subjected to a rigorous quality inspection process. When selecting retread tires for your vehicle or commercial fleet, be sure to speak with potential tire vendor about their retreading and inspection processes. Ask them questions about their process, equipment, and materials. A reputable tire recapper will be able to explain their process in great detail.

Affordable

Today’s retreaded tires are not only budget and environmentally friendly, but they are also safe for use on commercial, recreational, and personal vehicles. Retread tires cost a fraction of original equipment manufactured tires (generally 30-50% less) and they save 400 billion gallons of oil used in tire production annually. They’re so environmentally friendly and cost effective that federal regulations have mandated the use of retread tires on government fleet vehicles since 2000.

Safe

Although safety remains one of the primary concerns for many consumers, retread tires are as safe as new tires. Studies by individual states, the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the University of Michigan have all determined that the rubber debris found on roads throughout the country is usually caused by underinflation and is as likely to come from a new tire as from retread tires.

Regulated

Just like new tire manufacturers, retread tires are subjected to quality control standards as established by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A DOT-regulated recapper must label each of their passenger, light truck, and 4×4 tires with a code on the sidewall indicating where and when the tire was retreaded. Furthermore, the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau notes that “The overall quality of retreaded truck tires has increased dramatically in recent years with the introduction of advanced technology, including the use of computers in manufacturing and non-destructive tire testing”.

Repairable

While retread tires are as good as new, sometimes there’s just no avoiding a flat. Should you pick up a screw or a nail, retread tires can be patched in the same way as a brand-new tire: from the inside out. External plugging is a temporary fix and should be avoided for both new and retread tires.

Hard Working

Retread tires are built to last and built to tow. Maintain your retread tires as you would new equipment and you’ll find they drive, tow, and perform just like new tires. Tow safely and keep your tires properly inflated at all times by following the load recommendations and air pressure guidelines printed on the sidewalls of your tires.

To learn more about retread tires or for answers to frequently asked questions, visit Tire Recappers today!