Retreaded tires – how is their industrial production?

Retreaded tires – how is their industrial production?
Darrius Drew
Manufacturing and machinery/Motorization
It takes approx. 3 minutes to read this article

The tire is the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road surface, so choosing the right tires is extremely important for maintaining safety on the road. 

High-quality tires can perform their function for years, but their cost can be very high. A way out of this situation are retreaded tires, which are often much cheaper. 

What is tire retreading?

Tire retreading is the process of covering the driving surface of a tire with a new tread when the old one has suffered too much wear and tear. It can be carried out in two ways:

Cold retreading begins by removing the remnants of the previous tread and repairing any damage to the tire. Then the tread, which has undergone initial vulcanization, is glued on and covered with adhesive. This is followed by the application of an appropriately sized tread belt and the tire is vulcanized in a pressure chamber. This results in a tight bond between the tire and the tread.

Hot retreading, during which the worn tire carcass is subjected to a detailed inspection for any abnormalities. If it passes the quality test, it is cleaned and covered with unvulcanized rubber. The next step is to heat the whole by means of an autoclave in a special mold reflecting the preferred tread pattern we want to obtain. The tire that is created during this process is technically as good as a new tire and does not differ from it in appearance. 

Retreading – an environmentally friendly way to save money

Proper retreading with high-quality materials allows a tire to be used several times – giving it a second and sometimes even a third life. This is a very ecological solution, thanks to which much less waste is generated. Taking care of the environment is important. More and more companies are looking for more “green” solutions.

In addition, retreading used tires, rather than disposing of them, significantly reduces costs for businesses in the transportation sector and beyond. It eliminates the costs generated by the disposal of tires and the purchase of a new set. The cost of replacing all the tires on a vehicle is often several thousand zlotys, so many carriers opt for retreaded tires. In addition, worn, faulty tires translate into an increase in other costs, such as higher fuel consumption and increased operation of systems in the vehicle.

Worn tires – a danger on the road 

In addition to increasing expenses, defective tires significantly reduce safety on the road. The quality of tires is of great importance, as tire failures can lead to very dangerous accidents on the road. During retreading, each tire is subjected to rigorous quality tests that guarantee the safety of the final product. Any deficiencies in the technical condition of the tire disqualify it from further use, which is why only efficient tires are retreaded. Studies have confirmed that retreaded tires and new tires fail with similar frequency, and this is usually related to an external factor, such as sharp objects on the road or incorrect pressure.

In addition, retreading high-quality tires is a much better option than buying new low-end tires. Tires of premium brands can be retreaded without compromising safety and quality, so they last a very long time. In contrast, cheap tires of inferior quality are not suitable for retreading and provide much shorter mileage.

main photo: pexels.com/Mike B

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