Whether you’re a truck driver or a fleet manager, controlling costs is always top of mind in today’s economy. Retreads are widely used on civilian and military aircrafts, school and municipal buses, emergency vehicles, delivery trucks and U.S. Government vehicles for one main reason—to save money.
Using retread tires saves the commercial and military aircraft industries more than $100 million a year, and retreading truck tires saves the trucking industry over $3 billion each year! Learn more about retreads and how they can help lower your tire costs too.
What are retread tires?
Retread tires, also known as recaps, have undergone a process in which the selected and inspected worn tires, called casings, receive new tread to help extend the life of the tire. Every tire has the potential to become a retread, but only the best worn tires are selected for retreading.
Today’s retreads are produced in modern plants operated by trained specialists. Professional retreaders follow stringent industry recommended practices at every step in the retreading process, and each retread product can be traced to the facility that produced it.
Why retreads are a good investment: Cost savings, safety and environmental benefits
Purchasing retread tires is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new. A well-constructed and maintained retread tire provides similar miles to a new tire, but for a fraction of the cost. Retreads can cost anywhere from 30 to 50 percent less than new tires.
Retreaded tires are proven safe and reliable, and overall quality of retreads has increased dramatically over the years. Today, retreading is a controlled process using advanced technology, equipment and comprehensive inspection techniques.
Bandag, for example, uses a 10-step retreading process that requires multiple inspection points and highly automated advanced manufacturing technology like Shearography equipment to ensure only quality casings are retreaded.
The truth is, new tires today are crafted to be retreaded, and only casings that pass a rigorous safety test are selected for the retreading process. Purchase from a quality manufacturer and take care of your casings, and you can expect the same level of safety as new rubber from your retreads.
Professional drivers and many fleets routinely depend on retreads for long-distance hauls. Retread tires have been proven as reliable and durable as new tires in laboratory tests and through years of practical experience in the same applications in which new tires are used.
Every retreaded tire is a recycled tire. Because tires contain significant amounts of synthetic rubber, an oil derivative, retreading helps conserve oil and keep tires out of landfills. Each retread tire you purchase is a substantial act of conservation.
Make retreads part of your tire program today
Incorporating retreads into your tire management program creates the best return on investment for tires and can result in a lower cost per mile. Plus, retread quality today is better than ever, and at TA Truck Service we’re excited to offer a quality retread option to our customers—MaxTread by Bandag.
Find a TA Truck Service near you to take MaxTreads for a spin or check out our other retread options.