You may be surprised to learn that many buses, trucks and aircraft are fitted with retreads. This is because of the high cost of having to use new tyres on these vehicles. Retreads are also often used in the transport industry because the process of using retreads is ecologically friendly.
Of course, this does not necessarily mean that you should use retread tyres on your vehicle. If you want to save money on the cost of replacing tyres, you can find good deals on new tyres, from experts such as Tyre Compare . But, is it also worth considering the use of retreads?
What is a retread tyre
Once the tread on a tyre has worn down, it’s no longer safe to be used. This means that the tyre has to be replaced. There was a time when all these tyres were burnt or placed in landfill, but many are now recycled, by replacing the tread.
Before the tread of the tyre is replaced, the condition of the carcass of the tyre is checked, to ensure that it’s strong enough to be re-used. If the main structure of the tyre is good, then the tread is replaced. This results in the replacement of around 20-30% of the original tyre.
What are the benefits of retreads?
One of the main benefits of using retread tyres is that they tend to be less expensive to buy than new tyres. Although, as we mentioned earlier, you can get a good deal on new tyres if you do your research. Using retreads also helps to protect the environment. Re-using tyres means that there is no poisonous smoke from burning, and no piles of rubber tyres filling up earth damaging landfill sites. The more tyres are re-used, the more these disposal methods decrease in use.
What are the potential pitfalls of retreads?
Over the years, some insurance companies have recommended against the use of retreads on vehicles. If you are intending to use retreads on your vehicle, it’s a good idea to check with your insurer first. Retread tyres are safe to use on a vehicle, as long as their manufacture conforms to safety standards. However, retreads do not usually last as long as new tyres, before they need to be replaced. You may also find that steering and grip are not as precise if you use retreads.
The most important thing to remember is that you need to measure the tread on the tyres of your vehicle, on a regular basis. If the tread is as low as 1.5mm-1.6mm the tyre is worn out. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle that has tyres with a tread of less than 1.5mm. It’s your choice as to whether you replace worn out tyres with retreads or new tyres. Hopefully, the information we have provided will help you to make this decision, the next time the tyres on your vehicle wear out.
