Retreading truck tyres: telling fact from fiction

Let's dispel all of the misconceptions about retreading, once and for all. Find out why this operation has become not only an economic issue but also an ecological issue for transport companies, including small fleets. David Cardoso*, Retreading Product Category Manager at Michelin**, tells us more.

David Cardoso Product Category Manager – Retread Truck and Bus – EMEA** at Michelin

Retreaded Truck tyres deliver real cost savings

TRUE – On average, a retreaded tyre costs 40%*** less than a new tyre, even though it often contains the same rubber compounds and technologies, and maintains the performance levels of a new tyre.

MICHELIN tyre casings are designed from the outset to be retreaded and even several times in certain types of usage.

Retreaded Truck tyres are less reliable

FALSE – Retreading consists of replacing a worn tyre tread with a new one. When the operation is performed by experts, on a good-quality casing, the retreaded tyre delivers comparable performance to that of a new tyre in terms of safety, robustness, efficiency and mileage.

And yet, for a long time, some people associated the tyre treads abandoned on roadsides exclusively with retreaded tyres. This is untrue, but kept the misconception alive.

A tyre can be retreaded up to three times, depending on the casing and type of tyre usage

TRUE – The number of retreads depends on the casing's condition once its tread has been worn, and in particular its potential. Tyres used for Works Approach applications can be retreaded twice with MICHELIN Remix or even three times with RECAMIC or Laurent Retread. Technically speaking, the casing does not "cycle" a lot (it doesn't go around many times). This is not the case for long-distance transportation, where there is less application of the engine/braking torque. For this type of operation, the tyre will generally be retreaded only once, but will be able to cover up to one million kilometers***!

The tyre casing has no bearing on the retread

FALSE – It is a key factor. For good-quality retreading, you need a robust casing. Excellent support, combined with the expertise of professionals, yields a retreaded tyre that does an excellent job.

​​High quality casings can be retreaded throughout their full lifespan until they have reached the legal limit (for example, 10 years in the UK).

Retreading is not for small truck fleets

FALSE - Retreading is suitable for fleets of all sizes! It also delivers three benefits that are not inconsiderable for their tyre budget, namely the price, kilometers and flexible usage. Retreading is good for the environment because it maximises the use of raw materials and reduces the amount of waste to be recycled.

Michelin was a trailblazer in retreading

TRUE – Michelin is a major player in retreading, with over 60 years of expertise, following on from its new tyre offering. The retreading teams work closely with the new-tyre teams, right from the beginning of the project. On average, retreading saves 70% of raw materials in comparison with a new tyre***.

The Michelin Group's three retread brands