The 6 Steps of Tire Retreading

Contrary to what most fleet managers believe about retread tires, the tire retreading process upholds the same standard of quality as new tire manufacturing. A lot goes on between initial inspection and the final product, making retread tires just as safe and capable as their new counterparts. Find out all about the steps of tire retreading process and where you can get your tires retreaded by reading the information below.

Steps of Tire Retreading process

There are six main steps to tire retreading in order to ensure the end result is the highest quality possible. First, a tire technician will inspect the tire you wish to be retreaded. The purpose of this inspection is to determine whether or not your tire’s casing is a good candidate for retread. If it is, it can proceed to the buffing process.

During buffing, the tire’s surface is prepped for retreading. Tire technicians using the Michelin Retread process carefully remove the existing tread to leave the optimal amount of undertread to ensure the casing meets dimensional and textural requirements to move on to the next step.

Next comes tire tread preparation and building. Once the casing has been buffed and prepped, the technician will apply a pre-molded retread. Uncured cushion gum is used to secure the pre-molded or new tread to the casing. During this process, an uncured tread compound is extruded or applied as a strip directly to the casing.

In order for this pre-mold process to be successful, the uncured cushion compound needs to vulcanize while the pre-molded tread is secured in place. To achieve this, the tire is placed into an envelope that is pressed through a vacuum system, allowing the pre-molded tread to sit uniformly on the uncured cushion compound and casing.

Before reaching final inspection, the tire will then need to be vulcanized. This is done to ensure the rubber is able to achieve maximum adhesion to the road and surrounding elements. Lastly, the tire will go through final inspection where it will need to pass all consumer and governmental regulations before reaching the commercial trucking fleet.

FAQs About Tire Retreading 

Why do people retread tires? 

Tire retreading reuses the casing from the tire, which saves you money. Retread tires perform like new tires, but they cost much less. Retread tires are better for the environment, keeping those casings out of landfills and saving valuable resources by not manufacturing a completely new tire. 

How many times can you retread a tire?

Many companies retread their tires three times or more, but it depends on the condition of casing. New commercial truck tires are designed to be retreaded multiple times to get the most use out of your assets. Tire retreading extends the life of a tire, but it must be in good condition to be considered for retreading. 

How reliable are retread tires? 

According to a government study as far back as in 2009, retread tires are just as safe as new tires, provided they are well-maintained with proper tire pressure and alignment. The technology is constantly advancing, so today’s tires are even safer than those from the last decade. Tire retreading is used for tires on ambulances, tow trucks, buses, and even on military equipment. 

Trivia Fun Fact: What is the tire temperature to cure a retread?

During the curing process, the tire is exposed to a temperature of 260°F. 

What is the difference between retread and remold?

A remold tire is covered from bead to bead with rubber, almost creating a new tire that prevents tread separation. Retread tires only get a new tread. A remolded tire is closer to a new tire, but also more expensive. 

What does a tire retread technician do? 

Retread technicians are trained to inspect and grade casings to determine whether retreading is possible for a particular tire. At STTC, our technicians are extensively trained to perform the retreading process to ensure tires are retreaded properly. Once the process is finished, the technicians test the tires thoroughly for safety. If required, we can also make repairs to retreaded tires. 

How long will a retreaded tire last? 

With proper maintenance, a retread tire will last about six years, the same as a new tire. Retread tires should be replaced after 10 years. 

How are retread tires maintained? 

Retread tires require the same type of maintenance as new tires. You should: 

• Check tread weekly or at set number of miles, such as 10,000. 
• Check PSI of all tires on each trip. 
• Keep tires clean from dirt and debris. 
• Don’t drive aggressively. Avoid curbs and potholes. 
• Maintain vehicles appropriately to manage tire health. 

How do you choose a reputable company for tire retreading? 

Finding the right tire retreading supplier is vital to having quality tires that are safe and cost-effective. Find a retreading service that has a solid reputation in the community. Ask for references from other fleets. Learn everything you can about the company’s retreading process and how they handle their business. Look for a shop that is professional, organized, and transparent about their operations. Our technicians go through certification classes to make sure they are completely proficient with everything related to tires.

STTC Tire Retreading Services

STTC takes the steps of tire retreading process seriously and uses the Michelin Retread Technolgy process. This process is proven to lower tire failures and increase drivability, thus offering fleet managers the highest quality retread tires for their commercial trucking fleets. Our MRT certfied technicians take pride in the retreading process, ensuring each retread tire is of the highest standard before ever reaching our customers. Contact our team to find out how to partner with STTC tire retreading services for your commercial trucking fleet.