Retread, also known as “recap,” or a “remold” is a re-manufacturing process for tyres that replace the tread on worn tyres. Retreading is applied to casings of used tyres that have been inspected and repaired.  The material cost is about 20% compared to manufacturing a new one.

RETREADING METHODS

1.       Pre cure

                Previously prepared tread strip is applied to tyre casing with adhesives. This method allows more flexibility in    tyre sizes and it is the most commonly used method, but results in a seam where the ends of the strip meet.

2.       Mold cure

                Raw rubber is applied to the tyre casing and is then placed in a mold where tread is formed. A dedicated mold   is required for each tyre size and tread design.

3.       Bead to Bead molding

                This type of retreading is applied to the side walls. These tyres are given entirely new branding and stamps imprints.

South Africa has a highly sophisticated retreading industry.  But presently imports have a significant impact on the retreading sector due to cheap new tyres being imported and sold in South Africa.

Retreaded tyres are commonly used by the trucking industry as it allows them to achieve better cost per kilometers thus giving them optimal return on their tyre budgets. 

Very little passenger tyres are still retreaded in South Africa.

WHY RETREAD?

Retreaded tyres can and do perform as well as new tyres and they do it at a substantial savings over the high cost of new tyres.

It should be remembered that every major truck tyre manufacturer, with no exceptions, manufactures its tyres for multiple lives, meaning they are designed to be retreaded. So when an owner operator or a fleet manager doesn’t retread his tyres, he is simply throwing money away.

Retread tyres are proven to be as safe and durable as compared to new tyres, provided that a reputable retreader has retreaded the casing. Many truck fleets plan their new tyre purchases with the intention of having worn casings retreaded two or more times as a routine part of their tyres’ budget.

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SAVE?

The retreaded tyres’ life ranges from 50% to 90% of the new tyre. But the expense of retreading is only 30 to 40% of the cost of the new tyre. So truck owners, tractor owners and OTR (Off-The-Road) vehicle owners will prefer to retread the tyres instead of purchasing new ones because using retreaded tyres becomes economical.