About Retreading

The initial steps we use in retreading a tyre are as follows:

1. Primary Inspection. Each tyre received in a retread plant is subject to a rigorous visual inspection. Inspectors may be assisted by the use of various non-destructive sophisticated inspection equipment available in the retread industry. As many as 85% of passenger tyres are rejected. The acceptance rate for truck tyres is higher due to the better care taken for and the stronger construction of a truck when compared to a passenger tyre. Only the very best proven worn passenger and truck tyres get past this inspection.

2. Buffing. After inspection, tyres have the old tread mechanically removed on high speed buffers. Today’s buffers are extremely accurate and will remove the proper amount of old rubber while truing the tyre to an exact specified diameter and radius.

3. Building, application of new rubber in the tread area.

In the pre cure system, the tread rubber has already been vulcanized with the new tread design. The buffed tyre has a thin layer of cushion gum wrapped around the tread area and the pre cured tread is then applied. The cushion gum serves to bond the pre cured tread to the tyre. The tyre is then placed in a curing chamber and the pre cured tread becomes adhered to the tyre through a vulcanizing process very similar to that used in new tyre construction. This system requires a combination of time, heat and pressure to create the vulcanzation of the new rubber to the tread area of the tyre.

Final inspection. The retreaded tyre is subjected to a final inspection. This inspection insures that only tyres that meet industry quality standards are allowed to leave the retread plant.

Trimming and painting. The retreaded tyre that has successfully passed the final inspection, is trimmed to remove any excess rubber and painted. It is then ready to return to full service and a second (or third) life as a safe and economical alternative to high priced new tyres.

Nail hole and section repairs: When required, nail hole and section repairs are performed within the retread industry repair guidelines. These repairs are made using the latest technology and proven repair materials. A properly repaired tyre can be put back in full service.