Retreaded tire: definition, comparison and price
Content
A retreaded tire is the result of a retreading technique that involves replacing specific parts of the tire's carcass. Thus, the tread or sidewalls can be changed to give a second life to the damaged tire. But how do you recognize a retreaded tire? Can all vehicles be driven with a retreaded tire? What is its purchase price? We will answer all your questions in this article!
🚗 What is a retreaded tire?
Retreaded tires are mainly found on heavyweight because their tires are very big and recycling is a major problem for OEMs for this type of vehicle. Thus, a retreaded tire is a worn out tire whose rubber has been replaced so that it can be used again on the vehicle.
A worn tire goes through several stages of retreading:
- Expert examination of the tire;
- Removal of tread or sidewalls;
- Grinding the tire tread;
- Repair of worn-out areas;
- Coating tires by applying new rubber strips;
- Hot or cold vulcanization of rubber;
- Marking of inscriptions on the sidewall of the tire.
🔎 How to recognize a retreaded tire?
Retreaded tire difficult to recognize from the actual bus structure... Indeed, the rubber of the tire and its markings do not differ from the new tire. However, in order to recognize a retreaded tire, you will have to rely on the information on the sidewall of the tire.
This way you will find the brand of the retreader followed by mention "retreaded", "retreaded" or even "retreaded".'. One of the most famous brands of retreaded tires is the Spanish brand. Insa-Turbo, their tires are sold by many equipment manufacturers in France, either in stores or through their websites. If you are looking for other brands of retreaded tires, you can refer to Laurent, Black Star or Winter Tact Tire.
📝 Retreaded tire: allowed or not?
The legislation on retreaded tires has been changed. created in 2002, he is quite strict about the production and sale of retreaded tires. Retreaded tires must meet the requirements before being marketed. Requirements 3 accurate:
- Performance test : it concerns the load index and tire speed, this test is the same as for the new model;
- Tire quality : a retreaded tire must be produced in a factory that has the supports, materials and inspection posts required for its approval;
- Identification of tires : on a retreaded tire, the brand of the retreadant, one of the words "reconditioned" or "reconditioned", the approval number and other obligatory data (load index, speed index, date of manufacture) must be indicated.
If you want to use a retreaded tire on your passenger car, it must be installed on то же самое axis than a tire with the same characteristics.
💡 New or retreaded tire: which one to choose?
If you need to replace a tire on your car, you can hesitate between a new or a retreaded tire. To select the tire type that best suits your needs and your budget, you will find below advantages and disadvantages of each.
💸 What is the price of a retreaded tire?
The price of a retreaded tire will depend on its size, as well as on its load and speed characteristics. For smaller models retreaded tire price per unit starts from 25 € and maybe go up to 50 € for impressive sizes.
To get good quality remanufactured treads, don't buy the cheapest or most expensive models. Go for the middle class to make sure you get durable tires. Also, if you installed them by a professional, you will have to count labor costs for assembly and parallelism your wheels... In total, this amount will be between 100 € and 300 €.
A retreaded tire is an environmentally friendly alternative to a new tire and its use will mainly depend on how often you drive and your habits. Feel free to seek professional advice when purchasing retreaded tires for your vehicle!
