What is a retreaded tyre?
To understand what a retreaded tyre is, you need to break a tyre down into two distinct parts. Retreading is the art of assembling these two elements:
- The casing (Internal structure): This is the framework of the tyre. If it is sound and structurally strong, it can deliver thousands of additional miles. It undergoes a stringent inspection to ensure it has no weaknesses before retreading.
- The tread (road contact surface): This is the rubber that touches the road, provides grip and traction and wears over time. On a retreaded tyre, this part is completely replaced with new rubber.
The retreading process renews the part that wears out, on a structure that has passed all strength tests. This rigorous process is what sets industrial retreading apart from a standard part-worn tyre.
Why choose retreaded tyres? 3 key advantages
Immediate savings
As the manufacturing process requires fewer resources than making a new tyre, the retail price is significantly more attractive. You get a safe, roadworthy tyre at a lower cost, ideal for drivers seeking the best value for money.
A more environmentally responsible choice
Buying a retreaded tyre is a more environmentally friendly choice. By reusing the casing (the most polluting part to manufacture), waste is avoided and consumption of oil and raw materials is reduced. The tyre is put back into use instead of being discarded.
Guaranteed traceability and identification
A retreaded tyre is fully traceable and strictly controlled. Unlike a part-worn tyre whose history is often unknown, a retread tyre is clearly identified. Every tyre bears mandatory markings that reveal its origin, production plant and retreading date. It is the assurance of buying a product that complies with a precise legal framework.
How to read the sidewall: safety markings
To ensure you are buying an approved product and not a part-worn tyre, several specific markings must appear on the sidewall:
- The "RETREAD" marking: This is the universal indicator. It must be clearly visible on the tyre sidewall.
- Traceability (Date and Plant): Traceability relies on two indicators: the plant code and the retreading date. For example, the marking 1423 indicates retreading in the 14th week of 2023.
- The approval marking (E): The presence of the "E" in a circle certifies the tyre’s type approval. It is your assurance that it meets all European Union safety requirements.
- The 108R and 109R codes: These codes refer to the technical standards applied. 108R for passenger vehicles and 109R for light commercial vehicles and HGVs.
The steps in retreading a tyre
Retreading is a precision process that follows six steps:
- Inspection (Sorting): The casing is examined in every detail. Any tyre showing the slightest structural defect is immediately rejected.
- Buffing: The worn tread is mechanically buffed off to prepare the surface.
- Repair: If minor, permissible repairs are needed on the casing, they are carried out at this stage.
- Application: The new rubber tread is applied to the prepared casing.
- Vulcanisation (Curing): The tyre is placed in a curing chamber under pressure. This is the key step that fuses the new rubber with the existing structure.
- Final inspection: Before being sold, the tyre undergoes a final check of appearance and compliance.
Hot or cold retreading: what’s the difference?
There are two methods for attaching the new tread:
- Hot retreading (Like new): Raw (unvulcanised) rubber is applied to the casing. The tread pattern is created directly in the mould during curing. It follows the same principle as manufacturing a new tyre.
- Cold retreading (pre-cured tread band): A tread band that is already vulcanised and pre-patterned is used. It is bonded to the casing, then the assembly undergoes curing to ensure the bond. This technique often provides great flexibility in the choice of tread patterns.
How many times can a tyre be retreaded?
Our experts indicate that the limit depends on the vehicle category and the robustness of its casing.
For a passenger car, safety takes precedence at speed. The tyre can only be retreaded once.
Conversely, truck casings are more robust and accept 2 to 3 life cycles. As for agricultural or construction tyres, they can also be refurbished several times, provided their structure is validated by an expert.
