In the mold cure process, uncured, untreaded rubber is applied to the casing in much the same way as in the precure process.

Since tires typically represent a fleet’s biggest maintenance expense, and since retreads now can perform as well as new tires at about half to two-thirds the price, they’re an indispensable tool for containing operating costs.

But first, let’s get the Big Myth out of the way. Retreaded tires are not responsible for rubber on the road, alligators or whatever you like to call those shards of rubber on our highways. Studies by the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) have shown that roughly half the rubber fragments found on roadways come from tires that have never been retreaded.

Savvy fleet executives know that what causes any tire to disintegrate is underinflation. That’s because the reinforcing belts in a tire are meant to flex a certain amount while rolling under load, which generates a manageable amount of heat. When a tire is underinflated significantly, however, the belts flex to a much greater degree and generate enough heat to break down the tire’s integrity – just like rapidly bending a coat hanger or paper clip back and forth will burn your fingers.

Often, the casing – belts and all – comes apart. If you see a rubber fragment on the road with wires sticking out of it, that’s not just tread. It’s casing, and it has nothing to do with whether or not the tire has been retreaded. So don’t tread on retreads, OK?

Better casings make better retreads
Myths aside, experts agree that the quality and performance of retreads definitely have improved over the past several years. “It’s more like a quantum leap,” says Harvey Brodsky, TRIB’s managing director. “Non-destructive casing inspection technology is the single biggest reason.”

“Identifying casing problems is the first critical step in producing a high-quality retread product,” agrees Agustin Baez, general manager of Oncor Operations for Bridgestone/ Firestone North America. “Much advancement has taken place in the industry over the last 10 years that has substantially improved the performance of retreaded tires.”