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Retread tires are an incredibly valuable investment for any fleet or truck owner. Not only are they economical, but their effectiveness and reliability make them one of the most commonly used tire types in North America. In fact, almost half of all replacement truck tires purchased are retreaded. Retreading is a process by which worn-down tires are rejuvenated with new treads and sidewalls. This extends the life of the tire, allowing it to be used on the road again while still providing optimal performance and safety.
The retreading process typically involves inspecting the old tire for wear, damage, or irregularities before removing any remaining old treads. Next, a new tread is applied to the tire using specialized machinery along with adhesives, heat and pressure to ensure proper bonding with the casing. Finally, once cured and cooled down, the tires are ready for inspection before being returned to service. Take a closer look at the Bandag retread process with us!
In order to properly assess tire damage, a thorough visual inspection must take place. To gain a comprehensive view of the condition of the tire, it is necessary to look “through-the-tire” at both the crown and sidewall. This method ensures that any damage can be discovered and accurately assessed. With this detailed examination process, any underlying problems with the tire can be identified and repaired.
The second step of retreading a tire is an Electrical Inspection, in which an electric impulse is used to detect punctures and other damage that is not visible to the naked eye. This process is vital for ensuring that each tire has been thoroughly checked for any issues that may have been overlooked during the visual inspection. The electric impulse produces a current that passes through the tire and helps identify any flaws or defects to be repaired.
In this phase of retreading, lasers are utlized to measure subtle surface irregularities within the casing while it is subjected to a low-pressure vacuum chamber. An animated visual of the anomalies is produced, allowing technicians to accurately assess and certify the condition of the casing before retreading can begin.
The fourth phase requires inflating the tire to its operational shape, and carefully buffing the existing casing to reinstate roundness, and erase the signs of wear from the tread surface. Through this process, the tire is prepped for a new tread to be applied.
Next, technicians begin to repair any damage that is identified during the initial inspections. This repair process returns the tire casing to a usable condition by removing any compromised material and making any necessary repairs. These repairs ensure that the tire casings are in excellent condition and will be able to be used safely on the road.
Once the casing has been properly prepared and all skives have been filled, an uncured bonding layer is applied to the surface. This bonding layer helps to cushion the tire in order to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the new tread. It also offers additional protection against air leaks and other potential damage.
Next, a cured tread is affixed to the casing using a Bandag builder. This specialized tool ensures that the tread is carefully and accurately positioned at an even distance around the circumference of the casing, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. The exact measurements are taken by the builder for precision and any inconsistencies are immediately detected.
After the tread has been placed on the casing, it is carefully enclosed in an elastic covering. This covering helps maintain the shape of the tire and protect it during the curing process. In order to guarantee that there are no holes or leaks in the envelope, a vacuum test is performed on the tire before further processing.
The tire retreading process culminates with the curing stage, which involves heating the new tread in a specifically-controlled chamber. During this stage, the bonding layer is exposed to a precise combination of temperature and pressure in order to permanently adhere the new tread to the tire piece. The curing procedure also serves to harden the previously uncured layer, thus ensuring that it is securely attached to the other components of the tire.
Now that the retreading process is complete, a thorough and meticulous visual examination, accompanied by hands-on inspection, is carried out to ascertain that the retreaded tire aligns with the superior quality standards and specifications established by our company. This in-depth inspection incorporates a detailed analysis of each aspect of the tire, guaranteeing that there are no flaws, and confirming the structural integrity and durability of the retreaded product.
Did you know the trucking industry saves over $3 billion each year by retreading tires? The significant cost savings associated with retread tires can be attributed to the manufacturing process and the efficient utilization of resources. A substantial portion of the expense involved in producing a new tire lies in the fabrication of the tire body or casing, which serves as the structural foundation of the tire. In contrast, the tread, which is the part of the tire that comes into direct contact with the road, accounts for a relatively smaller percentage of the total manufacturing cost.
Retread tires capitalize on this cost disparity by refurbishing and reusing the tire casing, rather than discarding it. This process involves carefully removing the worn-out tread from the tire casing, inspecting the latter for any structural deficiencies, and subsequently affixing a new tread onto the previously used casing. As a result, retread tires are produced with a substantially lower investment in materials&when compared to the production of brand new tires-factors which significantly contribute to the affordability of retread tires. Consequently, the cost of a retread tire typically ranges from 30 to 50 percent of the price of a comparable new tire, conferring considerable financial benefits upon customers who opt for this environmentally friendly alternative. Try out the Bandag&Savings Calculator today to calculate your savings, and contact us to learn more about retread tires at Maine Commercial Tire.
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