Myths and facts about retreads

FACT

"If you think retreads are unsafe, don't fly - nearly every major airline company equips its planes with retreads."
  • Quality new tyres are manufactured to be retreaded.
  • Only thoroughly inspected casings are used for retreading.
  • Retreading is a controlled process using high-tech equipment.
  • The retreading plant is subject to annual homologation (ECE109), applying similar durability tests as for the homologation of new tyres.

Retreads are not safe.

FACT

"Bandag retreads mostly equal and often exceed the mileage performance of comparable premium new tyres."
  • The mileage performance of a tyre is of course influenced by many external factors such as application, load, route, road conditions, driving style, etc.
  • Choosing the right product for your specific conditions is key for achieving optimal mileage performance.

Retreads perform less well than new tyres.

FACT

"The scrap rubber you see is almost always the result of a casing failure, not a retread failure."
  • They are mostly the result of a tyre blow-out caused by excessive heat through under-inflation or overloading.
  • These pieces contain steel wires, which are not part of the tread.
  • Just like new tyres, treads are vulcanized to casings, not “glued”.
  • This bonding is actually one of the strongest parts of a tyre.

The rubber pieces you see on the highways always come from retreaded tyres.