In fleet management, maintaining the quality and performance of trailer tires is vital, given the multitude of tires on each trailer that must be kept in prime condition. However, purchasing new tires is not always the most cost-effective option.
Tire retreading emerges as a sustainable and economically efficient solution, extending tire lifespan and ensuring uninterrupted fleet operations.
How does tire retreading work?
Retreading involves restoring worn tires by replacing the tread—the outer rubber layer in contact with the road. Once a tire is sufficiently damaged or worn, it necessitates replacement or retreading. The process initiates with a comprehensive tire examination, including carcass assessment, non-destructive testing, and laser inspections to decide if the tire is eligible for retreading or should be discarded. The existing tread surface is then shaved down to a specified level, followed by buffing and repair. A new tread is applied and vulcanized to bond it securely to the original rubber. After a final quality check, the retreaded tire is ready for reuse, performing as well as new.
But can retreaded trailer tires genuinely match the performance of new ones?
Truck tire casings typically last three times longer than treads, making multiple retreads an effective resource conservation practice. Retreaded tires offer 60-80% of a new tire’s lifespan, and some reputable manufacturers utilize specialized processes that enable their retreads to exceed the lifespan of new tires.
How much can fleets save?
Tire retreading is not a simple process and not every tire carcass qualifies – so how cost effective is it?
Typically retreading tires will cost approximately 30%-50% less than purchasing brand new tires.
Regardless of the type of trailer your fleet uses, every time you retread a tire it is an opportunity to save money.
To understand the wide range of prices, assume an average cost of $400 per tire. The bill to replace all eight tires on a standard length trailer would be approximately $3,200. Retreading the tires each time new ones are needed could save a fleet between $960 and $1,600 per trailer.
If your fleet requires high-end or specialty tires, those costs and their subsequent savings could easily double.
Heavy hauling relies on trailers, and without good tires, those trailers can’t run efficiently. For fleets striving to maximize uptime and save every penny, a viable tire retread program can help keep their equipment running longer and at a lower cost.
