Retread tires have long been viewed as the second-rate option to new tires, but that’s not always the case. Used tires are often just as safe, if not safer, than new tires and can even save you money in the long run by providing more affordable options when you need new ones in the future. Of course, each situation has its own unique details to take into account, so it’s important to consider these three questions before making your decision about whether or not to purchase retread tires. 1) Are the retread tires from an original manufacturer?
Is it safe?
Many people assume that retreads are not as good as new tires. While this is true for some types of retreads, it’s not true for others. Retreading a tire involves taking a worn out tire and putting on a new tread, which can extend the life of the tire by up to 5x. The majority of retreads are manufactured using the same techniques and quality materials as new tires. These quality retreads can provide years of trouble-free service and longer tread life than conventional tires, while saving you up to 50% off the cost of buying new tires.
So what types of retreads should you avoid?
Why are they still used?
When we discuss about the pros and cons of retread tires, we need to understand that these tires are used for a variety of reasons. One reason is that they are cheaper to produce and purchase. This is a big factor, as they can cost up to 50% less than new tires. Another reason is that retreads provide more traction in cold weather, which reduces accidents on slippery roads due to decreased stopping distances. A third reason is that retreads are made from recycled rubber materials and scrap steel, which helps reduce the number of waste products going into landfills.
How much does it cost for the extra time on the road?
Many people might not know the difference between retreading and recapping tires, but they do come with some differences. A recap tire is a new tire that has been repaired, while a retread tire is an old tire that has had its tread put back on. For this reason, a retread will be more cost-effective in the long run. One of the main reasons for this is because it takes more time to recap tires than it does to retread them. A recap can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the size of the job.
Is there any noticeable performance difference?
A retread tire is a new tire that has been used before. The rubber has been shaved off the original tread and then the tread is attached to a new piece of rubber. This provides an opportunity for drivers to save money on the purchase of a set of tires because they can be purchased at a lower cost than new tires, but there are some things you should know about them first. Retreads are not as good as new tires because they have already been worn down before being re-used, so they will be more likely to wear out faster and need replacing sooner than if you were to buy new tires from the start.
Are retreads better in snow or rain than new tires, particularly during cornering?
While retreads can be cheaper than buying new tires, they are not as safe during wet or snowy conditions because they tend to lose traction more easily. If your budget only allows for one set of tires per year, it’s best to buy a set of brand new all-season tires that can work well in both types of weather.
Can you get a warranty on them like you can with brand-new ones?
You cannot purchase a retread tire with the same warranty as new tires, but you can often get a limited warranty with them. This is usually called a core charge and will range anywhere from 50% to 100% of the cost of the tire. The higher percentage you pay in core charges, the more likely it is that your tire will last longer before you need to replace it. For this reason, many people who use retreads will purchase two at once – one for their front axle and one for their rear axle – so they have an extra tire at the ready when needed.
What are some safety concerns with older tire treads after they have been reused to make a tire again?
One of the biggest concerns is that the tire has been retreaded too many times. The more times a tire is retreaded, the thinner and weaker the tread gets. This can lead to a blowout if you’re driving at high speeds or if there are sharp objects embedded in your tires. Retreading also raises the risk of rolling over because they may not be able to handle lateral forces as well as newer tires with new treads would be able to.
