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Tire retreading

When car and truck tires wear out, many can be restored with new tread through retreading. According to the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau, properly retreaded tires perform comparably to new tires when manufactured to industry standards. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that retreading significantly reduces raw material use and can save hundreds of millions of gallons of oil each year in North America.

Retreaded tires typically cost less than new tires and may contain up to 85% recycled or reused material. Large truck tires are commonly retreaded as part of routine fleet maintenance programs, and many casings can be retreaded multiple times—extending tire life and reducing waste sent to landfills.

Quick Tips

Choose

  • Use tire retreading services to extend the life of existing tires
  • Select retreads that meet industry safety and performance standards
  • Lease tires or tire programs when available to ensure professional maintenance, timely replacement, and responsible end-of-life management

Avoid

  • Purchasing brand-new heavy-duty truck tires when retreading is feasible

End of Life

  • Retread tires again or recycle them through the vendor
  • Follow proper disposal and recycling protocols for worn-out tires

An EPA checkmark indicates a certification, or standard is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).




Retreaded Tires Buying Guide

(from the Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau – TRIB):

  • Use the list of approved TRIB suppliers.
  • Ask the retreading company for customer references.
  • Visit the vendor’s plant:
    • Check that tire casings are inspected for structural integrity.
    • Make sure they use non-destructive testing, like X-ray inspection.
  • Include a probationary period in the purchase contract to ensure the vendor meets performance standards.