Retreading is the general term for tyre reconditioning which extends the useful life of a tyre by the addition of new material.

In the vast majority of cases,the only part of a tyre to wear away in normal use is the tread rubber.The tyre caseing or structure remains in good condition and it makes sense,therefore ,to replace only the part that is worn,as we do with many household items.

The car tyre remoulding factory process involves the careful examination of the worn tyre to ensure that the structure remains sound and secure. The remaning tread is then buffed to a perfect contour and the sidewalls are cleaned and brushed.A new tread and sidewall rubber is applied, and the tyre is placed in a mould. Here heat and pressure vulcanise or "cure" the rubber while the mould creates the new tread design.Automated tread application together with high quality standards of rubber to the original caseing provides a perfect bond. Finally, the tyre is inspected carefully to include high pressure inflation testing.

The manufacture of retread tyres is covered by a British Standard know as BS AU 144b. It is a legal requirement that all retreads are manufactured to this Standard and are so marked and identified. the most important markings to look for are the size,manufacture's identification, the word "Remould" or "Retread", and the British Standard number.

Many retreads are manufactured to specifications higher than those required in the British Standard and are capable of the same speeds and performance levels as are required of new tyres.For example, the Stanard for Retread Car Tyres specifies a minimum speed requirement of 70 mph, the current legal maximum speed in the UK. Member companies of the Retread Manufacturers Association have, however, set a high standard for their members of 95 mph,and regularly test this and even higher speeds as specified.

A revised version of the Standard, BS 144b, will soon take the place of 144b. This will require all the retreads to be marked with an indication of maximum speed capability and will bring the markings of retreads more in line with new tyres. The testing requirements, already used by RMA member companies,will also be equivalent to the test for new tyres.

A popular misconception is that the only people who buy retreads are people who can’t afford new tyres or who want to “get by” with retreads until they get a new car.

On the contrary, many sectors of the transport industry choose to use retreads, often called remoulds either for some or all of their tyre requirements.

ALL of the world’s airlines,carrying millions of passengers annually, use retreads. Jumbo jets to Fighter planes, they all use the! Aircraft safety is of paramount importance and retreads would not be allowed by licensing airline authorities if they were unsafe.

Hundreds of thousands of miles are logged by professional hauliers in vehicals ranging from small commercial vans to massive 30 tonne artics. Over a third of their replacement tyres are retreads. Hauliers need and demand safety and reliable service. Retreads would just not be used if they did not provide the safety and reliability required.

The particular driving conditions of rallying with fast cornering, rapid acceleration, high speed road and track use in all weathers are among the most severe conditions drivers would experience. Retreads are used by many rally drivers at all levels from Motoring Clubs to RAC and international rallies.

Local Authorities transport must cover the whole range from public service vehicles to dust carts, Retreaded tyres are widely used by Local Authorities as a cost effective means of equipping their wide range of vehicles.

From the traditional LONDON “ Black CABS” to private hire services the use of retreads is authorised and licensed by police and local authorities.

Retreads are safe and economic and are “Environmentally Friendly” Worn tyres are difficult to dispose of and recycling by retreading prevents millions of tyres becoming a blight on the countryside. Retreading also makes a contribution to oil conservation. Only a third of the amount of oil it takes to make a new tyre is required to produce a retread or remoulded tyre.

Tyre retreading is a major industry in the United Kingdom, and the modern retreaded tyre is a techonologically advanced product using new rubber and extend the useful life of the product.
Retreading is recycling in the very best sense of the word and is actively encouraged throughout the world as an environmentally sound and energy conserving industry.
To ensure that a full and safe working life is obtained from the retread it must be maintained in good condition, and full information on tyre care and maintenance is given in the Tyre Industry’s publication “HOW to GET the BEST from your TYRES”.