Retreaded tires

In 1995, about 28-30 x 10 tires were retreaded (54). Retreading has been the most cost-effective alternative to recycling mbber. However, worn retreaded tires usually are discarded in a landfill. Approximately 10% of discarded automobile tires and 55—70% of tmck and bus tires are retreaded (55). 

EPA s Federal procurement guidelines for retreaded tires, which became effective on November 17,1989, are encouraging Federal agencies both to retread tires on their vehicles, and to buy retreaded tires. States may decide to develop similar guidelines to encourage retreaded tires. 

The National Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association claims that properly-inspected retreaded tires have lifetimes and failure rates comparable to new tires. Mileage guarantees and/or warranties for retreads are often similar to or identical to new tire warranties. 

Citizens can be educated regarding source reduction alternatives such as caring properly for tires and using retread tires. Both governments and companies operating fleets of vehicles can be encouraged similarly. Federal procurement guidelines for retreaded tires, described above, address this issue. 

Tire dealers need ready access to information on reputable or licensed haulers, recyclers, or disposers of waste tires. They also need information on companies that sell used tires and that retread tires. Information on the location of large tire piles is helpful to entrepreneurs seeking to process these tires for eventual recycling or energy recovery. 

Tires with adequate tread and/or retreadable tires are regularly exported from the United States. Used tires are regularly sold in these markets in many other parts of the world. Routinely, slightly more than 1 million tires/mo are exported or about 15 million tires/yr by best estimate. ... 

In the retreading market, new silicas are expected to improve properties of retreaded tires which are currently inferior to new tires.Tread wear resistance and rolling resistance arc substantially lower with retreaded tires. 

Establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing pneumatic casings, inner tubes, and solid and cushion tires for all types of vehicles, airplanes, farm equipment, and children s vehicles tiring camelback and tire repair and retreading materials. Establishments primarily engaged in retreading tires are classified in Services, Industry 7534. 

Exact control of product quality is complicated by the fact that simple tests on blacks alone will not adequately measure their performance in rubber. It is necessary, therefore, to monitor the day-to-day quality by actually incorporating the black into rubber and comparing the compound with a control. Periodically, tread blacks must be compounded and road tested in multisection retreaded tires. 

Retread industry. Retreaded tires basically extend the nsefnl life of the original tire and thereby tend to alleviate the scrap tire disposal problem. The retread industry would be of interest for the nonpassenger-tire segment (e.g., trucks, buses). It is obvious that if additional retreaded tires were used, the problem of scrap tire disposal would be further reduced, and a more efficient utilization of the natural resources would be realized. Based on the use of retreaded truck and airplane tires, it is technically and economically feasible to utilize retreaded tires. However, the general public considers a retreaded tire an inferior product, which is true to some extent and, moreover, for a good quality retreaded tire, a sound tire carcass is needed [3]. 

Retreading is one method of recycling. Also, it saves energy It takes about 831 of oil to manufacture one new truck tire whereas a retread tire requires only about 261. The cost of a retread tire can be from 30 to 50% less than a new tire (Myhre and MacKillop, 2002 2002 Fact Sheet, 2002). Approximately... 

A As the lifespan of each kind of tire is different (7 years for the radial and just 2 years for the retreaded tires), an easy way to compare both alternatives is by calculating the annual cost of each kind of tire. The annual cost of the radial tires is 143.30 and for the retreaded tires it is 152.70. The radial tires are not only a bit cheaper per year but also safer. 

Check condition of tire. Passenger vehicles cannot be operated with regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on the steering axle. Check for improper inflation, serious cuts, bulges, tread wear and, if questionable, measme major tread groove depth. 

Passenger Carrying Vehicle Regrooved, recapped, or retreaded tires on front steering axles. (393.75(d))... 

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