Did you know that a truck tyre’s service life doesn’t end when its tread depth is reduced?
In fact, the best way to maximise the cost-effectiveness of these tyres is to make the most of their “four lives”, regardless of the fuel savings they can provide. Unlike car or motorbike tyres that may need to be changed when their tread begins to fade, truck tyres do not.
Just before the tyre’s grooves are completely worn out, wear indicators can be seen that alert us to the need for regrooving at an authorised workshop. In this way, the tyre can be given a second life when its tread is regrooved. Although this service life is slightly shorter than the first one, it is more cost-effective.
Once the second life cycle is over, the “retreading” process begins. During this third life, the tread is completely replaced with new tread. The method used for this process can vary, and can be done by cold retreading or hot retreading:
-Cold retreading, also called precure retreading. This process has several steps, first a pre-moulded and pre-vulcanised tread is used to replace the old one, which is placed on the tyre carcass, bonded with a thin layer of rubber that acts as an adhesive and vulcanised.
-Hot retreading or mould-curing. In which unvulcanised rubber is applied to the previously polished tyre and placed in a mould, as if it were a new tyre. It is the small details that can differentiate it from a new tyre, such as a darker tread colour or a small scar in the area where the tread meets the carcass.
It is important to note that a retreaded tyre can only be mounted on a drive axle or trailer/semitrailer, and never on the steer axle. However, a regrooved tyre does not have these limitations.
Regrooving a tyre, also known as “scuffing”, is done by deepening the tread pattern by using hot blades that remove some of the existing rubber in the grooves. This process is carried out when the tread depth is around 3 mm, as indicated by the manufacturer.
This method is highly recommended since, compared to a new tyre, a regrooved tyre offers less rolling resistance. This results in reduced fuel consumption and the possibility to cover tens of extra kilometres. It is therefore a cost-effective option for those looking to maximise the life of their tyres in an efficient and sustainable way.
It can also be done on retreaded tyres, which is their fourth life. However, for a tyre to be suitable for retreading, the carcass needs to be in perfect condition and evenly worn. The carcass condition is assessed by a detailed inspection by a retreader.
It is therefore crucial to take good care of tyres throughout their entire service life. In some cases, if the casing has suffered little stress and no serious damage, it is possible to retread it a second time.
It should be noted that tyres mounted on the same axle must have been retreaded by the same retreader, although the casing may be from a different manufacturer.
If you would like more information about dangerous goods transport or any of our services, please do not hesitate to contact us.