The Retreading Process

Most commercial tire retreaders follow a standard retreading process.  The multi-step procedure is designed to ensure only the best casings are used in retreading.

1. Visual Inspection – A retreading expert checks a casing for obvious wear or damage. Badly damaged casings are discarded.
2. Advanced Inspections – Multiple machines are used to perform further evaluation of the casing. Internal, invisible damaged is identified.
3. Buffing – The casing is buffed to remove older tread and debris. The computer-controlled process creates a receptive surface for new treads.
4. Repairs – Casing still eligible for retreading are repaired. Patches are used to fill punctures, and are cured and bonded together to create a new surface.
5. Tread building – Initial bond rubber is placed then the new tread is added to the casing. Tread design can vary depending on the casing.
6. Enveloping – The tire is placed in an airtight container and pressure is applied to bond the case and tread together.
7. Curing – The envelope enters a time- and temperature-controlled container where the rubber is vulcanized together to create a new retread tire.
8. Post inspection – The new tire is once again inspected to ensure the retreading process was a success. The tire is then cleaned, painted and labeled.