Retread tires, the words alone make some people think that they can’t be any good. Why should you buy retreads? Because they are actually quite safe and long-lasting, a good value, and also can be very “green.” The amount of oil it takes to produce a tire amounts to an average of over 20 gallons each. Production of a retreaded tire takes a mere 7 gallons on average. This is sound environmental consideration. The government uses many retreaded tires on military vehicles and many others.

Retreads are even considered safe enough for use on school buses. They are frequently used on tractor trailer rigs, and are rated for use on carriers of hazardous materials.
There are a variety of retreads available for passenger cars and light trucks, though the majority of sales are for off road and commercial uses. A passeneger car tire can only be retreaded once, so you can be assured the process is controlled and monitored.

One source for off road light truck retreads is Treadwright. In business for over 20 years, Treadwright can provide tires in sizes to fit from 15” rims to 19.5”. The Treadwright retreads are remolded starting with the best used tires and remanufactured to high standards. They have been cured into a new tread design and fully tested for durability and safety. Prices run 40% to 50% less than comparably sized new tires.

Green Diamond Tire is a company based in Iceland now selling retreads in the U.S. Their tires are remolded with thousands of diamond-hard silicium carbide granules embedded throughout the tire’s tread. This gives their tires exceptional tread wear and safe handling characteristics. Green Diamond offers all season radials for any car with rims from 13” to 16.” There are a number of retailers selling Green Diamond tires throughout the U.S. Prices run from $80 to the low $100 range. The success of these tires is proven by the waiting list and sold out notices on many of their products.

One of the oldest names in retreaded tires is Bandag. This company offers many tires for light truck applications in rim sizes from 15” to 22”. Bridgestone Firestone purchased Bandag Tire and now offers many of their popular on and off road light truck tires as Bandag retread tires, with a warranty backed by Bridgestone.
In the current economic environment, it makes good financial sense to consider a retread tire for your car or truck.