Bridgestone Team

Retread tires are a smart solution for fleets focused on performance, cost savings, and sustainability.

Retread tires, sometimes known as recap tires or remolded tires, have undergone a process that replaces worn tread on used tires with new tread, extending the life of each casing. These alternate terms, recap and remold, reflect how a sound tire casing can be renewed with high-performance tread. Retreads account for nearly one-half of all replacement tires in the North American truck tire market. They’re used on Drive and Trailer positions, as well as on steer positions in non-passenger transport vehicles. For fleets looking to maximize value, retread tires deliver proven performance and savings with no compromise on safety.

Whether you retread your own tire casings or purchase retreads from a trusted dealer, using them brings real advantages. Retreading tires is a smart, economical, and eco-friendly move, and today’s retreads are built to meet high quality standards.

Economical benefits

Retread tires perform like new tires, but for a fraction of the cost. Retreads sell for about 30 to 50 percent of the comparable new tire price -  a significant savings for fleets. And if you're looking to save on retread fuel efficiency, choose the Bandag FuelTech line of tires. SmartWay verified FuelTech retread products are among the lowest rolling resistance retreads available, with fuel efficiency benefits that meet or exceed many new tires.

Environmental Benefits

• Creating Bandag retread tires uses 30% less energy, compared to new tires.

• Oil Savings Per Tire: Each Bandag retread saves about 15 gallons of oil, shrinking your fleet’s carbon footprint.

• Bandag retreads keep about 7 million tires out of waste streams every year—adding up to roughly 300 million tires since 1957.

Even with decades of advancements, retread tires still face persistent myths and misconceptions. You may have heard myths about the quality, reliability, and longevity of recapped tires, asking questions like "Are retread tires safe?" or "How are retread tires made?". Using retread tires helps you focus on what really matters: saving money, reducing your environmental impact, and keeping your fleet reliable. Let’s clear up the most common myths with facts and supporting visuals.

• Retread tires aren't safe: Some people think that retread tires don't have proper structural integrity because new tread is molded over used tire casings. But casings on properly maintained tires don't experience the level of wear that tread does, so it's perfectly safe to retread the casings to extend their life.
  
  
• Remolded tires are ugly: The appearance of a finished remolded tire has a lot to do with the skill and thoroughness of the retreader. That’s why truckers choose high-performance retread truck tires, like Bandag, that have the quality looks of a new tire.
  
  
• Only new will do: For some, tire newness is important. However, for the budget-conscious or environmentally conscious fleet manager, retread tires are a good choice and last as long as most new tires. You can expect today’s new breed of Bandag retreads to perform equal to, if not better than, a quality new tire. And they’ll certainly outperform a cheap one.
  
  
• Retread tires get bad mileage: A quality retread delivers mileage on par with many new tires. Just as new tire mileage varies widely, so does recap tire mileage. The variation is attributed to a complex mix of tread compounding, tread weight, tread design and casing structure. But remember that proper tire maintenance is key to efficient mileage.
  
  
• Heat kills retread tires: Heat can ruin any tire, new or not. In most cases, heat buildup is due to under-inflation. That’s why proper inflation is so important, no matter what kind of tire you’re running.

It doesn’t take a genius to understand the benefits of retread tires. It’s basic math. Retreads are better on your budget. They’re better for the environment. And they’re better for your business, because they keep your trucks rolling. It all adds up to a smarter tire solution. Use our Savings Calculator to see just how much you could save using retread tires.

Bandag, as the industry leader in tire retreading, is the trusted choice for both large and small fleets looking to reduce their cost per mile and maximize the value of every casing.

When it comes to retreads, Bandag stands apart. Our retread tires not only fit your budget but are also environmentally friendly, making them an excellent choice for your business. Keep your trucks running smoothly with tires that deliver exceptional quality without compromising on cost. Discover the many benefits that Bandag offers, debunk common myths, and see for yourself why making the switch to Bandag is a smart decision.

Maximize your fleet's potential with a custom retread program tailored to its unique requirements, all monitored by the nation's largest network of fleet specialists.

• Product: Bandag retreads deliver performance and durability comparable to new tires. Transitioning to our retreads can help your fleet lower overall costs, boost fuel efficiency, and prolong the life of your casings. Take the Bandag Challenge and let us demonstrate how the right retread can positively impact your fleet's bottom line.
  
  
• Partnership: A successful retread program considers factors such as your fleet's application, region, and equipment. Bandag's extensive network of fleet experts, the largest in the nation, is here to help design and oversee a retread program customized for your fleet, ensuring you gain the maximum benefits.
  
  
• Proximity: With over 200 retread manufacturing plants and more than 2,700 service points, Bandag provides the most comprehensive roadside service network in the industry. Moreover, our experts are available across the country for in-person consultations to elevate your retread program to new heights.

Find the right tire

There are many tires to choose from, but finding the right tire for your needs is simple with our Tire Selector tool.