Fleet Maintenance - 18

ADVERTORIAL

Sponsored by
Michelin

Debunking the #1
Retread Tire Myth in
the Trucking Industry:
Retread Tires Don't Offer the Quality of New Tires

Few technologies in the
trucking industry create confusion and disagreement like
retread tires. Most fleets agree
that initial cost of retreads
compared to new tires can be
substantially lower; however,
safety, quality and longevity are
often questioned.
That said, the popularity
of retread tires continues to
increase (and not just in the
trucking industry). Nearly 80%
of all aircraft tires in service in
the U.S. are retreads. And on
our highways, nearly 90% of
fleets with 1,000 or more trucks
in the U.S. and Canada are
running on retreads.

"Gators:" Retreads or Not?

The first discussion of retread quality often
points to "gators" found on the side of the road.
Not true, says the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their study
shows that "the majority of debris collected was
not a result of manufacturer or deficiencies in
the retread process."
"Gators" are caused by overheating, overloading, underinflation and excessive speed with all
tires. Consistent maintenance checks and safe
speeds with all tires would help eradicate almost
all "gators" on the road.

"Quality" Starts with
Proven Processes

Advances in retread tire process and inspection
techniques have narrowed the quality gap between
retreads and new tires. "Retreads are just as safe
as new tires and must meet the same regulatory
requirements," says Glenn Stockstill, retread product category manager at Michelin Truck Tires.
An example of retread quality and consistency
can be found within the MICHELIN® Retread

Technologies process. Michelin utilizes a nine-step
process engineered to deliver high-quality, reliable
retreads that you can count on.
Step 1: Initial Inspection
Expert Michelin technicians inspect every casing
and every detail.
Step 2: Buffing
A computer-automated buffing process provides
the perfect undertread-with optimal profile,
depth and texture.
Step 3: Casing Integrity Analysis
A two-step laser photo is taken to reveal imperfections that could cause tire failure.
Step 4: X-Ray Inspection
If needed, we leverage X-ray technology that
inspects the steel belts within the casing.
Step 5: Repair
Michelin's thermal curing and mechanical pressure far exceed industry repair standards.
Step 6: Tread Building
Each retread is built with patented MICHELIN® tire
tread patterns, rubber compounds and technology.
Step 7: Double Enveloping
Double enveloping ensures that every surface
of the retread undergoes uniform pressure and
temperature.
Step 8: Curing
Curing is computer controlled for minimum
temperature variations and optimal uniformity.
Step 9: Final Inspection
Michelin technicians inspect every inch of every
tire: crown, sidewall, bead and interior.
Because of the technology and expert care
that goes into each MICHELIN® retread, they can
maximize your tire's mileage and lower your fleet's
costs. Visit MichelinTruck.com/retreads to see if
they're right for your fleet.

http://www.MichelinTruck.com/retreads

Fleet Maintenance

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