FAQ

Do retreads offer the same level of safety as new tyres?

Yes, because the retreading process is governed by specific technical regulations: UNECE Regulation 108 (passenger cars) and UNECE Regulation 109 (commercial vehicles).

These regulations cover all stages of the retreading process, establish criteria and requirements for the approval of the retreading facility and for the inspection of retreaded tyres, and define all markings to be placed on the tyre. The approval of retreaded tyres under UNECE Regulations 108 and 109, is mandatory.

A retread tyre approved under UNECE 108 or 109 is a safe, efficient tyre that offers the same key performance as a new tyre.

Are retreads more prone to cracks and blowouts than new tyres?

No, tyres that fail are those that have been used with an incorrect inflation pressure, whether new or retreaded. In the interest of safety, it’s essential to monitor the tyre pressure and to take prompt action to restore it if it should fall below the level indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.

Can retreaded tyres made from carcasses of different brands be mounted on the same vehicle axle?

Yes, as long as they are of the same type. Commission Regulation (EU) No. 458/2011 of 12 May 2011 concerning type-approval requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers regarding the installation of tyres and implementing Regulation (EC) No. 661/2009 of the European Parliament stipulates that:

• All tyres normally mounted on the vehicle, thus excluding any emergency spares for temporary use, must have the same structure.
• All tyres mounted on the same axle must be of the same type.

Tyres of the same type are defined as tyres that do not differ in:

• Class (C1, C2, C3);
• Manufacturer;
• Dimensional designation;
• Category of use;
• Structure (radial or diagonal cross-ply);
• Speed category;
• Load capacity index;
• Cross-section.

It’s important to underscore that in the case of retreaded tyres:

• The “manufacturer” or brand refers to that of the retreader that performed the retreading. In the case of integral retreaded tyres the name of the manufacturer of the carcass is not visible and therefore the question does not arise, but in the case of semi-integral retreaded tyres, while the brand of the original tyre manufacturer is visible, it is reiterated that the brand referred to in the standard is that of the retreader as per Articles 3.2.1 of Regulations UNECE R 108 and R 109.
• In the case of retreaded truck tyres reference is made to the last retread, as several retreads are possible.
• In the case of retreading with a pre-moulded system, the name of the retreader is always considered to be the brand, which must always be present and indelibly legible, and not any visible brand of the material manufacturer.
• The “regroovable” or “M+S” markings may be those originally present on the carcass in the case of semi-integral retreads (either hot moulded/pressed or cold moulded with pre-moulded material).
• Differences in tread depths are permissible as long as they are within the legal limits.

In addition to the above, with Ministerial Decree 628 of 1996 on vehicle test procedures for periodic inspections, among its requirements the Ministry of Transport specified: "Verification of the identical tread pattern of the tyres at least on the same axle". This requirement is mandatory for both new and retreaded tyres.