Retreading ‘Definitely Worth Considering’, says Conti

Numerous companies have experienced a drop in orders since the start of the financial crisis, and this downturn in business has in many cases been paired with rising costs. Economising is therefore of the utmost importance in 2009. But where should we start? Continental is convinced that truck tyres can still offer the transport industry considerable savings potential in overall operating costs. A second tyre life almost doubles the mileage and reduces costs by up to fifty per cent.

According to Conti, the advantages offered by its truck tyres do not just pay off in one tyre life – they can be experienced a second time through Continental ContiRe retreads. Of course, not every worn tyre is suitable for retreading as the quality requirements set by the manufacturer are extremely high. However, if a tyre passes the extensive tests and specialists establish that the casing is undamaged, then the tyre’s life can be extended.

“In their second life, the costs of tyres can be almost halved,” explains Eckhard Wilanek, managing director, Fleet & Retread Business at Continental. “We produce the ContiReT in the same way as our new tyres. ContiRe looks like a new tyre, lasts almost as long as a new tyre and drives like a new tyre,” explains the tyre expert. Modern testing technology and the latest production methods as well as durability and safety tests guarantee a constantly high product quality. The same tyre treads and compounds are used as in the manufacture of new tyres.

“Technically perfect and high-quality Continental casings are a valuable raw material and form the basis for ContiRe,” Wilanek adds. In Conti’s ‘ContiRe’ hot retreading process, the tyre is renewed from bead to bead. The advantage of this technique is that the sidewalls are also renewed and the tyre is thus given the finish of a new tyre. Furthermore the ContiRe can be recut just like a new Continental tyre.

“In this tense economic situation, it is definitely worth considering retreading,” recommends Wilanek.