Revamped Bridgestone retreading site focuses on fleet education

In spite of their numerous, verifiable benefits, retreaded tyres still battle against negative perceptions; some question their durability, while others hold them responsible for the strips of scrap tread, or “alligators”, seen on the motorway shoulder. In what it refers to as “an effort to set the record straight on retreads,” Bridgestone Commercial Solutions (BCS) has re-launched its US-based ‘Retread Instead’ website as an online campaign aimed at educating truckers and fleets on the value of extending tyre life.

The Bandag-branded retreadinstead.com site hosts short, informational videos about the benefits of retreading as well as easy-to-understand clips on the retreading process. A feature of the site is the space dedicated to debunking common myths around retreads, especially those surrounding safety and mileage.

“It’s commonly known in the industry that many believe retreads are an inferior product, when in fact they can not only save operators and fleets money, but are often just as durable and safe as a new tyre, said Scott Damon, vice-president, Marketing, BCS. “We encourage operators, fleets and dealers to take a look at the site and see how retreads might be a good addition to their tyre solution.”

The site also includes an invitation to take the Bandag Challenge. In a comparison test, application-specific Bandag retreads will be mounted on one of two similar vehicles in a fleet that run similar routes. The performance of the two vehicles is tracked, and at the end of the comparison, fleets can see for themselves the cost difference. BCS says it will refund any savings not in the favour of eligible, participating fleets.