Tire “remanufacturing” pays dividends

Tire “remanufacturing” pays dividends

“We were ‘green’ before it was cool,” proclaimed Randy Hanson, technical training manager, training and development, Bridgestone Commercial Solutions at its training center located within Bridgestone Americas’ LaVergne, Tenn., manufacturing facility. A 13-year veteran with Bandag, Hanson served as a field service rep become assuming the important and influential training role.

With the genuine passion of a new-hire and the obvious commitment of a ‘professor’ educating his students (customers), Hanson knows tires and retreads like an internist knows body’s organs.

“A casing can still be good long after tire tread wear. Just because a tread wears down doesn’t mean the casing’s worn too. A quality casing has a life span that can outlive the original tread,” he said, noting Bandag’s unique ‘cold process’ to cure the tire—“high temperature can decrease life and retread quality”.

Throughout its entire production system (original equipment and retread tires), the company practices quality assurance and remains focused on casing durability, not just for the new tire’s benefit, but the retreadability.

The entire retread life space starts and ends with tires that perform like new tires, at a fraction of the price. With specialized tread patterns that match up with any terrain, any application, the retreads, according to Hanson, employ next-generation compounds that resist wear and tear, earning fleets more mileage and life.

Bandag offers a two-day training class for fleets and dealers, with Hanson leading the sessions. More than 400 customers—mechanics, drivers, technicians, shop managers—were trained last year.

“Fleets tell us we don’t want any [tire] failures. I know there are lots of tire clinics, but this is the best one in that it teaches tires from A to Z. Our students feel strongly about what they learn, and some even come back for refresher courses to grasp the full benefits of retreads,” offered Hanson.

A couple of common tire myths: 1.) the rubber on the side of the highway comes from retreads—those ‘gators’ on the road with all the wire are usually not retreads. Virtually all that scrap rubber contains wire. There’s no wire in the rubber retreaders use. 2.) Retreads are not safe—nearly every major airline uses retreads. Even sophisticated jet fighters use them. Today’s modern retreads are so safe, school bus fleets depend on them.

“Retreads are a good, smart option for carriers seeking to extend tire life,” said Bert Jones, manager, product marketing Bridgestone Commercial Solutions. “The biggest and the best fleets use retreads to save money and keep costs to a minimum.”

Hanson walked through the entire Bandag retread process. From the seven-point inspection and electricity testing on the casing, to the testing and repairs with an advanced, proprietary retread compound, to buffing-skiving, extruding, building and finally, chamber curing time.

From the customer training classes, Hanson, noting Bandag’s global network of servicing dealers, offered these real-life tire life extending suggestions:

1. Proper tire pressure: Low pressure can kill the casing. Be sure to check pressure when it’s cool, at least 4 hours non-running. A tire can lose up to 2 PSI a month, even if things are right. Tip: Use metal-screw valve caps.

2. Tire maintenance: Establish a formal program to inspect, inflate, review, and chart the tire lives and complete inventory. Don’t store tires outside, since direct heat can inflict damage. Pay attention to aligning the proper width of the tire to the wheel.

3. Vehicle alignment: The vehicle’s true alignment can be a big factor in tire life. Fleets should ensure tires are matched properly before positioning on the vehicle.

4. Train the drivers: A properly-trained driver will heed the speed, They can make as much as 35% difference in fuel economy.

“Retreading makes a truer, rounder tire, and definitely has a new tire look,” he added.

You May Also Like

Goodyear unveils two RangeMax tires deisgned for regional work

Goodyear says the new tire models balance traction, range and mileage for work vehicles running on electricity, gas or diesel.

Goodyear-rangemax tires-group-logo

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. introduced two additions to its portfolio of RangeMax tires: the RangeMax RSA ULT and the RangeMax RTD ULT. Goodyear says its latest RangeMax tires are a steer-drive combo engineered for electric, gas- or diesel-powered regional work vehicles.

Goodyear says the all-position RangeMax RSA ULT and RangeMax RTD ULT tires help deliver range efficiency through low rolling resistance and long miles to removal. 

Beyond standard TPMS: The crucial role of customizable tire health alerts

Delving into the shortcomings of standard TPMS and why customizable tire health alerts are crucial for commercial vehicle fleets.

Driving for Alabama: A family affair

The stories of two truck drivers for ’80s country hitmakers Alabama.

Photos by Amazing Grace Photography
So you want to write for Fleet Equipment?

Of course you do. As the premiere online publication for the heavy-duty truck market, charting the latest in trucking equipment, technology, and service trends, Fleet Equipment has a knack for digging up the stories behind the stories (while having a lot of fun along the way). Now you can be a part of it! But

Write for Fleet Equipment
Babcox Media mourns the passing of Tim Fritz, longtime editor and friend

Babcox Media Editor Tim Fritz passed away on Feb. 23 from a heart attack. He was 53 years old. Related Articles – Debating the merits of ethanol – Why isn’t a truck’s appearance part of the PM process? – Change is coming to U.S. energy policies Tim joined Babcox Media in 1990 and spent 31

Tim-Fritz-1400x700

Other Posts

Vipar Heavy Duty’s Supplier Advisory Council reviews performance, strategy

The council is expecting a stable aftermarket with moderate growth, a reliable supply chain and continued expansion of VIPAR Heavy Duty in 2024.

vipar-heavy-duty-supplier-advisory-council
Davco introduces Fuel Pro 499 for Class 8 trucks

The company says its latest diesel fuel/water separator was designed to increase filtration capacity and reduce fleet downtime.

DAVCO-fuel-pro-499-water-separator-filter-TMC-Clarience-Technologies
PACCAR Parts presents Dealer of the Year awards at Kenworth Dealer Meeting

Dealer of the Year awards were given out for both TRP and Kenworth parts and service dealers.

PACCAR-Parts-dealer-of-the-year-Kenworth-Northeast-group
Double Coin FR610, other tires to be displayed at MATS

The FR610 is the latest SmartWay Verified long haul steer tire in Double Coin’s lineup.

Double-coin-logo-truck-tire-generic