The History of Retread Tires in America

Also known as a recap or remold, retread is a re-manufacturing process for tires that replace the tread on worn tires. Since its inception in the 1900s, this process has evolved tremendously. 

To help to extend the life of your fleet’s tires, retreading is an excellent option. Today, at Road Warrior Tires we are going to delve into the history of Retread Tires in America.

The Early Days

Back to the older days, the roads were unpaved, bumpy and riddled with hazards. Therefore, those rough roads used to curtail the life of tires. On the plethora of dangerous materials littering the roads, drivers struggle to avoid penetrating, cutting, or blowing out their tires. Got droopy with all this road and tire trouble, people began seeking ways to get rid of broken tires.

The first technical arises to extend the tire’s life

The first method evolved in the US comprises applying layers of uncured rubber. Soon it falls as vulcanizing the tires to the third layer caused unevenly cured rubber.

After that, Marion Oliver in 1921, developed a new method to extend the tire’s reliability. The technic involved buffing tires down to the fabric and applying pre-cured tread. A hoop and spring were used to secure the casing and the tire was coated in talc and soapstone mud, wrapped in cotton strips before being placed through a steam-curing pressure chamber. 

Wheels of Progress

With intensified transportation, the demand for better-retreading methods increased immediately. People were using the technic which involved the application of pre-heated, uncured rubber to buffed, cemented tires, using full-circle molds to replace the one-third method for even curing. Along with this, the buffing method also improved as it transformed from hand-held operation to mechanical.

Back then, tire retreading was gaining popularity and was proving to be more reliable and cost-effective. Therefore, the industries started providing tire retread services. From 1942 to 1944, the invention of synthetic rubber led to the 500% growth in the industry.

Globalization of Tire Retreading

In the 1960s and 70s, Changes like tubeless technology and use of tire venting disrupted the industry. Retreader consolidation, government regulations, and liability litigation impacted American retreading as well.

In the 1990s, tire manufacturing used innovative technologies that allowed tires to last longer and further lowering the demand for retreads. 

Reliable tires at Road Warrior Tires

Whether you are looking for truck tires, skid steer tires, Agriculture Tires, loaded bias tires, or loader radial tires, Road Warrior Tires provides high-quality and long-lasting tires to give you smooth and flexible ride.

If you have any question in your mind, call 617-926-0524.