Jul 20 2007
Just as in any other business, there are good retreaders and some that are not so good. The trick is to be certain you are dealing with the best top quality retreaders in your area. Here are a few rules to follow to be certain you get the best quality retreads for your money, with the fewest problems.
- KNOW YOUR RETREADER. This means you should visit the retread plant you are planning to give your hard earned money to when you buy retreads. If you aren’t impressed with the cleanliness and modern equipment in the plant, move on to another retreader. The Tire Retread & Repair Information Bureau (TRIB) publishes a Retread Tire Buyers Guide listing all of our retreader members worldwide. A free copy can be obtained by contacting us by telephone or email by using the contact information shown below. You can also view the Buyers Guide on our web site, www.retread.org.
- ASK FOR REFERENCES. A reputable retreader will be happy to provide a list of satisfied customers. But don’t just accept his word for it – call them! Ask if they are happy with the price, service, quality, warranty and anything else you can think of. Then ask the BIG question: Would they do business with the retreader the next time they need to buy retreads or have their own tires retreaded.
- INDUSTRY RECOMMENDED PRACTICES FOR TIRE RETREADING & TIRE REPAIRING. Ask if the retreader owns and uses his copy. If he doesn’t own a copy, consider moving on to another retreader. (All retreaders can obtain a copy of this important document from TRIB)
- WHAT ABOUT THE RETREADER’S ADJUSTMENT RATE? All good retreaders – no exceptions – keep accurate adjustment records. Ask to see them and have the retreader explain exactly what he is showing you. If you aren’t impressed, move on.
- FINALLY… Although price is important, don’t go down the path of trying to buy the lowest price retread in your town. It may turn out to be a VERY expensive mistake. Instead of price, you should be concerned with Life Cycle Costing. This means that a top quality retread that delivers more trouble free miles than a low priced sub-quality one will actually save you money in the long run.
There is an old saying: It’s simple, but it isn’t easy. This is a good saying to remember. Just as with anything else in your business, the purchase of good retreads for your fleet (whether it’s one truck or 10,000) requires that you do your homework and NOT make a quick decision based on low price by some quick talking salesman.
Finally, remember that when you buy and use retreads you are being a good citizen. Retreads are very environmentally friendly and are responsible for saving hundreds of millions of gallons of oil every year worldwide. You can do your part by buying a recycled product that really works! The safety and performance of retreads has been proved by millions of vehicles all over the world. Retreads may look round and black, but they are really very green. Retreading is truly recycling!