There are two methods which can be used to retread truck tires or bus tires: cold retreading and hot retreading. The manufacturing process is identical until the step in which the tread material is applied and vulcanized.
To manufacture a ContiTread bus or truck tire retread, Continental uses pre-cure or cold retreading. In this process, a length of tread which has already been set with its pattern and vulcanized (or “cured”), is applied to the buffed tire casing. This method is gentler on the tire casing, since the curing temperature is lower, putting less strain on the rubber and steel components. Delivering reliable retread performance with cold retreading requires advanced technology, so Continental carefully audits each of our ContiLifeCycle partner locations to ensure compliance with our technology-driven process.
In Europe and other regions, Continental also offers mold-cure or hot retreading under the brand name ContiRe™. In this process, the tread material is extruded and applied to the buffed casing, then vulcanized in a mold shaped with the tread pattern – virtually identical to the production process for a new tire.
