Truck Tire Retread Madness

Am I the only one who has noticed an increase in the amount of blown-out truck tire retread chunks all over our interstate highways?  (Keep in mind, I am speaking specifically about the interstate highways within the State of Pennsylvania; I cannot speak for surrounding states). 

I've even observed on more than one occasion a truck tire losing it's retread and blowing out directly in front of me as I was driving to work.  Chunks of truck tire, as well as the metal reinforcement cords, flew about in all directions; causing a dangerous obstacle course of blown out truck tire chunks for the motorists traveling behind the truck. 

There isn't a single day where I do not see a pile of truck tire debris all over the interstate highway as I drive to and from work. You can clearly see this is caused by a retread because if you look closely, you can see the intact retread "ring" nearby the pile of blown out tire chunks; each and every single time (Not to mention, I've seen it happen directly in front of me, as indicated in the above paragraph). 

All that being said, isn't it now rather obvious that truck tire retreads aren't nearly as reliable (or safe) as a new tire?

So now, one has to ask the all important question:

Given the amount of blown out truck tires caused by retreads strewn all over the State of Pennsylvania interstate highways, why are truck retreads allowed in the first place?  Again, isn't it obvious the process of truck tire retreads isn't safe or reliable?  And why are the endless piles of truck tire debris allowed to rest on our highways without anyone bothering to clean it all up?  Days go by and the piles just sit there.

What am I missing here?

Print | posted @ Sunday, August 26, 2007 10:25 AM

Comments on this entry:

Gravatar # re: Truck Tire Retread Madness
by Dean Smith at 8/27/2007 10:41 AM

You need to visit the website www.retread.com. This web site will give you a lot of information about retreads etc. It is a misconception that the rubber on the roads (gators) is from retreads. Most is from new tires that have been badly maintained with under inflation, over loading and wrong application. A new tire is a prototype, whereas a retread has been proven for at least one life. Please don't confuse the word retread with failure. It is not the case.
  
Gravatar # re: Truck Tire Retread Madness
by Braden at 8/27/2007 12:51 PM

Dean,

Obviously, you didn't take the time to read what I wrote:

"I've even observed on more than one occasion a truck tire losing it's retread and blowing out directly in front of me as I was driving to work"

I have seen these blowouts happen directly in front of me. I know what I saw.

I also noticed that you're associated with a tire retreading outfit, so it's not as if you're going to agree with me anyway.
  
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