Retreading
When the tread pattern of a tyre is worn down, it is possible to give the tyre a new rubber tread and so give the tyre a second life.
This process is called retreading. In order to retread a tyre, there are certain processes to observe. It takes careful sorting and inspection of the tyres, since only tyres with no damages can be used. Therefore the casings (the inner body of the tyre) are closely inspected for damages to the steel core.
Until approximately a decade ago, it was still profitable to manufacture retreaded passenger car tyres. They could be sold to the consumer at a very reasonable price compared to the price of a new tyre, because there were considerable savings to be made by reusing the casing. And therefore pricewise it was a sensible choice for the consumer.
Today, however, it’s possible to produce a new passenger car tyre as cheaply as a retreaded tyre, and so the market has almost evaporated.
When it comes to truck and industrial tyres, this is a different matter. These tyres are often retreaded several times, before they reach their end of useful life on commercial vehicles.