ES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

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1.When should I replace my car tires?

When they reach at any point on the tread the minimum permitted groove depth (1.6mm) TWI due to their acronyms in English, as provided by CONTRAN Resolution 558/80 – National Traffic Council), or when the tire present any damage or deformation that cannot be repaired and may pose a risk in its use.

 

2. What is the difference between a new tire and a retreaded tire?

The retreaded tire consists of using the casing of a used tire (with the tread worn), through one of the following tire retreading processes: recasting, retreading or remolding.

The tire can be reformed as long as it meets the technical criteria established in ALAPA.

The reform processes are classified according to the part of the tire to be reformed:

 

A) Recasting: Process by which a used tire is reformed by replacing its tread;

B) Retreading: Process by which a used tire is reformed by replacing its tread and shoulders;

C) Remolding: Process by which a used tire is reformed by replacing its tread, shoulders and the entire surface of its flanks.

Note: Regardless of the refurbishment process, the refurbished tire must contain the mandatory inscriptions in this manual and regulatory bodies in the sector.

 

3. Are there any technical restrictions on the use of retreaded tires in automobiles?

No, as long as the rules of each country are respected, which dictate the minimum care for the reform, repair and identification of retreaded tires.

Additionally, it is always recommended to consult the manufacturer of the respective tire to obtain the recommendation regarding the possibilities of reform, repairs and their limits.

(*) Some countries have legal restrictions on the use of retreaded tires.

 

4. Are there any restrictions on the use of retreaded tires on motorcycles?

Yes. Tires intended for use in motorized vehicles of the types motorcycles, scooters and mopeds are not developed and manufactured to be reformed, under any process. The reform of this category of tires puts the safety of the user at risk.

Consult the legislation of your country; there are countries, such as Brazil, that prohibit the service of reform, as well as the use of the retreaded tire of this category of products.

 

5. Are all retreaded tires the same?

No. Each carcass (tire minus the original tread) has a history of use, such as the inflation pressure with which it was used, the mileage traveled before reaching the point of reform, which can vary greatly from one type of vehicle to another, the type of vehicle and paths traveled, etc., which will differentiate the state of fatigue from one tire to another.

In addition, the different reform processes (recasting, remolding or retreading) produce different aspects of the final product in terms of finishing.

 

6. Is there a more secure reform process in relation to the others?

No. All of them are safe as long as the specific rules for tire reform are respected, such as the NM 225: 2000 standard (Mercosul Standard), also published by ABNT (Brazilian Association of Technical Standards).

 

7. How many times can we retread a car tire?

A: Only ONE time, according to the Mercosul NM 225: 2000 Standard.

Additionally, it is always recommended to consult the manufacturer of the respective tire to obtain the recommendation regarding the possibilities of reform, repairs and their limits.

 

8. Does a retreaded tire have the same safety as a new tire?

Yes, on condition that your carcass has been properly inspected at the time of acceptance for reform, without showing any traces of excessive fatigue or damage that would prevent its reform, which in addition has not yet been reformed once and that the reformer has adopted all specifications and guidelines contained in the specific standards for the REFORM of tires and contain the “Conformity Identification Seal” provided by INMETRO.

 

9. How many kilometers should a car tire last?

The durability of a tire depends on a number of factors, since the tire is the only link between the vehicle and the ground. Thus, the main variables are:

 

– the vehicle’s own original geometric characteristics;

– the state of maintenance of the vehicle’s geometry and suspension parameters;

– the type of roads or floors (coverings), where it usually travels (varying the abrasiveness);

– the type of driving: more sporty drivers sand their tires faster than more conservative drivers;

– the temperature of the floor and the environment has a direct influence on the consumption of rubber;

– the usual load and speed also vary the durability of the tires.

• Maintaining the tire inflation pressure, according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation.

In this way, we saw that the tires suffer several external influences that affect their durability.

In general, manufacturers that offer a minimum mileage guarantee do so considering the standard use and with a calculated risk margin, as it is practically impossible to predict the durability of a tire in view of all the variables involved.

 

10. Are imported tires better than domestic tires?

Complete it yourself: There are tires and tires. Different brands and dimensions. If we compare the same size and type of tire from the same BRAND, the differences observed are minimal.

The tires are built to respond to the normal demands of each market. In the case of countries like Brazil or others in South America, more robust tires are generally needed compared to those in Europe, for example, due to the temperature conditions and the types of roads.

Thus, tires of different origins may have minor modifications to respond optimally to each market.

For example: Tires made for use in Brazil and Argentina, are developed considering, for example, greater resistance against impacts and punctures and greater resistance to high temperatures in the country, when compared to other countries with lower temperatures and roads with better conditions.

In addition, the variation in durability of a tire depends essentially on the external variables mentioned in question 8.

 

11. How can I find out the age of a tire (time elapsed after its manufacture)?

By recording the serial number. This number is engraved on one side of the tire, close to the beads (support area on the wheel). For tires manufactured before January 1, 2000, this number consists of three digits and from that date onwards, with four digits.

Examples:

(206 ») – indicates that it was manufactured in the week 20 of 1996 (the symbol next to the numbers indicates the odd decade (90). Without the symbol it would be a tire from the 80s.

(2300) – indicates that the tire was manufactured in week 23 of the year 2000. From 2000 on, there is no longer a need for the symbol to represent the odd decades.

 

12. Do the tires have an expiration date?

The tires do not have an expiration date, but the contractual warranty offered by the manufacturers, which is normally five years from the date of the tire purchase invoice or the date of purchase of the new vehicle, for automotive use. In the absence of proof of purchase of the tire, the date that can be considered is the date of manufacture of the tire.

It is recommended that any tire with more than 5 years of manufacture be examined by a qualified technician to determine if it is in a position to continue running.

However, even without an expiration date, it is important to do the proper maintenance – calibrate the tires weekly, rotate the tires, as well as aligning and balancing them – and watch for signs of wear. Another determining factor in tire durability is the driver’s steering profile. Driving aggressively or in places with a lot of traffic, which require constant braking, tends to use the tire more. The resistance of the tire goes through other factors, such as the mechanical conditions of the vehicle, load on the tire, climate and ambient temperature.

For tires of other applications, the contractual warranty of each manufacturer must be consulted, and in the same way as the automotive, it is recommended that any tire outside the contractual manufacturing warranty be examined by a qualified technician to determine whether it is in a position to continue running or be assembled.

 

13. What is a runflat tire?

Runflat is the technology that allows the driver to continue driving even with a flat tire. When a normal tire punctures, all the air escapes and, as the air sustains the tire, it starts to wither and the wheel comes into contact with the track, requiring its immediate replacement. In the case of the run flat, these tires are able to continue to travel for 80 kilometers at a maximum speed of 80 km / h. The sidewall structure is specially designed to support the weight of the car, ensuring a safe journey to the nearest tire dealer.

 

14. Can I use tires of different makes or models on my vehicle?

Although it is preferable to always use tires of the same make and model in all positions of the vehicle, it is possible to use tires of different makes and models, as long as the same assembly rule on the same axle is observed: On the same axle tires of the same size, make, model and wear condition should always be used.

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