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Depending on size, type, and quantity, fitting some new rubber to your rig can quickly get expensive.
The good thing is that if you go for a decent brand you won’t have to change them regularly. However, if you drive on rocky or difficult trails you may get punctures and premature wear.
What happens if we don’t have the financial ability to afford brand-new off-road tires though? Well, there are two answers to this question. The first one is buying used and the second is going for remolded tires.
In today’s article, we will be going over the latter.
What are Remolded Tires?
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Remolded tires are half recycled and half new tires. So, you can already see where the savings are coming from. Don’t worry, your tires won’t look half used and half new. The great thing about remolds is that they look brand new and have the tread of a brand-new tire.
The way remolded tires are made is simple. Manufacturers take a new piece of tread and stretch it around the tire until it gets to the bead. The bead remains the same as the old tire.
Don’t get these confused with retreaded tires. Those use a new tread that is glued on top of the old tire and that is the main reason why they often fail.
Pros of Using Remolded Tires
They are Cheaper
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The obvious benefit of using remolded tires is the fact that they are cheaper. If you are on a budget there is nothing better than some good old money-saving.
More Environmentally Friendly
One can also say that they are better for the environment as you are reusing part of the old tire instead of throwing it away.
Good Off-Road Performance
Lastly, most of these tires come with a tread that copies famous brands such as BF Goodrich; therefore, their performance can many times be surprising.
Cons of Using Remolded Tires
They are Heavier
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Because a new layer is being pressed on top of the old one the tire will be heavier. A heavier tire leads to more fuel consumption, premature wear, and may increase the chance of breakages out on the trail.
Airing Down Won’t Be as Effective
The thicker sidewall also means that the tire won’t balloon out as well when deflated. The main reason we deflate tires is to increase their footprint; however, a tire with a thick sidewall isn’t soft enough to achieve this effect – especially on a light vehicle.
Balancing Issues
Because of the remolding process sometimes these tires have balancing issues. So, if your tire shop fits your wheels with plenty of weights and takes time to fit the tires for you, it’s because they are having a hard time balancing them.
Finding a Replacement Can Be Difficult
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Branded tires are easy to come by everywhere in the world. Remoulds not so much. You may be able to find them but the chances of them being the same brand as the ones you already have are slim. Therefore, if you are planning on heading out in more remote areas you may be better off going with some well-known branded tires.
I would go for remolded tires if I was on a strict budget and needed a tire that would enable me to get out and explore. Do some research on the ones you are planning on buying and if other people say they work fine then go for it.
If you have the money for a branded tire, then go for this option. In my opinion, it provides more peace of mind while also saving on some fuel and vehicle wear due to the lighter weight.
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