The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is “conducting research to look into retreaded truck tires,” says a spokesman from the agency.
Initial testing will compare the performance of retreaded truck tires vs. new truck tires.
“There are so many processes we have to look at,” the spokesman says. “The testing program will at least address the major variables.”
NHTSA hopes to begin testing, which will be contracted out, this spring. It is soliciting input from retread manufacturers, retreaders and industry organizations like the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) and the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), among others.
“The goal isn’t to set up a standard right now. It’s exploratory reasearch –- just to get a snapshot.”
NHTSA is taking action in response to public concern, according to the spokesman. “We get a lot of people writing in. In light of the TREAD (Tire Recall Efficiency, Accountability and Documentation) Act, people have become more sensitive to tire issues –- maybe hyper-sensitive.”
