A long time ago when I was not gainfully employed, “retreads” were a viable option when my old Ford pickup needed tires. The re-treaded and repaired rubber had a decent warranty and was about half the price of a new tire and superior to buying used tires. But the proliferation a decade ago of cheap, new-tire brands eliminated much of the price advantage of retreads

Retreads are still common for big trucks (we’ve all seen the carcasses of lost treads on the roads) and for industry, agriculture and some all-terrain use.

Today, “repurposed” tires are another new green recycled product. But “retread” is a dirty word to Anthony Showen, CEO of TreadWright Tires. Based in Houston, TreadWright specializes in “remolded” tires for light trucks and SUVs.

Remolded tires are not like recaps with the tread glued onto the resurfaced tire, Showen said. TreadWright uses a mold-cure press process similar to new-tire processing, he said. Remolded tires have been common in Europe since 2003 when old tires were banned from landfills and even shredded tires have been banned since 2006. About 40 percent of vehicles in the U.K. and Europe are on remolded tires, Showen said. But his company was the first to bring the process to market in the U.S. he said.


The company uses only name-brand tire casings — including Michelin, Goodyear, Toyo, Pirelli — and uses no import casings and no casing older than five to six years. TreadWright’s remolding process uses 70 percent of the original tire and then applies its own tread and sidewall for its unique patterns, Showen said. Essentially, the tire is remanufactured to as-new condition, he said, but TreadWright adds an extra veneer on the sidewall for protection.

Each finished tire is then inspected, balanced and DOT approved and DOT rated for 40,000 miles. Each tire also gets a restart date for its lifecycle use, which is stamped into the sidewall, just as on a new tire.

TreadWright has tire diameter sizes from 15-20 inches in C, D and E load ranges. That’s about 80 percent of the light truck market, Showen said. There are all-terrain tires (common to pickups), mud tires and crawlers, with names such as Warden, Guard Dog and Claw. And all TreadWrights are covered by two-year Workmanship Warranty, such as for tread separation, tread lift or sidewall bulge. Tires may be replaced if less than a year old or prorated for an older tire. If the tire can be repaired, TreadWright will reimburse up to $25 for a repair made by a licensed tire-service provider.

Pricing is about 40 percent of a new major-brand tire and includes shipping (except to Alaska and Hawaii), if ordered through the TreadWright website. For example, the all-terrain Warden 245 75 17-inch with an E load range is $129 with free shipping and the $4 processing fee. The same size by a variety of name-brand makes at Tirerack.com ranges from about $140-$200, not including shipping. Financing is available for applicants who are over the age of 18, currently employed and earning at least $1,000 month and have an active checking account.


TreadWright has been waving the green “recycled” flag for 40 years, but news of the company was news to me until I received a press release about the tires’ optional warranty. The 24-month Road Hazard Warranty Certificate is available on all new TreadWrights including LT metric sizes. Coverage, starting at $12.49 per tire, includes unforeseen (normal) road conditions like potholes, nails, debris or impact with foreign objects that can lead to tire failure.

The company also has just partnered with the Expeditionary Veterans Association to provide tires for recreational and therapeutic outdoor excursions for veterans.

“TreadWright Tires are an American-made product through and through,” said Showen. “We are not trying to compete with the major brands but to offer a reliable price-point option for everyday folks.”

Info: TreadWright.com


Veteran’s career opps

The Jaguar Land Rover Academy in Irvine will hold an open house Oct. 10 for military veterans career opportunities. Attendees will be able to speak with local retailers, service managers and representatives from Jaguar Land Rover North America to learn more about the career opportunities and programs being offered. There also will be tours of the state-of-the-art training center, technical demonstrations and Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles on display.

Jaguar Land Rover North America plans to place up to 180 veterans across its U.S. retailers in 2016, working in collaboration with CALIBRE Systems, Inc.

Jaguar Land Rover will also return for 2017 as presenting partner of the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The international sporting event for wounded, ill and injured service members will take place on Sept. 24-30, 2017.

Info: (949) 341-3050; Jaguar Land Rover Academy, 9292 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA, 92618.


#BMWRockstheDesert

During the opening weekend of the Coachella Valley’s Desert Trip Festival (DesertTrip.com), the BMW Performance Center West will stage its own “ultimate” entertainment.

Saturday, Oct. 8, and Sunday, Oct. 9, the grounds of the BMW Performance Center West in Thermal will be transformed for the first BMW Rocks the Desert. There will be live music and a DJ, dining, shopping and four sessions of competitive driving — with shuttle service to and from the Desert Trip Festival.

Track time at the BMW Performance Center West. (BMW )

Driving events conducted by BMW instructors include:


Rat Race: Two drivers compete against each other to catch the other driver.

Drag Race: Two drivers go head-to-head in an old-fashioned drag race.

Timed Runs: Individual drivers try to beat their best time on a handling course that includes slaloms, chicane turns and an end-of-race stop box.

There also will be test drives of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car (starting at about $142,000). And there will be hot laps by performance center driving instructors.


When not behind the wheel, guests will be treated to live music and a DJ, powered by Sicky eyewear and the Modernica Lounge. The Urban Art Group CAL gallery will unveil photos featuring performers from Desert Trip, which will include the Stones, Dylan, Neil Young, The Who and Paul McCartney. There also will be art displays, pop-up shops and a beauty bar. And L.A.-based abstract artist, Spencer “MAR” Guilburt will paint a BMW M4.

The Thermal Club private race track is next to the Empire Polo Field, site of the Desert Trip Fest, and next to Ross Aviation, where jet-setting guests will be transported to the track from the moment they land.

All this for just $199 per person or $250 with a non-driving guest.

RSVP at bmwpcxmar.com or call (888) 345-4269.


Museum reception

Be among the first to see the cars, meet the exhibitors and nosh on food and beverages for the new special exhibit at the San Diego Automotive Museum, “Wagons … Weekend Warriors.” The new exhibit features 15 cars that illustrate the evolution of the wagon from depot hack (a station wagon) to the big family cruisers of the 1960s and 1970s. $15 ($10 volunteers and members). RSVP required by Oct. 17. Info: (619) 231-2886 or sdautomuseum.org.

Mark.Maynard@sduniontribune.com