The short answer
- New tyres: best for the steer axle, high-speed long routes, very rough quarry/mining work, and when you want top fuel efficiency + full warranty.
- Retreads: great for drive & trailer axles on most routes if the casing (the tyre body) is in good condition and the retread shop is good quality.
Pros and cons
Retreads
Why they’re good
- Cost much less—usually 30–50% cheaper than new.
- If done well, can give ~60–80% of new tyre mileage.
- Better for the environment (reuses the casing).
- A good casing can be retreaded more than once.
Watch-outs
- Everything depends on a strong, undamaged casing.
- Fuel economy can be a bit worse than a premium low-RR new tyre.
- Quality varies—use a reputed, audited retreader.
New tyres
Why they’re good
- Best for steer axle and for fuel efficiency.
- Come with OEM warranty and predictable life.
Watch-outs
- Higher upfront price.
- If you cut or overheat them early, it hurts more because they’re expensive.
When does a retread actually save money?
Think in cost per km (CPK):
- New CPK = new tyre price ÷ km you get
- Retread CPK = retread price ÷ km you get (casing already owned)
Quick rule:
If your retread price ≤ 40% of a new tyre and the retread mileage ≥ 60% of new, the retread usually wins in CPK.
Example (just to feel it):
- New tyre ₹26,000, runs 100,000 km → ₹0.26/km
- Retread ₹9,100 (35% of new), runs 70,000 km (70% of new) → ₹0.13/km
→ Retread wins here.
Where fleets usually use what
- Steer axle: mostly new (safety + handling).
- Drive & trailer axles: retreads if casings are healthy.
- Harsh tipper/off-road: new on steer; mixed on drive/trailer depending on cut risk.
- City bus/urban delivery: retreads work well (lower speeds, frequent stops).
Big truth: most roadside “tread peel” happens because of under-inflation, overload, heat, or road damage—not because “retreads are bad.” Good maintenance = good results for both.
Quick care checklist (matters more than brand)
- Keep correct air pressure (check weekly).
- Don’t overload; avoid long hot runs at low pressure.
- Fix alignment; remove stones from grooves.
- Track each tyre: ID, axle, km, removals—this protects casing value.
Common sizes & ply/load (India-friendly cheat sheet)
Bias tyres use PR (ply rating) like 14PR/16PR.
Radials use Load Range (roughly: G≈14PR, H≈16PR, J≈18PR).
These are just the most common; exact fitment varies by model and axle.
(A) SCV/LCV (Ace, Dost, 407/709 type)
- Sizes: 145R12 LT, 165R14 LT, 7.00-16, 7.50-16, 7.00R16, 215/75R15 LT
- Ply/Load: 8–10PR (LR C/D) for small; 12–16PR or LR D/E for bigger LCVs
(B) ICV (10–16T GVW)
- Sizes: 8.25-20, 9.00-20 (bias); 9R20, 10R20 (radial)
- Ply/Load: 14–16PR (bias) / LR G/H (radial)
(C) M&HCV Haulage / Tractor (highway)
- Steer/All-position: 295/80R22.5, 11R22.5, 315/80R22.5 → LR G/H
- Drive: 295/80R22.5, 11R22.5 → LR H
- Trailer: 11R22.5, 295/80R22.5; some use 385/65R22.5 → LR H/J
(D) Tippers / Construction & Mining
- Steer/Drive: 12.00R24 (or 12.00-24 bias), 11.00R20
- Ply/Load: 18–20PR (bias) / LR H/J (radial)
(E) Bus & Coach
- Intercity/coach: 295/80R22.5, 11R22.5 → LR G/H
- City bus (low-floor): 275/70R22.5 → LR J
Quick decision guide
- Check casing health. If good → retread drive/trailer; keep new on steer.
- Run simple CPK math. Retread wins if ≤40% price and ≥60% mileage vs new.
- Control heat: right pressure, no overload, fix alignment.
- Use good retreaders and keep records.
One-liners to remember
- Retreads save money when casings are good and maintenance is disciplined.
- New on steer, retreads on drive/trailer is a safe, common mix.
- Pressure, load, and heat decide tyre life more than anything else.