An HGV tyre whose tread depth has reached the wear line is not at the end of its useful life. What actually provides the resistance to the internal pressure of an HGV tyre (7 bars on average) is the carcass- the rubber around it is only there for protection. To extend the life of a used tyre, you just need to regroove the tread. This is only a legal operation if the tyre has “regroovable” written on the side.
Regrooving is performed using a manual tool which combines a heating element with a blade. This enables a tyre to travel a further 20-30% of the distance it has already covered. Manufacturers give very specific instructions for each of their models. The technique enables you to make emergency stops and achieve a groove depth equivalent to a tyre at half of its useful life. Now you understand why the real name for this operation is “adhesion”. A 2mm rubber layer is left between the carcass and the base of the new groove, maintaining full carcass protection and ensuring full stability for the tyre tread.
A tyre is regrooved once its resistance is at its lowest point. Effectively, the lever effect created between the carcass and the road will drop at the same rate as the tread is worn down. This phenomenon leads to lower fuel consumption (a reduction of CO2 emissions of 1.6 tonnes per set per year) as well as much slower tyre wear: 1.6mm / 10,000km for new tyres and 0.8mm / 10,000km for regrooved tyres. A second regrooving operation is advised following tyre retreading, too.
In short, regrooving is a great way of saving on your tyre expenses, and offers real benefits for transport companies who use it.
Regroove four tyres, and you’ll save the equivalent of a brand new tyre and stop four perfectly good carcasses from being thrown away. Help protect the environment by consuming less fuel and throwing out fewer tyres.
Find out more about our techniques and the advantages of regrooving your tyres
“Find out about the techniques and advantages of regrooving your tyres in the Regrooving Catalogue published by Michelin.” See the Michelin regrooving catalogue