Genuine tires can be used for 5-6 years, whereas illegally retreaded tires will soon develop issues such as bulges or tire wear.
Strictly speaking, counterfeit tires do not exist. This is similar to how counterfeit bills under 50 yuan cannot generate a profit. However, retreading used tires can be highly profitable because the cost of illegal retreading is very low.
In China, retreaded tires that meet safety standards are legal and commonly used for truck tires, construction tires, and aircraft tires. These tires can have more than 10 layers of tread, and once worn down, the tread can be replaced with a new layer. Such retreaded tires are legally processed by certified manufacturers.
However, for passenger car tires, illegally retreaded tires from small workshops and shady businesses are also common. While genuine tires can last 5-6 years, illegally retreaded tires will often show signs of failure, such as bulging or wear, in a short period.
Small workshops often take discarded genuine tires, re-melt the surface, mix in old rubber, and imprint a new tread pattern. At first glance, these may look like new tires, but in reality, they pose significant risks. These retreaded tires are made from heavily worn or damaged tires, and the newly processed tread is thinner and less durable than that of a genuine tire, failing to meet standard usage requirements.
These tires are particularly dangerous under conditions such as high speeds, rainy weather, or heavy loads, as they can directly affect braking performance, creating safety hazards, and are more prone to blowouts.
How to Identify New Tires vs. Illegally Retreaded Tires
Price is much lower than genuine tires
If a tire is priced significantly lower than other places, it’s a red flag. For example, if a shop advertises a certain brand or model of tire at half the price or a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere, it’s likely that they are selling retreaded tires.
If you're buying tires online, pay attention to the shipping location. The retreading black market is quite prevalent in areas like Huizhou, Guangdong.
Color distortion, fingerprints left when touched
Retreaded tires are made from old tires, so their surface doesn’t have the same shine as new tires. Small workshops often use wax to artificially enhance the appearance, making them look more colorful. However, if you press the surface with your finger, it will leave a fingerprint.
Poor elasticity, easy-to-remove tire markings
Genuine new tires from manufacturers typically have good elasticity. If you lightly scratch the tire surface with a key, the marked area will quickly return to its original form without leaving a trace.
Retreaded tires, due to the aging of the rubber, will show diminished elasticity. When scratched, the mark will remain.
Genuine new tires have product markings integrated into the tire and cannot be peeled off. In contrast, the markings on poor-quality retreaded tires are often applied by small workshops and can be easily peeled off.
Additionally, tires that have been stored for over 18 months will have reduced performance, and their price will be lower than that of new tires. Many car owners are not aware of how to check the tire production date, which can lead to spending money on tires that are no longer in optimal condition, with potential safety risks.
The quality of tires directly affects driving safety. Beyond learning how to distinguish between genuine and fake tires, it’s important not to be lured by the temptation of low prices.
