DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE-USE & PREMIUM TIRES?

In the lifespan of a tire, single-use tires can cost three times as much.

Single-use tires may be an attractive option due to the price point, but let’s take a closer look to determine if it’s the most cost-effective choice for your fleet…

Stacks of commercial retread tires leaning against a wall inside a Kal Tire retread facility, with team members working on retread tires in the background
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Tire Quality Comparison Study

Performance Tests

Kal Tire worked with an independent, ISO-accredited tire testing organization to compare the performance of three commercial truck tires to see how long tires wear before requiring replacement. A drum machine was used to test the life of a:  

  • Premium tire
  • Kal Tire retread
  • Single-use tire

The results found that you would have to buy three single-use tires to run the same distance of one premium, new or retread tire. Plus, you can give a second or even third life to the premium tires as retreads that also perform like-new.

Diagram comparing the rolling resistance of two commercial tires, illustrating differences in fuel efficiency and tire performance

Extra Savings

Reducing rolling resistance can reduce your fuel costs. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy and fuel it takes out on the road.

The casing of a tire makes up more than half of its rolling resistance. A premium tire casing results in significantly lower rolling resistance and more fuel savings. What would 3-5% in fuel savings mean for your fleet every year?

Rolling resistance calculated using the Michelin Rolling Resistance Comparison Tool.

Diagram comparing premium tires, single-use tires, and retread tires, illustrating differences in tire lifecycle, performance, and total operating value.

And They’re Better for the Environment

Single-use tires produce 95%+ tire wear particle waste

Since you need more tires to go the same distance as a premium or retread tire, single-use tires produce more than double the tire wear particle waste.

Tire particles are a major contributor to microplastics in urban runoff. These highly potent, toxic substances compromise healthy land and waterways, and their ecosystems.

Casing Construction

When you look closely, you can see why the casing of a premium tire ensures it will last longer, giving you a lower total cost of ownership.

Single-use tires are built with less material and inconsistencies in their construction, enabling them to be sold at a lower price, but in turn reducing their performance.  Premium tires are built to last—and be retreaded. Construction of the crown, belts and sidewall areas are critical for a strong, retreadable casing.

The Crown Structure

Close-up of a premium retreadable commercial tire showing the crown structure, engineered for durability, retreadability, and extended tire life

Premium, Retreadable Tire

  • 4 belt package with all belts running in different directions creates a robust structure to help distribute load and control heat and stress.
  • More steel in belts = more strength and durability.
  • More stable tread means more mileage and less irregular wear problems.
Close-up of a single-use commercial tire, showcasing the tread design and construction of a low-cost tire intended for one service life

Single-Use, Low Priced Tire

  • 3 belt package – only two of the belt packages cross and stability belt is only two inches wide.
  • Steel bundles have a smaller radius (not as thick) and are more spaced out.
  • Less stable tread means reduced mileage and more irregular wear problems. 

The Crown Belt Layer

Close-up of a premium retreadable commercial tire showing the crown belt layer, engineered to support durability, retreadability, and extended tire life

Premium, Retreadable Tire

  • Tight and consistent steel packages create strength.
  • Additional protection and stability = more mileage and less irregular wear. 
Close-up of a single-use commercial tire showing the crown belt layer, designed for one service life and highlighted as part of a tire construction comparison

Single-Use, Low Price Tire

  • Loose and with gaps in steel belt package results in less strength.
  • Less steel = less protection and structural support for retreading. 

The Sidewall Layer

Close-up of a premium retreadable commercial tire showing the sidewall layer, engineered to support casing durability, retreadability, and extended tire life

Premium, Retreadable Tire

  • Thick diameter casing cords with tight spacing results in a stronger, more durable casing.
  • A more durable casing means greater resistance to impacts and better retreadability. 
Close-up of a single-use commercial tire showing the sidewall layer, illustrating the tire's construction as part of a commercial tire comparison

Single-Use, Low Priced Tire

  • Small diameter casing cords with larger spacing results in a weaker, less durable casing.
  • A less durable casing is more prone to impact damage and not suitable for retreading. 

Which Tire Is the Most Cost-effective Choice for Your Fleet?

Which tire wins on the below features?

Single-Use Tire

Premium Tire
Lower upfront acquisition price √
Longer tire life √
Lower rolling resistance √
Lower fuel costs √
Retreadable √
Lower total cost of ownership √
Less particle waste √
Less downtime & lower labour costs caused by tire changeovers √

Helping customers find the most cost-effective tires for their fleet is what we do.  

With Kal Tire’s tailored tire management programs, our experts recommend the right tires for the right application—and then we manage your tire assets to help you make the most of that investment through a Kal Tire retread program.  

Tire inventory planning and performance tracking are just the start. With the transparency of our reporting, you can be confident you’ve got the best-performing tire at the lowest cost. 

Discover the lowest cost tires for your business.