The technology and quality of Vipal Rubber products have conquered more and more carriers from all continents and in Oceania it's not different. The safety, durability, and cost reduction offered by the brand's products have led to major gains for New Zealand fleets. Leader in Latin America and one of the main manufacturers of products for tyre retreading in the world, Vipal has a complete line of treads for all needs and uses. With exclusive designs and high-quality rubber compounds, Vipal treads also bring innovations such as the Eye Control technology, that indicates the tread wear and the suggested moment of the tread removal for greater safety and maintenance of the tyre's recapability.

A Vipal Rubber partner retreading company, located in the South Island, has proven the durability and strength of Vipal treads through tests. After covering a distance of 45.317 kilometers, Vipal's VT540 tread presented a 4.2% higher result. In the first test, an Iveco Powerstar three-axle truck was equipped with tyres retreaded with the VT540 in measurements 295/80 R22.5. On the same truck, retreaded tyres with the same measurements were placed with a tread from one of the main market rivals. 

The VT540 tread was also tested against another very efficient tread from Vipal, the VT500, and exceeded the latter in more than 10 thousand km traveled until reaching the maximum and safe wear rate. The VT540 covered an amazing 103,833 km until reaching a thickness of about 2.4mm, while the VT500 reached the great mark of 92,089 km until reaching about 2.2mm. 

VT540 is a tread which has outstanding traction power in harsh conditions of use, ideal for regional roads, but applicable to the most different types of terrain. The design has features that allow the belt to be self-cleaning concerning the mud, sand, and stones build-up, maintaining the traction and safety of trucks on any ground or climate. Its design is 22mm deep and there is no mandatory assembly direction. The VT540 is equipped with Eye Control technology and has the Alpine Symbol, or 3PMSF marking, that certifies when the tyre is designed for severe snow conditions. To earn this qualification, the treads underwent rigorous testing at a major laboratory in Finland accredited by the European authorities, according to standard ECE R117. In Europe, all tyres, including the ones retreaded, must have this certification.  

For Dijan Rigo, Vipal's Commercial Coordinator in the region, the VT540 proved its superior quality and durability compared to treads from competing brands. In addition, he also commented on the comparison between Vipal's treads, confirming that both VT540 and VT500 are great options for carriers. “These are two designs that have the characteristic of facing any terrain and climate situation. Especially for the South Island, where winter conditions generate a lot of snow and mud on the roads, both products offer the necessary security for the fleets”, highlights Rigo. "Retreading tyres with quality treads such as those from Vipal still provides a considerable reduction in costs to carriers, in addition to reducing the volume of new tyres put to test on roads and highways, a factor that favors the environment and the circular economy", ends.