Michelin scales TreadEye depth sensing tool across U.S. retread network
Oct. 27, 2025
3 min read
Michelin has fully deployed its proprietary TreadEye tread depth assessment tool to enhance the tire maker’s MRT (Michelin Retread Technologies) 9-step process and deliver more value to fleets by optimizing tread life. The system is now available across the U.S. at MRT franchises.
TreadEye was designed to offer more accurate insights with less operator intervention at the initial inspection phase.
Key benefits:
- Maximization of rubber on the road by avoiding early pulls;
- Early warning system for casing damage,
- Reduce DOT violations and downtime from late pulls;
- Improved efficiency in the tire removal process
Once a tire is on the machine, the sensing system automatically adjusts to the tire size, which can range from the X1 to smaller commercial sizes. It collects 1,200 data points per rotation on tread wear and casing condition, with an accuracy of 1/32, the company said. That data can then be used by Michelin and dealers to ensure the quality of fleets’ retread tires and improve total cost of ownership.
“By incorporating innovations like TreadEye into our MRT retreading process, we’re able to provide fleets with actionable data that can have a positive impact on the efficiency of their tire program, which in turn can have a positive impact on their bottom line,” said Nate Kirian, Vice President of Sales and Distribution, Commercial Business Lines for Michelin North America.
One reason is that fleets now have the ability to identify pull points by fleet location.
“Having access to accurate, consistent tread depth data broken down by fleet terminal location gives fleet managers insight into their operations that wasn't previously available,” Kirian told Fleet Maintenance. “For example, if their casing management procedures indicate tires should be pulled for retreading at 4/32nd and the data coming out of TreadEye shows that tires are consistently arriving at the plant for retreading at 7/32nds, the fleet may not be getting the full value out of their tire assets.”
He added that if tires come to the retreader at 1/32nd, “the fleet may be at risk for casing damage, DOT violations and additional downtime.”
MRT nine-step process
According to Michelin, its 9-step retread process allows these refurbished tires to last only 10% fewer miles than a new tire. Sustainable benefits include saving 100 million+ gallons of oil that would be used for manufacturing new casings, as well as reducing the amount of tires that end up in landfills per year.
The nine steps include:
- Initial inspection: detect subtle irregularities that may indicate internal damage
- Buffing: Uses computer-aided sensors to obtain under tread of optimal profile, depth, and texture
- Casign integrity Two-step laser photography performed on every tire - Reveals belt separations or blisters within the belts or other not visible areas
- X-ray Available and used when needed – Allows visual inspection of the steel belts within the casing
- Repair best practice repairs – Thermal curing along with mechanical pressure exceeds industry standards
- Tread building Uses MICHELIN® tire tread – Combines two operations into one: applying hot cushion gum and pre-molded tread
- Double enveloping - use of inner envelope applies pressure to both sides of the repair – Ensures every retread surface undergoes uniform pressure and temperature
- Curing Computer controlled for minimum temperature variations – Achieves optimal uniformity and enhances full integration of all repairs
- Final inspection Assurance of the best retread every time – Thorough inspection of crown, sidewall, bead and interior – we make sure your retread is for the road
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.
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