FAQ

What is a carcass?

With the Carcass is the Substructure of the visible tyre. The tread strip is applied to this. Good carcasses are particularly important in the commercial vehicle sector. These high-quality carcasses can be retreaded once or twice.

You can find more information about carcasses and how they can be processed on our page Carcasses and used tyres.

What is a tread tyre?

A tread tyre is a Used tyres with a certain amount of residual tread. The residual tread depends on the type of tyre. Tread tyres with a high proportion of residual tread are sold as used tyres.

You can find out more about the different heights of residual profile in our current purchase list. You can find the current version of the purchase list in the Download area.

What does AS tyres mean?

Tyres that are classified as AS (Field tractor) tyres are used in agriculture. These include, for example Tractor tyres and tractor tyres. From time to time we also have AS tyres in stock as used tyres. You can find out more about AS tyres and their disposal on our page Tractor tyres.

What does EM Tyres mean?

EM (Earth Mover) Tyres come with Earthmoving vehicles such as excavators, goods vehicles or similar applications. They have to withstand the toughest conditions and are among the largest tyres in the world. EM tyres are up to 4 m tall and can weigh up to 6 tonnes.

When is a tyre a used tyre?

A tyre is referred to as a used tyre if it is no longer suitable or approved for its intended purpose - i.e. it no longer has sufficient tread (car less than 1.6 mm) or is so damaged that there is a safety risk. Or if the dimension of the tyre has no market as a used tyre.

What is the so-called DOT number?

DOT stands for Department of Transportation. This designation is printed on the sidewall of the tyre and indicates when a tyre was produced. Accordingly, this information can be used to determine the exact age of a tyre.

Ex: DOT3618

This designation can be read as follows: The tyre has been 36th calendar week 2018 manufactured.

What is the minimum tread depth?

The legal requirement for car tyres is a Minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. Experts recommend more tread. Summer tyres should have a minimum tread of 3 mm for safety reasons (aquaplaning) and winter tyres 4 mm for traction.

What happens to my used tyres once I have handed them in?

The recycling of your used tyres depends solely on their exact condition and size. They may still be suitable as used tyres. Or we can send the tyres for retreading.

Tyres that have no tread or are damaged are recycled in accordance with the guidelines of the Recycling Management Act (§ 1). Rubber powder, Gum powder or rubber granulate. This in turn is then Used in carpet underlays, mousepads, sports floor coverings and much more. Tyres that cannot be granulated due to excessive contamination are used in cement works as a secondary fuel and substitute for crude oil.

As certified company we at KURZ keep a record of every tyre. If you would like to find out more, simply click on our "Process and utilisation" in.

Do you collect my tyres anywhere in Germany?

This depends on the quantity of tyres. Roughly speaking, we can say that we will collect your tyres up to 200km away. You are welcome to enquire about distances beyond this. Depending on your requirements, we can collect your tyres from a minimum quantity of 100 car tyres.

For more detailed questions Contact us Please feel free to contact us or use our Online forms and we will help you further.

Do tyres have an expiry date?

There is no general expiry date for tyres. This is because tyres wear out at different rates and age differently depending on how they are used and stored. However, it is recommended to have tyres checked regularly by a specialist after 6 years of use. Tyres that older than 10 years should no longer be used.

What is a retreaded tyre?

A retreaded tyre is a tyre in which the carcass, i.e. the substructure of the tyre, is used again for a new tyre life Only the tread or tread strip has been renewed. In the commercial vehicle sector, retreading is the most ecologically sensible measure, which can save around 70 % of energy.

How long can a tyre be used?

It is not possible to give an exact figure, as tyres wear out at different rates depending on use and application. A consistent driving style and regular maintenance of the tyres will extend their service life in any case. You should therefore pay particular attention to the individual quality characteristics of your tyres, such as Tread depth and obvious damage.

What does it cost to dispose of used tyres?

The disposal of used tyres is an important aspect of environmental protection and varies depending on the provider and region. At Kurz Karkassenhandel, we attach great importance to sustainable recycling processes. We specialise in the recycling of used tyres and offer individual solutions for professional disposal. For more detailed information on the conditions and options for disposing of used tyres, we recommend that you contact us, visit our page on the disposal of used tyres and rubber. We will be happy to provide you with personalised advice there. Some local authorities and specialised recycling companies, such as Kurz Karkassenhandel, support environmentally friendly disposal and offer special conditions or services. It is our concern to minimise the environmental impact of disposal and to comply with the regulations for proper disposal.

How much does it cost to dispose of tyres with rims?

The disposal of tyres with rims is a specialised process that poses particular challenges due to the greater effort required for separation and recycling. At Kurz Karkassenhandel, we offer customised solutions for the disposal of tyres with rims. The conditions for this can vary, so we recommend a visit to our website Disposal of used tyres and rubberwhere we can provide you with comprehensive advice. Thanks to our experience in the recycling process, we ensure that all materials are disposed of professionally and in an environmentally friendly manner. Here too, our aim is to make a contribution to environmental protection and at the same time fulfil the individual needs of our customers.

What can you do with old tyres?

Old tyres offer many opportunities for reuse and recycling. Kurz Karkassenhandel is committed to innovative and environmentally friendly solutions for making sensible use of old tyres. Here are a few examples:

• Playgrounds and sports facilities: Our recycled tyres find a new use as flooring material for playgrounds or sports facilities.
• Energy generation: Used tyres can be used to generate energy in specialised plants, whereby we pay strict attention to compliance with environmental regulations.
• Raw material extraction: We use advanced recycling processes to extract rubber granulate from used tyres, which serves as a raw material for new products.
• Upcycling into garden furniture or decoration: We see the potential in used tyres to transform them into creative pieces of furniture or decorative elements.

Buying used tyres - what should I bear in mind?

When buying used tyres, there are some important aspects to consider to ensure safety and quality:

• Tread depth: Make sure that the tyres have sufficient tread depth, ideally more than the legal minimum.
• Age of the tyre: Check the age of the tyres to ensure that they are not older than recommended.
• Even wear: A look at the signs of wear provides information about the condition of the tyres and possible problems with the vehicle geometry.
• Damage: Check the tyres carefully for cracks, punctures or other damage.

How is a tyre carcass constructed?

The carcass of a tyre forms the supporting structure and is crucial for stability, load-bearing capacity and service life. At Kurz Karkassenhandel, we understand the importance of the carcass for the recycling process and the production of new tyres. The carcass consists of multi-layered fabric or steel wires carefully encased in rubber to provide the necessary strength and flexibility. Our expertise in handling the carcass enables us to obtain high-quality recycled materials and thus make a valuable contribution to protecting the environment and conserving resources. By professionally processing the carcasses, we help to ensure that tyres can provide valuable services in a new life cycle, be it in the production of new tyres or in other recycled products.

When is the best time to buy summer tyres?

The best time to buy summer tyres is directly after winter or at the beginning of spring, before the big changeover season begins. Kurz Karkassenhandel recommends using this period to buy tyres, as many dealers have attractive offers and discounts to make room for new collections. In addition, the variety of products is particularly large at the start of the season, giving you the opportunity to benefit from the best offers and find the ideal tyres for your vehicle. By planning early, you not only avoid the later rush, but also secure high-quality summer tyres at advantageous conditions.

When is the best time to buy winter tyres?

The best time to buy winter tyres is from late summer to early autumn, before the temperatures drop and the demand for winter tyres increases. Kurz Karkassenhandel recommends using this time to benefit from early booking discounts and special offers that many tyre dealers have available at this time. Buying early not only guarantees a comprehensive selection of tyre models and sizes, but also makes it easier to plan for tyre changes by avoiding the typical rush at garages at the start of the season. This ensures that your vehicle is optimally prepared for winter road conditions in good time, without having to compromise on quality or choice.

By planning ahead and using the expert advice and services of Kurz Karkassenhandel, you can both optimise the service life of your tyres and make an important contribution to environmental protection. Visit our Contact page for more information and personal advice on all your tyre needs. We look forward to assisting you with our expertise and working together to find the best solution for your requirements.

How much does it cost to dispose of a tractor tyre?

We are committed to the professional disposal of used tyres. You can dispose of all types of tyres with us - from car and truck tyres to tractor tyres, you are in good hands with us. KURZ Karkassenhandel ensures that every tyre is recycled in the best possible way. We also offer used tyre collection for your disposal and will send a van to you to take the tyres away. You can easily check our current prices via our Enquiry form enquire.