SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> California regulators on Monday has approved new rules that will restrict which replacement tires can be sold across the state in an effort to meet energy-efficiency standards.
Under the new standards, about 70% of the tires currently sold in California would no longer qualify for sale once the regulations are fully implemented.
Supporters argue the rules will benefit the environment, improve vehicle fuel efficiency and, over time, this will save drivers money at the pump they said.
Critics counter that the regulations will lead to significantly higher tire prices, outweighing any fuel savings.
In the not-too-distant future, California drivers could face fewer choices when shopping for new replacement tires. Use tires will not be part of the new rules.
“The new tire efficiency standards that my commission just adopted yesterday will ensure that the tires sold in 2029 will be the same quality, just as good as the tires that are on your brand-new car when you drive it off the lot,” said Nancy Skinner, a commissioner with the California Energy Commission.
On Monday, the commission unanimously voted to adopt new standards governing which replacement tires can be sold in California.
The regulations will be implemented in two phases, the first in 2029 and the second in 2033.
(Phase 1 starts 2029): Maximum rolling resistance capped at 9.1 N/kN. (Phase 2 starts in 2033) Maximum rolling resistance lowered to 7.2 N/kN.
What is N/kN Mean:
The standard metric unit for rolling resistance. It measures the friction and energy loss (as heat and flex) when a tire rolls against the pavement.
The commission says replacement tires often do not deliver the same fuel efficiency as the tires originally sold with new vehicles. Officials argue the higher standards will result in only modest price increases that drivers will eventually recover through fuel savings.
“You think about how much gas is per gallon, and we don’t see it going down,” Skinner said. “So, what those tires with low rolling resistance do is they give you better gas mileage. So, if you get better gas mileage, you’re going to the gas station less, so you’re buying fewer gallons of gas.”
Skinner acknowledged that under the new regulations, about 70% of the tires currently sold would not be legal to sell in California by 2033.
That is one reason critics, including many in the tire industry, argue the commission is vastly understating the price increases consumers will face.
A coalition of tire companies and industry organizations sent a letter to the commission urging it not to adopt the regulations.
The letter stated: “Observable market evidence demonstrates that this assumption is not realistic. Tires capable of meeting rolling-resistance performance consistent with the proposed Phase 2 standard are typically priced hundreds of dollars more per set than baseline alternatives. When realistic pricing is applied, the modest fuel savings projected by the SRIA are insufficient to offset the increased upfront costs over the life of the tires.”
Environmental groups backed the regulations, pointing to improved air quality and other environmental benefits.
Some people are saying it will actually increase costs more for tires.
There is a loophole you can buy out of state or buy used tires that aren’t safe.
Remember we need you to VOTE this November. Vote the right governor and others in, they may stop this for people struggling in the state of California.
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