California is changing its regulations for car tires
California has become the first U.S. state to introduce efficiency requirements for tires sold as replacements for worn-out ones. The new rules are intended to help drivers save fuel and electricity, but manufacturers warn that tire prices may rise.
The first changes are set to take effect in 2029. Under the new rules, replacement tires must be, on average, just as energy-efficient as the ones manufacturers install on new cars. The reason for this decision is simple. After replacing the factory-installed tires, a car may lose some of its fuel efficiency. For electric vehicles, this could mean a shorter driving range.
One of the main factors is rolling resistance. Low-rolling-resistance tires help a car move more efficiently. This means the car needs less fuel or electricity to travel the same distance. The California Energy Commission believes that the new requirements will provide drivers with significant savings. According to the CEC’s estimates, Californians will be able to save nearly $1 billion annually on gasoline and electricity.
There is also an environmental benefit. The Commission forecasts a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of approximately 2 million metric tons per year. The CEC compares this result to removing about 400,000 gasoline-powered cars from the roads.
Authorities see benefits for drivers
Environmental organizations have supported California’s decision. They believe that similar requirements may eventually be adopted in other states as well. “California drivers want to save money and reduce harmful emissions, so I think Californians will be very pleased to have higher-quality tires on the market,” said Bill McGovern, policy director for the Clean Air Coalition.
He also noted that it is important for California to set its own environmental regulations. The state has long been at odds with the Donald Trump administration over such initiatives.
Manufacturers Fear Price Increases
However, the automotive industry has reacted to the new rules with mixed feelings. Michelin supported the decision. The company stated that the new requirements align with its approach to reducing the environmental impact of tires throughout their entire lifecycle.
Michelin also believes that the established efficiency targets are technically achievable. Goodyear, Yokohama, and the California Tire Dealers Association, however, opposed some of the changes. Industry representatives fear that the new standards will hit drivers’ wallets.
According to their estimates, the first phase of the regulations could increase the cost of replacing a tire by approximately $6–10 per tire. Even stricter requirements are set to take effect in 2033. Tire industry representatives warn that by then, a set of tires meeting the new standards could cost hundreds of dollars more than cheaper alternatives.
There are also concerns about enforcement of the regulations. Industry representatives fear that California will have difficulty monitoring the market if foreign manufacturers begin importing cheaper tires that do not meet the established requirements. In this way, California aims to make tire replacement not just a matter of safety and wear and tear, but also part of a policy to save fuel and reduce emissions. At the same time, drivers will have to wait until 2029 to see how the new rules will affect tire selection and prices in practice, according to The Guardian.
Russian authorities are considering imposing higher tariffs on imports of tires for passenger cars and light trucks. The brunt of the impact could fall on cheap products from China.
