California implements new performance standards for replacement tires

On August 17, California announced that it has approved the nation's first energy efficiency standards for replacement tires, aiming to phase out less efficient options in two phases by 2033.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) states that its goal is to more closely match the rolling resistance specifications (and thus the fuel consumption targets) of replacement passenger car and light truck tires with the specifications of tires installed on new vehicles.

Phase 1 of the regulatory implementation (slated for 2029) will limit maximum rolling resistance of replacement tires to 9.1 newtons per kilonewton (N/kN). Phase 2 (slated for 2033) will advance the limit to 7.2 N/kN.

Regulators estimate an initial price increase of about $1.50 per tire in 2029, rising to about $6.50 per tire (or about $26 per set) by 2033. The CEC projects that the change will save drivers nearly $1 billion annually in fuel and electricity, estimating that an average driver will realize savings of approximately $179 over the lifespan of a compliant set of tires.

Tire Rolling Resistance Test Machine

But tire manufacturers such as Goodyear are concerned that California may be underestimating the price impact, suggesting that compliant tires could actually be hundreds of dollars more expensive per set, thus limiting consumer choice by about 70% of what is currently available in the replacement market.

Time will tell.

It is worth noting that California's new mandate does have a number of exemptions: namely, snow/winter tires, used and retreaded tires, deep-tread off-road tires, motorcycle tires, and emergency vehicle tires.