The U.S. Department of Transportation on Thursday, June 18, proposed a new consumer-friendly replacement tire label for passenger vehicles that would include, for the first time, information about the tire’s impact on fuel economy and CO2 emissions reductions. Tires with lower rolling resistance – and proper inflation pressure – can contribute to improved fuel economy.
In addition to the new fuel efficiency ratings, the proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also would provide consumers with two other key pieces of tire performance information – wet weather traction and tread wear. All three ratings would be displayed prominently on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale. The new three-tiered ratings also will appear on www.safercar.gov to help consumers in compare ratings as they shop for new tires.
“Today’s proposal takes the guesswork out of buying the best tires for your vehicle,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Our proposal would let consumers look at a single label and compare a tire’s overall performance as it relates to fuel economy, safety and durability.”
NHTSA is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to issue a final rule by December. Click here to read the proposal; click here to view the proposed ratings label.
