NHTSA Proposes Consumer-Friendly Tire Efficiency Labeling
19 June 2009
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed a new, more consumer-friendly replacement tire label that would include for the first time information about the tire’s impact on fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions, wet weather traction and tread wear.
| The proposed label. Click to enlarge. |
All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale. The new ratings will also appear on safercar.gov to help consumers compare ratings in advance of tire purchases.
NHTSA is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to issue a final rule by December 2009.
Resources
Proposal for Tire Fuel Efficiency Consumer Information Program
They could add roll resistance numbers as a comparative figure of merit. If I knew one tire has less roll resistance than another in the same size, then I could choose the more energy efficient brand.
Posted by: SJC | 19 June 2009 at 10:43 AM
The fuel rating is rolling resistance.
Posted by: GdB | 19 June 2009 at 12:00 PM
Unfortunately this is taking sooooo long because of opposition from tire makers that do not have good LRR tire technology.
Posted by: GdB | 19 June 2009 at 12:06 PM
Fuel rating may contain rolling resistance, but I want the pure rolling resistance number.
Posted by: SJC | 19 June 2009 at 03:20 PM
SJC,
You and maybe 1/100 of one percent of customers would want the actual rolling resistance figures. I would guess less than 1/2 of consumers care about the new fuel efficiency markings.
Personally, I like the new label that they show in the image - much more clearly defined than AA, AAA, A, etc ratings.
Posted by: Patrick | 19 June 2009 at 04:59 PM
We could get a 4 out of 5 star type rating, but it would be better to say on average you will get 2% better mileage with this tire than the average tire that is sold in this size for this weight vehicle.
It depends on how they provide the information. On an appliance, I get what it will cost me per year and the energy consumed in operation. That gives me a relative measure and some are even rated Energy Star. All I am asking is for truth in consumer information, the difference is in the details.
Posted by: SJC | 20 June 2009 at 11:30 AM