NHTSA proposes consumer-friendly tire efficiency labeling

Yesterday, we proposed a new, consumer-friendly replacement tire label. The new label takes the guess work out of buying the best tires for your vehicle.

You can see from the sample that the new label 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.

All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale.

Because some consumers never actually see the tires they buy until after they are installed, the new ratings will also appear on safercar.gov to help consumers compare ratings in advance of tire purchases.

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. I think that's pretty useful, and others think so, too. Many thanks to our National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for their good work in developing this program.

Summer driving season is here; people are loading up their cars, vans, and trucks for vacations. So, while we're talking tires, please remember that the best tires in the world will not keep drivers and passengers safe if they are underinflated or if vehicles are overloaded.

NHTSA offers excellent tire safety information on the web, and I urge you all to visit soon, visit often.

Safe driving, everyone-

Comments

[Todd Bartlett - Los Angeles - Home Theater Geek]

I think the Tire Rating System is a great idea. Most people have no idea what they are buying and just do what the salesman tells them as long as its in their budget. This would be helpful for sure.

[Jameson Saint Romain]

I can undertstand labeling treadwear, speed rating, and load range, but fuel economy? How can you accurately jdge the fuel economy produced on a tire? You would have to run every tire make on the same exact vehicle, on the same road, with the exact weather conditions every time. I personally think that is going to just favor one brand over another. Good article though. Thanks

[Furnace Filters Outlet]

That is a great idea. Most people have no clue about tires when they buy them. This will give them a better idea of what the tire will do for them when the purchase them.

[OTR Tire]

I agree great Idea and should help allot of people with tires.

Now if they could do this for http://wwfinc.net OTR Tires.

[TWK]

I believe you are the agency responsible for setting the crash standards on car bumpers. With all the data on inferior bumpers and repair costs increasing, why have you not corrected your prior feasko and improved the bumper standards in this country? 5-mph was too low, but this 2-mph impact standard is criminal. Bumpers are the first line of safety on any vehicle and you have essentially removed them. They are just decorative now. I walk faster than 2 miles per hour. You also know have expensive they have become to repair. Why has this not been corrected and who can I contact for an answer? This is one of the more stupid and irresponsible things done to "improve" driver safety. Please respond in writing to the email address sited. I already tried to contact NHTSA, but of course the web email was not functioning.

[serial numbers]

5-mph was too low, but this 2-mph impact standard is criminal. Bumpers are the first line of safety on any vehicle and you have essentially removed them. They are just decorative now. I walk faster than 2 miles per hour. You also know have expensive they have become to repair.

[Bob Derkon]

I can undertstand labeling treadwear, speed rating, and load range, but fuel economy? How can you accurately jdge the fuel economy produced on a tire? You would have to run every tire make on the same exact vehicle, on the same road, with the exact weather conditions every time. I personally think that is going to just favor one brand over another. Good article though. Thanks

[Dianne Llanos]

I've enjoy reading your post. I gain a lot of information about your sort which is the tire rating system. I think your company is responsible about that. Thank you and keep it up.