Tire-label proposal would make comparison shopping easier
The federal government Thursday unveiled its proposed new tire label that would give consumers information about a tire’s effect on fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.
As some car owners strive for ever-greater miles per gallon, tires have drawn more focus as a potential source of savings. Factors such as a tire’s “rolling resistance” can change fuel economy by 10% or more. And burning more gasoline produces more carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas.
The proposed label from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also would provide consumers with easy-to-digest information about a particular tire’s wet-weather traction and tread wear. The ratings would be displayed on a removable label that would be affixed to all replacement tires.
The new three-tiered rating system also would be accessible at safercar.gov so consumers could do some comparison shopping before going to the tire store. The information also would be displayed on posters in tire shops.
“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.”
The proposed label will now be open to public comment before a final rule is issued. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 requires the NHTSA to adopt a final tire-label rule by December 2009.
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