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California is a state that is deep into the world of energy savings.  From its alternative energy initiatives that have helped the state gain numerous solar installations, from private rooftops to large farms, to hybrid car efforts, to programs to stomp out “power guzzling” television sets, California has taken the effort to lower our power footprint to new heights.

The latest Californian legislation proposes a fuel efficient tire rating system based on rolling resistance.  Proposed by the California Energy Commission’s (CEC), the measure is currently incorporating in feedback from the tire manufacturer representatives and tire industry association personnel.  The new system would rank all tires of the same size and load index against each other.  The proposal would require manufacturers to test all consumer tires using the ISO 28580 test protocol.

States the CEC, “The foundation of a government administered product rating system is a comprehensive database providing reliable test results and objective information accessible to everyone. A solid analytical basis combined with full disclosure and transparency inspires the confidence required for a rating system to be successful.  A ranking system driven by the ‘best in class tire’ can ignite a competitive spirit.”

It recommends, “All tires with an RRF (Rolling Resistance Force) within 15% of the lowest RRF reported tire for that combined tire size designation and load rating will be rated ‘fuel efficient tire.’”

The tire manufacturers aren’t huge fans of the proposed system, arguing it will bring them $20M USD in new costs.  They instead advocate five-star rating system based on a static scale for measuring rolling coefficients (not a competitive system).  They argue this will make the data easier for the customer to assimilate, as opposed to a ranking system by tire model.  The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), an industry group wants “self certification” as well.  

They also want to test fewer tires.  Finally, the industry is complaining that a California-only standard may be bad idea.  They point out that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently drafting a national RRF standard.

Typically manufacturers use pricier fuel efficient tires to raise their fuel economy, but replacement tires have been less fuel efficient.  Tire companies like Goodyear have begun to slowly offer the more fuel-efficient tires to the masses, and the new standard looks to recognize and evaluate these efforts.  

Fuel efficient tires cost approximately $8 more for a set of four tires, an investment that is typically returned within 3 months, according to a study (PDF) by the National Academies of Science.  At $2.50/gallon gas, typically you’ll save $100 over the 3 and 1/2 year life of the tires.