New tire rule raises concerns: ‘California is particularly vulnerable here’

California regulators approved a new standard for replacing car tires this week that they say will improve efficiency while cutting costs at the gas pump, but will also force drivers to pay more for replacement tires.

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The California Energy Commission approved the standard Monday after six years of reviews and “collecting extensive technical advice from tire manufacturers,” Harrison Reilly, spokesperson for the commission, told SFGATE in an email. 

Called the Replacement Tire Efficiency Program, the regulation will take effect in 2029. Eventually, anyone in California in the market for tires must purchase replacements that adhere to the standard — which the CEC expects will cost an additional $26 for a full set for an average vehicle. The regulation has several carve-outs for certain tires, including motorcycle and all-season winter performance tires.

Regulators maintain that the more efficient tires will eventually save drivers at the pump by making their tires more fuel efficient and leading to better gas mileage. “The additional cost of meeting the minimum standards is low: only a few dollars per tire, which is fully paid back by fuel savings in a matter of months,” Reilly explained.

The regulation received broad support from tire manufacturers, notably from Michelin and Bridgestone, who testified during the rulemaking. The measure was also backed by Discount Tire, the leading tire retailer in California.

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However, others in the industry worried that the regulation is ill conceived. Tracey Norberg, executive vice president and general counsel of the United States Tire Manufacturers Association, raised concerns about the state’s ability to stop loopholes, such as imported tires.

“Competitiveness is at an all-time concern for this industry, where we’re seeing low-cost importers that cut corners on safety and performance, importing tires into the market,” Norberg said during the hearing on Monday. “I will tell you, California is particularly vulnerable here.”

The CEC is confident that the regulation will ultimately benefit drivers. In its analysis, it found that it expects the standard to deliver a collective $1 billion per year of fuel savings for Californians.