California drivers are about to have fewer choices when it’s time for a new set of tires — and the new rules are already getting pushback.
The California Energy Commission has adopted new efficiency standards for replacement tires sold for passenger cars and light-duty trucks. The rules regulate “rolling resistance” — essentially how much energy a tire uses as it rolls down the road.
The first standard takes effect in 2029, followed by tougher requirements in 2033. Goodyear told regulators the eventual standard could eliminate roughly 70 percent of replacement tires currently manufactured from being sold in California. That doesn’t mean 70 percent will actually disappear — manufacturers have several years to redesign tires to comply.
But that’s where the controversy comes in.
Goodyear representative Bret Gladfelty warned regulators that the requirements could add hundreds of dollars to the cost of some sets of replacement tires. The Energy Commission disputes that, estimating an average increase of about $6.50 per tire.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association, or SEMA, has also been fighting the proposal, warning that it could reduce consumer choice and hurt drivers. The opposition helped produce changes to the original plan: California delayed implementation and expanded exemptions after receiving feedback from the tire industry and automotive enthusiasts.
Those exemptions now include certain competition tires, qualifying winter tires, large off-road tires and other specialty products.
California says there’s a payoff. More efficient tires require less energy to move, meaning drivers should burn less gasoline — or use less electricity — and save money over the life of the tires. Energy Commission Chairman David Hochschild says, “This ultimately is about protecting consumers.”
Consumer and environmental organizations are supporting the standards, arguing buyers expect replacement tires to perform at least as efficiently as the tires that originally came with their vehicles.
But opponents see something very different: Sacramento deciding which tires Californians can and cannot buy.
This story compiled with help from AI.
