Framework of California’s Replacement Tire Efficiency Program

Assembly Bill (AB) 844 (Nation, Chapter 645, Statutes of 2003) directs the California Energy Commission to adopt a Replacement Tire Efficiency Program to ensure replacement tires for passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in California are at least as energy-efficient as the tires sold as original equipment on new vehicles. AB 844, codified at Public Resources Code sections 25770-25773, directs the California Energy Commission to:

• Develop and maintain a database for tire efficiency information.
• Establish a rating system, based on an adopted test procedure, for the energy efficiency of replacement tires sold in the state.
• Set minimum performance efficiency standards for replacement tires.
• Require manufacturers to report the energy efficiency of replacement tires.
• Develop an efficient tire consumer information program using point-of-sale information or signs to enable consumers to make more informed decisions when purchasing replacement tires.
• Review and revise the program at least every three years following adoption and implementation.

This staff report proposes adoption and implementation of a Replacement Tire Efficiency Program. This report proposes a regulatory framework that would add Chapter 14, Article 1 into Division 2 of Title 20 of the California Code of Regulations, commencing with Section 3300. California Energy Commission staff analyzed the cost-effectiveness and technical feasibility of the minimum performance standard for replacement tires for passenger vehicles. The statewide fuel and energy (electricity, in the case of electric vehicles) use, annual reduction in greenhouse gases, and consumer savings are included in this analysis.

The proposed minimum performance standard is cost-effective, is technically feasible, and based on initial staff estimates would save about 430.5 million gallons of gasoline, 1,996 gigawatt-hours of electricity, and 5.4 MMTCO2e annually at full implementation of the replacement tire efficiency program. Consumers may save between $800 and $1,400 per set of four replacement tires over the life of the tires through increased efficiency savings.