U.S. DOT Proposes New Tire Fuel Efficiency Ratings for American Consumers

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
June 18, 2009

NHTSA 07-09
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Contact: Rae Tyson
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

The U.S. Department of Transportation today proposed a new, consumer-friendly replacement tire label which would include, for the first time, information about the tire’s impact on fuel economy and CO2 emission reductions. Tires with lower rolling resistance – and proper inflation pressure - can contribute to improved fuel economy.

In addition to the new fuel efficiency ratings, the proposal by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also would provide consumers with two other key pieces of tire performance information - wet weather traction and tread wear. All three ratings would be prominently displayed on a removable label attached to the replacement tire at the point of sale.

The new, three-tiered ratings also will appear on safercar.gov to help consumers in compare ratings as they shop for new tires.

“Today’s proposal takes the guess work 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.”

NHTSA is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to issue a final rule by December 2009.

Click here to read the proposal.

Click here to view the proposed ratings label.