For SoCal drivers, keeping up with changes that affect the cost of owning and operating a car is increasingly important. California has approved the nation’s first replacement tire efficiency standards, a new rule that will change which tires can be sold in the state as stricter requirements roll out over the next several years.
The measure, approved by the California Energy Commission, is designed to reduce the amount of fuel or electricity vehicles need to travel, potentially lowering running costs over time. But the tire industry has raised concerns that meeting the new requirements could push prices higher and limit the number of available models.
What California’s new tire rule means for drivers
The regulation focuses on rolling resistance, or how much energy a tire requires as it moves along the road. Tires that deform more while rolling require more energy, meaning a vehicle has to work harder and consume more fuel or electricity.
According to the California Energy Commission, replacement tires are generally less efficient than the tires originally installed on new vehicles. The new standards aim to narrow that gap by requiring replacement tires to meet minimum efficiency levels.
The rule will be introduced in two phases:
- 2029: The first efficiency standard takes effect.
- 2033: A stricter standard begins.
The regulation applies to most replacement tires for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks sold in California. However, certain specialty products, including some racing, winter, off-road and temporary-use tires, are excluded.
The Energy Commission estimates that the higher standards could save drivers money over time. The state projects that drivers could save around $79 in fuel or electricity costs during the first phase, increasing to about $153 during the second phase.
But the rule has also sparked concerns over affordability and choice. Tire manufacturers have argued that producing tires that meet the stricter requirements could increase prices, particularly for lower-cost models, according to KTLA5. Additionally, once fully implemented, the new standards could disqualify roughly 70% of the tires currently sold.
