The federal government is close to finalizing new tire labeling regulations that will communicate the importance of comparing replacement tire ratings and performing proper tire maintenance. Retailers will be required to ensure the label is on the tire at point of sale and display a poster that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will supply. This program will undoubtedly prompt questions from retail customers, so sales personnel will have to have answers to subtle questions about such things as comparing the fuel efficiency of same-class tires.

The tire fuel efficiency consumer information program applies to replacement tires for use on vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less. The new rule was dictated by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007. Best known for launching new CAFE standards, the law’s fine print includes a provision on manufacturer tire testing so tires can be rated according to rolling resistance, traction and treadwear life. The label displays each of the three tire characteristics as a bar from 0 to 100 percent with an indicator signaling where along that continuum the tire rated.

Congress’ intention with the EISA tire provision was to improve fuel efficiency of passenger autos and reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions. There is only one problem. While consumers will be able to see the interplay of tire fuel efficiency and safety, they will also see a price interplay between tire safety and its fuel efficiency. NHTSA admits: “Maintaining the same traction and treadwear while increasing the fuel efficiency of a given tire often entails higher costs. Thus if a manufacturer seeks to improve fuel efficiency while keeping cost constant, there is a substantial chance that the construction will sacrifice either traction or treadwear.”

The program will not save drivers much money, but the benefit here is for the global environment. If 10 percent of all targeted replacement tires decrease their rolling resistance by 10 percent, the U.S. could save 78 million gallons of fuel and prevent 757,000 metric tons in CO2 emissions per year, according to NHTSA.

Dan Zielinski, a spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), says his group advocated for the new label and supports providing consumers with uniform and easily-understandable information. But the association will provide NHTSA with comments on the proposed rule, implying the RMA will be seeking some changes.