California Energy Commission approves low rolling resistance tire mandate
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The California Energy Commission voted unanimously to require most replacement tires sold in the state to match the rolling resistance of original equipment tires. The rule will take effect in phases starting in 2029, affecting 70% of tires currently on the market. The commission estimates drivers will save $179 in gasoline over a tire set's life, while critics cite higher tire costs and potential shorter tread life.
Key Facts
- The California Energy Commission voted unanimously to require most replacement tires sold in the state to have rolling resistance as low as the tires a car originally came with from the factory.
- 70% of tires currently on the market do not meet the new standard, according to KCRA.
- The rule will be phased in starting in 2029, with Phase 1 running from 2029 to 2033 and Phase 2 from 2033 onward.
- The CEC estimates the incremental cost at $1.50 per tire during Phase 1 and $6.50 per tire during Phase 2.
- The CEC projects a typical gasoline car driver will save $179 in fuel over the life of a set of more efficient tires, based on gasoline prices of $4.60 per gallon.
The Mandate
The California Energy Commission voted unanimously to require most replacement tires sold in the state to have rolling resistance as low as the tires a car originally came with from the factory. The rule will significantly reduce the tire selection available to Californians, as 70% of tires currently on the market do not meet this standard, reports KCRA. Exceptions include used tires, competition tires for motorsports, snow tires, motorcycle tires, and large off-road tires limited to 99 mph. The mandate will be phased in starting in 2029, with Phase 1 running from 2029 to 2033 and Phase 2 from 2033 onward.
Cost and Savings
The CEC estimates the incremental cost at $1.50 per tire during Phase 1 and $6.50 per tire during Phase 2. A typical driver of a gasoline car with more efficient tires will save $179 of gasoline over the life of a set of tires, or about seven times the incremental cost, according to the CEC. These savings were calculated with gasoline prices of $4.60 per gallon, and at the elevated gasoline prices of mid-2026, the savings could be 25% higher than estimated. California's average gasoline price is currently $5.57 per gallon, compared to the national average of $4.06 per gallon, according to AAA.
Tire Lifespan Debate
Tires optimized for low rolling resistance generally do not last as long as other types, as Car and Driver explained. This means tires will have to be replaced more frequently, which can more than erase any savings at the pump and cost drivers more money overall. The CEC sent Jalopnik a statement denying this, saying the proposed regulations will not result in a shorter replacement tire lifespan for California drivers. In partnership with Smithers, a leading independent tire testing laboratory, the CEC tested tires sold for the most popular cars and light trucks in California, as measured by California DMV license registrations. The research, matched with real-world treadwear data from Discount Tire's Treadwell program, showed no relationship between efficiency and tire lifespan within the California market.
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California Energy Commission approves low rolling resistance tire mandate
