NHTSA proposes tire fuel efficiency stickers
American car buyers are used to seeing window stickers with information about fuel efficiency, crash test ratings and emissions. They may soon have another chunk of information to review when they go to their local tire store to buy new rubber. Buying new tires has always been problematic for drivers. Given how dependent tire performance is on things that the buyer can't see - rubber compounds and internal construction, for example - it's impossible to judge tires by just looking at them.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing a new sticker for replacement tires that would give buyers more information on which to judge tires. In addition to a wet traction index and tread wear rating, the new proposed stickers would include a fuel efficiency rating. The new rating is based on the tire's rolling resistance, which contributes to the overall efficiency of the vehicle. The new stickers are actually a requirement of the 2007 energy bill and NHTSA has to finalize them by the end of this year. Unfortunately, the sticker should also have some information about the tire's grip characteristics, which affect handling and braking capabilities.
[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
win39 11:47AM (6/21/2009)
"Unfortunately, the sticker should also have some information about the tire's grip characteristics, which affect handling and braking capabilities."
Maybe, but since the word "traction" and a letter code are already molded in large letters on the side of the tire...
Reply
Ignatius 11:57AM (6/21/2009)
Well, it's probably better that all the information of the tire is on display for a consumer who'd like to see it at face value compared to other tires. Keeping grip statistics on there also may discourage a consumer from buying tires that are as fuel efficient as possible (low-rolling resistance), with incredibly low traction.
You really, really don't want someone who makes decisions with that little information to be driving with slick tires.
Reply
John Rowell 12:12PM (6/21/2009)
"Unfortunately, the sticker should also have some information about the tire's grip characteristics, which affect handling and braking capabilities."
The graph for "safety rating/wet traction" should meet your needs well enough.
Reply
Critter 9:57AM (6/22/2009)
Oddly enough the grip characteristics are only part of "wet traction". Much of that is the tires design to push water out of the way allowing it to keep contact with the road surface. So it doesn't necessarily correlate to dry traction.
Jim 2:14PM (6/21/2009)
Another step toward a complete "nanny" society, the government does not need to hold everyone's han from crib to grave. Once they get involved costs escalate and quality and service bite the dust.
Reply
why not the LS2LS7? 2:31PM (6/21/2009)
It's just giving information. Nothing wrong with that.
GoodCheer 3:55PM (6/21/2009)
Jim, I completely disagree. I see this as a mechanism to improve market efficiency. The principles of capitalism are based on the premise of an informed buying public. If the public are not informed (by an unbiased source) then how can market preferences be expressed?
Throwback 7:50PM (6/21/2009)
You think the government is unbiased? Every administration has an agenda, being unbiased is not one of them. having said that, I have no problem with the sticker
Reply
Critter 9:59AM (6/22/2009)
Assuming the more important number should be listed first shouldn't safety be reported on the top?
Reply