Low rolling resistance is not a major factor to U.S. tire buyers, according to testimony by TIA’s Kevin Rohlwing last week, data NHTSA’s own research shows.

Rohlwing, senior vice president of training, testified during NHTSA’s Tire Fuel Efficiency Workshop, held in San Francisco on Feb. 3.

“Proper tire inflation, rotation, alignment, and maintenance are still the most effective and proven methods for improving tire fuel efficiency,” Rohlwing told NHTSA, and he reminded that NHTSA’s own research has indicated that rolling resistance is not an important factor for tire buyers and it will not have a major effect on fuel consumption in the U.S. 

The purpose of the session was to collect more information on NHTSA’s planned tire performance testing and rating system that will grade braking, treadwear and rolling resistance. The testing and rating scheme is required by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and includes a new tire labeling and consumer education program.

NHTSA finalized the testing system in 2010, but is still trying to address the labeling and education elements.

TIA’s presentation, which supports the position of the RMA, focused on several key areas including tire labeling and rolling resistance coefficient. While the measurement system for rolling resistance is more important to the tire companies, TIA said it “remains strongly opposed to implementing new tire labels as the primary mechanism for the national consumer education campaign.”
 
Rohlwing emphasized the importance of educating retailers on the new rating system since tire retailers are the primary sources of information for the average tire buyer. TIA said the “new ratings must be simple and easy to explain, unlike the confusing UTQG.”