The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) is an existing tire information system, specified and enforced by NHTSA, to aid consumers in making tire purchases. Tire manufacturers must imprint the tires with relative performance data in three key areas: (1) treadwear; (2) traction; and (3) temperature resistance. The information is also on a paper tag attached to the tire. Consumers can find UTQGS information on every new tire sold in the United States.

NHTSA is concerned, however, that many consumers either do not know about the UTQGS or do not understand how to interpret the information. Studies conducted by the agency have shown that manufacturers and retailers know where to find the UTQGS and know what the numbers mean. Similarly, informed purchasers can locate the UTQGS markings and have a general idea how to interpret them. But the average tire consumer is unaware of the UTQGS ratings or doesn’t understand them.

Consequently, the agency is considering updating the UTQGS to make it more user-friendly. NHTSA seeks comments on how this system could be improved and made more user-friendly and accessible to all tire purchasers.

The proposed rule would require tire manufacturers both to obtain and report to NHTSA specific data for each replacement passenger car tire model covered by the program and to affix a paper label containing the required fuel efficiency, safety, and durability ratings on each tire sold as a replacement tire.

NHTSA proposes requiring tire manufacturers to report the following data for all tire models that are actually sold as replacement tires:

• Rolling resistance force (RRF)
• Test load
• Rolling resistance rating
• Traction rating
• Average peak coefficient of friction for asphalt
• Average peak coefficient of friction for concrete
• Adjusted peak coefficient of friction for asphalt
• Adjusted peak coefficient of friction for concrete
• Treadwear rating
• Wear rate

NHTSA believes these are the data that should be reported in order to ensure compliance with the new rating system and to help it assess the appropriateness of the rating formulae and tolerances.

NHTSA requests comments on how manufacturers should submit the data.  It proposes to develop a Microsoft Excel template that manufacturers could download, but is also considering development of an online submission system.  The agency requests comment on the feasibility of both options.

Because the Energy Independence and Security Act limits the proposed rule to only replacement passenger car tires (and excludes some kinds of tires within this category — see Kinds of Tires Covered),  NHTSA additionally requests comments on whether manufacturers should be required to report a list of all tire models and sizes that they claim are excluded from the rule.

NHTSA proposes requiring manufacturers to comply  with both the reporting and labeling requirements within 12 months of the issuance of the final rule.  Is this a sufficient amount of time?

The  Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) states that the new tire efficiency consumer information program must include “requirements for providing information to consumers, including information at the point of sale and other potential information dissemination methods, including Internet.”  After examining the House Committee on Energy and Commerce report on the legislation, NHTSA concludes that the reference to “point of sale” indicates that Congress intended for NHTSA to establish requirements for tire retailers.

The replacement passenger car tire market is a challenging one for providing consumer information.  NHTSA’s consumer research shows that replacement tire purchases are often made at an unplanned time.  Also, as the market inundates consumers with constantly expanding choices,  many people select a tire make and model at the location of purchase with help from a sales associate.  Based on this consumer research, NHTSA believes the most effective way to inform consumers of the new rating system is to require tire retailers to do three things:

First, to maximize consumer exposure to tire rating information, retailers must leave the new paper rating label on the tire until the tire is sold.

Second, the retailer must display a poster that will be available from NHTSA.  The poster will inform consumers that their choice of tires will affect fuel efficiency, traction and other safety characteristics of the vehicle, and the length of time they can reasonably expect before having to replace their tires again. Also, the poster will contain information about the new rating system; it will encourage consumers to ask the dealer for ratings on the tires they are considering and to visit the NHTSA web site.  Finally, the poster will advocate regular tire maintenance, including the importance of maintaining proper inflation.

To assure this information is conveyed to the consumer in the most effective way, NHTSA seeks suggestions for the poster design. Specifically, how can the poster promote interest in the rating system? Is there other information NHTSA should include on the poster? If so, what?

Third, tire retailers with an Internet presence or virtual storefront must post a link on their site to the comprehensive tire website NHTSA plans to develop.  This requirement is based on NHTSA’s belief that consumers who do research tire purchase options before arriving at the retail store will often use the Internet.

Should NHTSA require tire retailers to include other links and information about the new tire ratings? For example, should NHSTA provide an electronic version of the poster designed for display in the tire retail stores?

In light of consumer behavior, are there other steps NHTSA should consider in order to ensure that consumers receive, understand, and use the new tire rating information?