California Becomes First State to Regulate the Squish of Car Tires

Live updates

1. 27d ago

   California regulates tire efficiency to boost fuel economy

   California regulators approved rules limiting the types of replacement tires drivers can purchase to improve fuel efficiency. The state is the first to regulate the "squish" of car tires to ensure they meet specific efficiency standards. These measures aim to lower fuel consumption and could potentially save drivers $1B annually. While the rules target tire efficiency regardless of the vehicle's own fuel economy, they restrict the available market for replacement tires.

   Why it matters

   Tire rolling resistance affects how much energy a vehicle uses to move. By mandating more efficient tires, the state seeks to reduce overall carbon emissions and fuel costs. This move establishes a regulatory precedent that other states may follow.

   What is confirmed

   • California is the first state to regulate the squish of car tires.
   • Regulators approved rules limiting which replacement tires drivers can buy.
   • The new tire rules are intended to increase fuel economy.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The new efficiency rules could save drivers $1B a year.
   • The new rules ban most replacement tires.

   What to watch next

   • Legal challenges to the tire purchase restrictions
   • Implementation dates for the new efficiency standards
   • Data on actual driver savings following the rule change
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. KCRA — California regulators approve new rules limiting what replacement tires you can buy for your car
   2. grist.org — California’s new tire efficiency rules could save drivers $1B a year
   3. Los Angeles Times — Your car may not be fuel efficient, but your tires have to be now
   4. foxbusiness.com — California regulators pass rules limiting what replacement tires drivers can purchase
   5. The New York Times — California Becomes First State to Regulate the Squish of Car Tires
   6. Yahoo — California bans most replacement tires — so much for ‘affordability’!
   7. KTVU — State regulators approve new tire replacement rules to boost fuel economy
   confidence 90%