A new California replacement tire regulation is continuing to raise concerns in the tire industry over affordability and access to tires.The California Energy Commission approved the regulation a week ago. People in the tire business warn it could become a matter of supply and demand if some manufacturers decide they do not want to produce California-specific tires."The manufacturer themself has to decide hey, do I want to build a tire for California?" said Junior Tariq, CEO of A-1 Auto Tire and Wheel.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf a manufacturer chooses not to make a tire for California, Tariq said that brand could no longer be an option for California drivers."Your price is going to go up because you're limited on what products you can buy," Tariq said.Tariq buys tires from manufacturers around the world and country and resells them. He said he strongly opposes California's new replacement tire regulation, which mandates that all replacement tires sold for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in California have the same fuel efficiency as the original tires on those vehicles.The California Energy Commission says the purpose of the regulation is to help Californians save on gas, up to $1 billion a year, according to the commissioners. AdvertisementAdvertisement"It is very very hard to put that technology into every single tire that they want," Tariq said.The mandate takes effect over time. Phase 1 runs from 2029 to 2033, while Phase 2 begins in 2033 and beyond.The CEC says about 30% of today's tires meet the future standard.Tariq argues those tires are largely Tier 1 and Tier 2 tires, including name brands such as Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Yokohama, which he says can be unaffordable for the average driver."It's like when you go to buy any other product, you have your name brands and then you have lower-end products that cost less," Tariq said.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut because the regulation applies broadly, Tariq said it also affects cheaper, off-brand tires and could raise costs for Californians already struggling with affordability."So, in this case, we're taking that lower-end product that costs less and raising the price on that product," Tariq said.Tariq said there is not much he can do to prepare his business for the impact of the mandate. In his Sacramento warehouse, which is full of Tier 3 and Tier 4 tires, he said 90% or more will be phased out by 2033.Major tire manufacturers are divided over the regulation. Michelin and Bridgestone support it, while Goodyear and Dunlop oppose it.AdvertisementAdvertisement"We can all do it tomorrow," said Darren Thomas, CEO and president of Dunlop Tires North America, noting the impact is not significant to larger operations like his own. "Will it accomplish the needs you have for your vehicle and your driving use? The answer is no." Thomas said the standard sounds good in theory but may not be practical. He also acknowledged while the regulation will significantly reduce carbon emissions, "But this regulation is overreaching."Thomas added, "[California] tries to come up with unique ways to solve problems. I can appreciate that because I was raised here in the 70s, and I couldn't see the mountains from where I live."AdvertisementAdvertisementHe also said simply having the right tire pressure boosts fuel efficiency and that education -- rather than a sweeping mandate -- may be more beneficial."You have the large manufacturers that can achieve it, and potentially small manufacturers that cannot, you start creating things called monopolies and other things that are not good for Californians," Thomas said.Meanwhile, the CEC maintains that the new standard is intended to give Californians better-performing tires while saving them money and offering choices across brands, models and price points.The agency says during Phase 1, the increase in price is about $6 for a set of tires; about $26 for a set of tires in Phase 2. And a typical driver of a gasoline car with more efficient tires, according to the CEC, could save $179 of gasoline over the life of a set of tires.AdvertisementAdvertisementBut the industry insiders countered a lifespan of a set of tires is typically three to four years, and that the promised savings aren't as grand as they may sound.Phase 1 would allow the sale of tires with a maximum rolling resistance level of 9.1 newtons per kilonewton (N/kN). Phase 2 lowers the standard even further to 7.2 (N/kN).Watch Also: California advances new replacement tire rules for 2029
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