2024-07-31 17:05:29
According to the latest regulations, they should be replaced less often, but stop like new
European institutions are often accused of imposing regulations that are too restrictive in all sectors. Sometimes this is the case, but in Brussels and Strasbourg they also make decisions aimed at consumer protection.
This is the case with the new standard R117-04, which is currently in force and affects car tires. This measure establishes a procedure for approval tests.
The new regulation should make it possible to produce better tires because they have to last longer and will therefore give some financial relief to drivers. An average tire now costs €100, not including installation and balance costs.
The R117-04 standard states that tires must have the same road performance both when new and when worn to the replacement indicator (1.6mm). Performance will be measured by a new wet road test during which the car
will have to stop from 80 to 20 km/h on a track covered with one millimeter of water
The distance of new and “galoshes” will be measured and, accordingly, those that do not meet the new European requirements will not be allowed to the market.
This new regulation will force tire manufacturers to pay particular attention to the quality of their product in the long term, both in terms of design and production, Brussels hopes.
Tires that are sometimes considered too worn (or near the wear limit) should still be serviceable.
From now on, the only criterion to consider when deciding whether or not to replace them should be tread depth.
It is easily measured using a 1 BGN coin,
placed in the groove. If the outer edge becomes invisible, there is still enough protection.
However, the 1 BGN coin test only applies to summer tires. For the winter ones, the same exercise is done with a coin of 2 BGN (euro), because they need a greater depth of the grapple.
A study by the tire manufacturer Michelin, one of the world leaders in the field, shows that in Europe half of the tires are changed too often. Many of these end up in landfill, even though they still have a 3mm tread depth and should generally be good and safe enough to continue to be used. Michelin reckons that if drivers manage to use their tires to the limit, it can
to produce 128 million fewer new tires each year
This is a big saving both in terms of resources and environmental benefits, and from an economic point of view for drivers, because it will avoid spending about 7 billion euros per year. In terms of harmful CO2 emissions, this life extension is also good news with an estimated saving of 6.6 million tonnes.
Although it seems paradoxical, Michelin is happy with the entry into force of this new standard, even though this measure will drastically reduce their sales as well. In fact, the Clermont-Ferrand company has been campaigning with the authorities in Brussels for the adoption of this regulation for years. As a result, Michelin is now ready for this new standard, which is likely to give the French a decisive advantage in the market.
Michelin is one of the most active manufacturers in terms of research and development, with 1.2 billion euros invested every year.
Michelin was also the main culprit
for the introduction of tire labelling
The label (similar to those on household appliances) should indicate the tire’s durability, braking performance, rolling resistance, and noise level. The other major manufacturers Continental, Bridgestone and Goodyear also defended the idea. Mostly to demonstrate the quality of their products when Korean and Chinese tires started to flood the market.