What's the news?
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is going to carry out inspections of some 120 Irish tyre retailers and fitters this summer, to make sure that they're all complying with EU regulations when it comes to tyre labelling.
Those labels, first adopted in 2009, give consumers some pretty vital information on their new tyre choices, including the tyres' environmental and fuel consumption performance, its noise levels, and how well it performs in wet weather braking.
Those labels, by law, have to be clearly presented to customers when they're buying a tyre, and those label values have to be included in the customer's bill once the sale is complete.
So, the SEAI is trying to make sure that all retailers are doing all of this correctly, and are warning that anyone found in breach of the regulations could be looking at a fine.
Tim Stokes, Programme Manager with SEAI, commented on the importance of this regulation for tyre retailers and motorists: "Tyres are a driver's only contact with the road and so are one of the most important parts of any car. It's vital that motorists have reliable information regarding safety and fuel economy to allow them make an informed choice when buying tyres. Tyre retailers have an important role, as well as a legal obligation, in that regard."
More worrying than simple display issues are concerns over the accuracy of tyre labels. Although the vast majority of tyre labels are accurate for the tyre they're on, and are checked across Europe by various testing facilities, and through technical documentation checks. If a label is found to bve incorrect, it has to be changed, pronto.
"SEAI has already distributed leaflets to all tyre retailers informing them of their obligations. SEAI is also working with industry representatives and other stakeholders, such as the Road Safety Authority, to increase awareness of tyre labels among motorists. SEAI will continue to regularly carry out inspections to ensure tyre suppliers and distributors are compliant, helping to protect consumers and the environment" said Stokes.