In the era of advancing towards the global carbon - neutral goal, consumers' awareness and concern for environmental protection have been continuously increasing. The tire industry is no exception. Green tires, which are more environmentally friendly, have gradually become a new trend in the market. According to a market research report, the global demand for green tires has been growing at an annual rate of about 8% in the past five years.
The EU ECE R117 label regulations set strict requirements for tire performance. It mainly assesses three key aspects: rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise level. For example, tires with a high - grade rolling resistance rating can save about 3 - 5% of fuel consumption, which is an important factor in reducing carbon emissions. The wet - grip rating is directly related to driving safety in wet conditions, and a high - level rating means a shorter braking distance.
The US CARB (California Air Resources Board) certification focuses on reducing air pollution caused by tire wear. It requires tires to meet specific standards in terms of particulate matter emissions during use. Tires that meet the CARB certification can reduce particulate emissions by up to 20% compared to non - certified ones.
China's green product certification evaluates the overall environmental performance of tires from multiple aspects, including raw material selection, production process, and product performance. Tires with this certification not only have good environmental performance but also meet strict quality requirements.
Rolling resistance is mainly tested by simulating the actual driving conditions of the tire. When the tire is in contact with the road surface, the deformation of its structure will generate energy loss. The lower the rolling resistance, the less energy is consumed, and thus the lower the carbon emissions. The test is usually carried out on a rolling test bench, and the data is collected and analyzed to obtain the corresponding rating.
The noise - level test of tires is carried out in a noise - anechoic chamber. Through sensors, the noise generated by the tire during rotation is measured. High - quality green tires can reduce noise by about 5 - 8 decibels compared to ordinary tires, improving the driving comfort of users.
The abrasion - resistance test is usually carried out on a special abrasion - test machine. The tire is rubbed against the abrasion - resistant material to measure the wear rate. Tires with high abrasion resistance can extend the service life by about 20 - 30%, reducing the frequency of tire replacement and thus the waste generated.
To avoid being misled by marketing terms, consumers and dealers can verify the authenticity of green tires through the following methods: Check the packaging label for relevant certification marks; Request the corresponding test report from the manufacturer; And ensure that the manufacturer provides transparent information about the tire's production process and raw materials.
For dealers and after - sales practitioners, here are some sample consultation scripts. When a customer inquires about tires, you can start by saying, 'We have a range of green tires that meet the international environmental protection standards. For example, this tire has excellent rolling resistance performance, which can save you fuel in the long run.' And then introduce the specific certification and performance indicators of the tire. The recommendation strategy should be based on the customer's driving habits and needs, such as recommending high - abrasion - resistance tires for long - distance drivers.
Question 1: Are green tires more expensive than ordinary tires?
Answer: Although the initial cost of green tires may be slightly higher, considering the long - term fuel savings and extended service life, they are actually more cost - effective.
Question 2: Can green tires improve vehicle performance?
Answer: Yes, green tires with low rolling resistance can reduce the vehicle's energy consumption, and those with high wet - grip performance can improve driving safety.