Michelin, has endorsed the newly enforced European regulation R117-04 on the performance of worn car tyres. This regulation, effective from July 2024, aims to enhance road safety and address environmental concerns while safeguarding the purchasing power of European motorists.
The new regulation introduces a rigorous statutory test designed to improve road safety by encouraging the use of reliable tyres until they reach the legal tread depth of 1.6 mm. According to a Michelin study, 50% of tyres are discarded before reaching a tread depth of 3 mm, resulting in 400 million tyres being prematurely scrapped globally each year.
One key aspect of the regulation is the wet braking test, which assesses the distance required for a vehicle to decelerate from 80 to 20 km/h on a standard road surface with 1 mm of water. This test, along with parameters such as road grip coefficient and ambient temperature, ensures tyres meet the safety thresholds for new tyres and simulate extreme road conditions motorists may encounter.
Michelin's philosophy of designing tyres that maintain performance from the first to the last mile aligns perfectly with the new regulation. The company highlights that a worn Michelin tyre, engineered to sustain its performance over time, can brake on wet ground 3.4 metres shorter on average than a new competitor tyre. This crucial difference, equivalent to approximately one car length, can be life-saving in emergency situations.
The implementation of the R117-04 regulation is expected to significantly impact tyre demand in Europe. Michelin projects a reduction of 128 million new tyre units annually, leading to a decrease in CO2 emissions by approximately 6.6 million tonnes. On a global scale, the premature removal of 400 million tyres could save 35 million tonnes of CO2, equating to the emissions of a city like New York for six months.
Additionally, extending the lifespan of tyres will provide substantial economic benefits for consumers. Michelin estimates that European motorists could collectively save nearly EUR 7 billion each year by keeping tyres longer.
By advocating for high-performance tyres that last longer, Michelin is helping to create safer roads, reduce environmental impact, and save costs for European motorists.
