The Tire Industry Association (TIA) supports the electronic registration of new tires, as codified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) . The rule was developed in conjunction with TIA, the Rubber Manufacturers Association and other organizations.
(See "NHTSA issues final tire registration rule," Dec. 4, 2008.)
"By making the registration of their new tire purchase easier, consumers will have an invaluable aid in making sure they are promptly notified of any potential recalls, advisories or other information, which will help ensure that they are not driving on unsafe tires,” says TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
TIA says this option will not only help alert consumers to any potential recalls, but also may increase the registration rate from the currently estimated 10%. Additionally, consumers soon will have the chance to electronically register their new tires themselves, only further aiding this consumer awareness effort.
The rule takes effect on Jan. 27, 2009, although dealers can begin electronically registering their customers' new tires prior to that date. TIA believes that since most tire manufacturers already have electronic systems set up, and since most tire dealers already have Internet-capable computers, any additional equipment purchases or set up expenses "will be minimal."
