California business owners, drivers fume at new tire regulations: Everything is going to hell

California drivers just can’t catch a brake.Golden State motorists and business owners are fuming over fresh regulations set to spike the price of new car tires — saying the new rules will further squeeze driver already battling sky-high costs.On Monday, the California Energy Commission unanimously green lit the new rules to phase out the sale of replacement tires that don’t meet the state’s energy-efficiency standards.The change could potentially wipe out 70% of the tires currently available to California drivers, opponents say — and inflate the cost of an average set by hundreds of dollars.“I already can’t afford to buy a new set of tires,” said Kenny Cabello, a student from Long Beach who spoke to The California Post as he wiped down his pickup truck at a local car wash Tuesday.“I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”   Cabello said he needs a new set of tires for his Nissan soon.

As a regular commuter who feels the pinch of California’s highest-in-the-nation gas prices, he’s already been researching the most fuel-efficient options.“Some brands say they’ll save you a couple of miles per gallon on the highway,” he said.“But I’ve also talked to buddies, and they say it doesn’t really make a difference.”  Democrats like Gov.

Gavin Newsom have trumpeted estimates saying the new rules would save drivers $1 billion a year.But that was contradicted by state testimony given by tire industry leaders, who said that actual price increases could reach several hundred dollars by the 2030s.According to the Tire Industry Association, average tire prices could increase from $81 to up to $157.If someone purchased four new tires for his or her car, the difference could exceed $300 per vehicle.Miguel Santana, owner of M and M Tires in Long Beach, told the Post the higher costs are going to hurt his business.“It’s gonna be rough,” said Santana, a 15-year veteran of the tire business who runs the shop with his dad and sister.“Eigh...