Smithers certified to perform UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing

Akron, OH – Smithers announces that the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio is certified to perform UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation No. 117 (R11) provides requirements for maximum tire rolling sound emissions, minimum wet grip performance, maximum rolling resistance, and conformity of production (CoP) for tires imported into the European Union. UNECE R117 testing is appropriate for C1 (passenger car) and C2 (light truck) tires.

All tires that meet the standards outlined in UNECE R117 must comply with EU labeling requirements, which are increasingly being adopted on a global scale. Each tire is clearly labeled with a sticker, alerting customers to key performance characteristics so they can make informed purchasing decisions.

Smithers received its UNECE R117 certification after successfully completing a laboratory alignment for the measurement of tire rolling resistance with the Global Network of Reference Laboratories defined in (EC) No1222/2009.

“At Smithers, we’re highly dedicated to providing testing services that empower our tire industry clients to stay competitive on a global scale,” said Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division. “With this certification, we can continue to provide the accurate data our clients need to manufacture tires for the European market, here in the United States.”

UNECE R117 corresponds with ISO 28580, a rolling resistance standard commonly used for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay verification to qualify fleet truck tires for fuel efficiency.

Those interested in scheduling UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing can contact Mark Shackelford at 330-810-5508 or mshackelford@smithers.com.

The Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center offers a broad range of testing services for measuring performance, durability, and other characteristics of passenger car, light truck, agricultural, fleet truck, off-the-road (OTR), and specialty tires. Smithers also has tire testing laboratories in China and the United Kingdom, providing testing services and accurate data worldwide.