Smithers, a provider of testing, consulting, information and compliance services, announced that the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center in Ravenna, Ohio is certified to perform UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing. The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Regulation No 117 (R11) provides requirements for maximum tyre rolling sound emissions, minimum wet grip performance, maximum rolling resistance and conformity of production (CoP) for tyres imported into the European Union (EU). UNECE R117 testing is appropriate for C1 (passenger car) and C2 (light truck) tyres.

According to Smithers, all tyres that meet the standards outlined in UNECE R117 must comply with EU labelling requirements, which are increasingly being adopted on a global scale. Each tyre is labeled with a sticker, alerting customers to key performance characteristics. This is so that they can make informed purchasing decisions.

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

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

UNECE R117 corresponds with ISO 28580, a rolling resistance standard commonly used for the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay verification to qualify fleet truck tyres for fuel efficiency. Those interested in scheduling UNECE R117 rolling resistance testing can contact Mark Shackelford at 330-810-5508 or mshackelford@smithers.com.

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