Lead Weights Could be Phased-out of US Business by 2009

A recent report in US trade magazine has suggested lead balancing weights could be phased out from the American market in 2009. The report follows the implementation of the European End of Life Vehicle Directive, which banned the use of lead weights on passenger from July 2005.

The article encouraged US dealers to “start planning now for the same thing to happen here.” The article highlighted the fact that one balancing weight manufacturer, Perfect Equipment Co already produces zinc clip-on and steel adhesive wheel weights for GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler vehicles being exported to Europe.

The said company is also reported to have responded to a proposal from the US Environment Agency, the EPA, to come up with a workable plan to replace lead wheel weights with other materials.

“We’re suggesting a ‘phase out’ schedule that will provide two years for the makers of lead wheel weights to retool, another two years for our warehouse distributors to empty their warehouses of all lead wheel-weight inventory and two more years for tyre dealers and associate dealers to properly dispose of their lead-weight inventory.” Mike Astorino, vice president of sales and marketing for Perfect Equipment, told Tire Review.

The best guess is that the last “lead” wheel balance fitment in this country will probably take place in 2009 – “that’s if the EPA acts in a benevolent manner,” the article surmised.