It may well have escaped your attention, but In order to provide standardised information on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise, the European Union is to introduce a compulsory label for all new tyres.
By November 2012 all relevant new tyres sold in Europe must carry a special new EU label (pictured here), which is intended to give end-users some essential information to help them when choosing new tyres.
It may well have escaped your attention, but In order to provide standardised information on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise, the European Union is to introduce a compulsory label for all new tyres.
By November 2012 all relevant new tyres sold in Europe must carry a special new EU label (pictured here), which is intended to give end-users some essential information to help them when choosing new tyres.
The Tyre Label will generally apply to car and SUV tyres, van tyres and truck tyres but NOT to non road-legal tyres such as racing tyres, retreaded tyres, spare tyres or vintage car tyres. The new legislation will require the EU Tyre Label to be provided in the form of a sticker on or with the tyre.
The legislation will also require the tyre dealer to provide the Tyre Label values on or with the invoice and it will be the retailer’s responsibility to make sure the tyre label has is clearly visible at the point of sale or, if not, the label has to be actively shown to the consumer
There is also an onus on car manufacturers to make the tyre label values available at the initial purchase of a car, but only when the consumer has the choice of more than one type of tyre. It will be down to each EU member state to organise monitoring and impose penalties in cases of non-compliance with the legislation.
The label will provide information on three characteristics – fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise.
Fuel efficiency/Rolling Resistance
Fuel efficiency is important to reduce both CO2 emissions and the cost of driving. Tyres will be rated in categories from A to G with A meaning low fuel consumption and G high fuel consumption. Category D is not used. The difference between each category means a reduction or increase in fuel consumption of between 0.42 and 0.56 mpg for a 36 mpg car.
Wet Grip
Wet grip is a critical safety feature and relates to the tyres ability to stop a vehicle quickly on wet roads and can be expressed in terms of stopping distance. Again, tyres will be rated alphabetically on an A to G scale with A representing the shortest stopping distances. In this case categories D and G are not used. The difference in each category shown means a stopping distance of between one and two car lengths (between 3 and 6 metres) when braking from 50 mph. The difference between categories A and F is more than 18 metres stopping distance.
Noise
This is the external noise made by the tyre and is measured in decibels and rated according to three classes. The more black bars shown on the label, the louder the tyres.
What else should be considered when choosing new tyres?
The new label is designed to show information regarding 3 criteria. However there are many other important performance factors to consider including
- Resistance to aquaplaning
- Driving stability
- Handling and steering precision on wet and dry roads
- Durability
- Braking performance on dry roads
- Capabilities in winter conditions
Although the labels will be a useful source of information for the consumer tyre tests will continue to be an important source of information for consumers since they test up to 11 further safety relevant product properties in addition to the 3 criteria shown on the label. In winter, other tyre performance criteria become important which are not included on the label. Motorists should therefore consult alternative sources such as published tyre tests, retailer advice, manufacturer materials, etc. – when purchasing winter tyres.
