The EU is aiming to significantly improve the efficiency of road transport – specifically its safety, economical and ecological factors. This will be achieved by promoting safe and efficient tyres.
On a consumer basis, these labels will help customers make more informed decisions when buying new tyres.
1. How Will This Affect My Future Tyre Purchases?
Tyre labeling has provided motorists with comparative information relating to the performance of tyres in 3 key categories. As each tyre is judged, evaluated and scored using the same process, the consumer will be able to easily compare various makes and models of tyres.
2. Do the regulations apply to all tyres?
No, they don’t. Passenger vehicle tyres, light commercial vehicle tyres and heavy commercial vehicle tyres are the only tyre categories which are included in the new regulations.
The following categories are excluded:
- Re-threaded tyres.
- Professional off-road tyres.
- Racing tyres.
- Spare tyres.
- Tyres with a speed rating less than 50 mph.
3. When will these labeling regulations apply?
Since the 1st of November, 2012, all passenger, light commercial and heavy commercial vehicle tyres produced from 1st July, 2012, onwards require the appropriate labels by law.
4. What do the Noise Index grading values mean?
The noise index values are different from the other two criteria. On the label, the tyre’s exterior noise is expressed in decibels (dB) and show one, two or three sounds waves. These sounds waves highlight the performance of the test against the current law on how loud a tyre is allowed to be.
- 3 bars indicate that the tyre meets current limits,
- 2 bars indicates that the tyre meets limits that are to come into effect in the future and
- 1 bar shows that the tyre is a further 3dB below the future limit.
5. What do the Rolling Resistance grading values mean?
These grades range from ‘A’ to ‘G’, informing you about the relative energy efficiency performance level. ‘A’ is the highest performance tyre in its category; ‘G’ is currently the least performing.
‘D’ is not set to be used – it is there to create a clear difference between the top 3 (A – C) and the bottom 3 (E – G) scores.
6. What do the Wet Grip grading values mean?
The grades range from ‘A’ to ‘G’, informing you about the relative wet grip performance level. ‘A’ is the highest performance tyre in its category; ‘F’ is currently the least performing.
‘D’ is not set to be used – it is there to create a clear difference between the top 3 (A – C) and the bottom 2 (E – F) scores.
7. Do the Wet Grip grading values do any difference to me?
Tyres with excellent grip performance stop your vehicle in shorter distances under any environment. ABS systems also rely on the grip of the tyre so the higher the grip of the tyre, the less the intervention of ABS systems resulting in shorter braking distances.
You can calculate your tyres efficiency rating using our calculator.
8. How are the tyres tested?
Each tyre is certified by the tyre manufacturer. During the process, the tyres must be tested to EU-approved methods. If a tyre achieves an ‘A’ grade, then it must be independently tested to approve its top mark.
9. Will the information on a tyre sidewall change?
No extra information will be added to a tyres sidewall.
10. Do all tyres come with EU Tyre Labels?
No, tyres manufactured before 01/07/2012 are not labelled. All tyres after this date will have these labels.
11. How do I know the EU ratings of my current tyres?
Take note of all the markings on you tyre (Ideally you take a clear photo of your tyre with a digital camera or smart phone). Then search our website for the same tyre size and manufacturer, and try to match the same product details. Tyres Direct might not have the tyre in question in stock or might have a stock that was manufacturer before 01/07/2012 (without EU Tyre Labels).