EU TYRE LABELING

In 2012, the European Union introduced a new tyre label in order to provide standardised information on three specific performances: fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Tyre labelling for passenger cars and light trucks took effect from November 2012, for tyres on sale in the EU under European Regulation (EC/No. 1222/2009) which were manufactured after 1 July 2012.

The label appears on the actual tyre and gives consumers useful information to assist them when purchasing new tyres. The graphics on the label are similar as those already used for household appliances and, more recently, new cars.

FUEL EFFICIENCY (ROLLING RESISTANCE)

Rolling resistance is one of the main resistive forces on a vehicle, and acts as an opposite force to the direction in which the tyre is rolling. The rolling tyre deforms and dissipates energy. The tyre whose rolling resistance is greater, requires more fuel to move the vehicle forward. Therefore, rolling resistance directly affects fuel consumption and the environment. The top left of the label shows 7 classes ranging from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The grading indicates the tyre’s contribution to fuel efficiency and CO emissions.

WET GRIP (BRAKING PERFORMANCE)

Wet grip is one of the most important safety aspects of a tyre. Tyres with excellent grip on wet surfaces have a shorter braking distance when driving in rainy weather. There are other important parameters which are also related to safety. However, consumers will be able to check and select their preferred performance themselves. On the top right of the label, wet grip is also expressed in classes ranging from A (highest performance) to G (lowest performance).

EXTERNAL NOISE

Traffic noise is a major nuisance factor and a very relevant environmental issue. The lower part of the label indicates the level of exterior tyre noise emitted from the vehicle (not the internal noise heard by the driver), expressed in decibels. The grading indicates the tyre’s contribution to traffic noise and the environment. The label displays sound waves and corresponding levels ranging from 1 (least noise) to 3 (highest noise)

1 sound wave
The best noise level performance. (3 dB below the future European limit)*

2 sound waves
The average performance. (Already compliant with the future European limit)*

3 sound waves
The weakest performance. (Compliant with the current European limit)
* The new European tyre external noise levels will be introduced by 2016

Information on EU Tyre Label Icon
• Fuel Efficiency Class on Regulation (EC) No. 122212009 amended by Regulation (EC) No. 228/2011 and Regulation (EC) No. 1235/2011
• Wet Grip Class on Regulation (EC) No. 1222/2009 amended by Regulation (EC) No. 228/2011 and Regulation IEC) No. 1235/2011
• dB = External Rolling Noise Class and Measured Value (d8) on Regulation (EC) No. 1222/2009 amended by Regulation (EC) No. 228/2011 and Regulation (EC) No. 1235/2011