EU Tyre Labelling

Started from May 2021, there is a change in how tire labeling is regulated under Regulation (EU) 2020/740. Discover the significance of the tire label and explore the updates regarding the tire energy rating.

Tyre Manufactures have collaborated closely with European Institutions in the development of the revised tire label. There aim is to foster innovation within the industry and assist consumers in making well-informed decisions when it comes to their tire choices. They believe that the updated EU tire label will empower consumers by providing more relevant and easily comparable information about tire specifications. Furthermore, the new EU tyre label offers expanded online resources, simplifying the process for both consumers and industry professionals to make the right tire selection. In the following sections, we have prepared a more comprehensive explanation of the tire label for your reference.

Wet grip rating

‘Wet grip’ is the tyre’s ability to stick to the road in wet conditions. The EU rating focuses only on one aspect of wet grip – the wet braking performance of the tyre. The performance is graded between class A and class E. Tyres with a high wet grip rating will stop more quickly on wet roads when full brakes are applied. In an emergency situation, a few metres can make all the difference.

Note: You should always respect the recommended stopping distances when driving.

*When measured according to the test methods set out in Regulation EC 1222/2009. Braking distances may vary according to driving conditions and other influencing factors.

Fuel efficiency

Did you know that tyres account for up to 20% of your vehicle’s fuel consumption? Choosing tyres with a high fuel efficiency rating will give you more miles from your tank and lower your CO2 emissions. Depending on the tyre’s rolling resistance, its fuel efficiency will range from class A, which indicates the best fuel economy all the way through to class E, delivering the worst fuel economy. Between classes, fuel consumption increases by approximately 0.1 litre for every 100 km driven. Simply put, fuel-efficient tyres require less energy to roll. This ultimately translates into less fuel used and you’ll also be reducing your environmental impact!

Noise rating

The EU tyre ratings also consider the exterior noise a tyre generates while driving. By choosing a tyre with a good noise rating you can lower the impact of your driving on the surrounding environment. The noise level is sorted into class A, B or C. The rolling noise of the tyre is measured in decibels and the exact number is shown in the bottom part of the label. Tyres with a low noise level have between 67 and 71 dB. The highest level shows sound waves in between 72 and 77 dB. An increase of just a few decibels represents a big difference in noise levels. In fact, a difference of 3dB doubles the amount of external noise the tyre produces.

An explanation of the new EU tyre label

There is some newly designed information to find on the updated version of the EU tyre label. Here’s the new design of the EU tyre label explained in a nutshell:

The inclusion of a QR code provides easy access to product details in the public part of the EU product database. The code can be scanned and grants access to product information sheets and european tyre labels.

The QR code:

Each tyre product must identify through a unique tyre designation.

The tyre type identifier:

There are two new options for including an additional icon. The snow tyre icon shows, if a tyre is suitable for severe snow conditions. It bears a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF) that is incorporated in the sidewall of such tyres. The pictogram is granted by measuring the braking distance of a car from 25 mph on compacted snow or by measuring the traction force of a tyre. For a truck, the pictogram is granted by measuring the acceleration performance of a tyre. Snow grip performance in general is tested in accordance with Annex 7 to UNECE Regulation No 117. The regulation describes in detail such factors as test surface, air temperature, testing vehicle, load, pressure, speed, and many more.

The snow tyre icon:

The second new icon features a symbol of an ice stalagmite and indicates that a tyre provides a shorter braking distance on ice covered roads in winter. Information on ice grip performance will be based on the ISO standard (ISO 19447), which is expected to be published in July 2021. For tyres meeting the technical requirements, the ice grip pictogram will be included on the new EU tyre label of a C1 tyre (passenger car tyre), which satisfies the minimum ice grip index values set out in that ISO standard. The pictogram is granted by measuring the braking distance of a car from 20mph on pure ice. The standards for C2 and C3 tyres are still to be defined.

The ice tyre icon:

Summary of changes

Reduced rating levels: Fuel efficiency and wet grip are now rated in 5 levels (from A to E) instead of 7
External rolling noise is rated from A (lowest noise level) to C (highest noise level)
The new EU tyre label provides a QR code that can be scanned to get access to product details
Each tyre label must show a unique identifier
The new snow tyre icon shows if a tyre is suitable for severe snow conditions
A new ice grip icon indicates if a C1 tyre (passenger car tyre) satisfies the minimum ice grip index values set out in the new ISO 19447 standard