EU Tyre Labelling: What does it all mean?
Tyre labelling for all passenger cars and light trucks has taken affect from 1 November 2012 under
the European Regulation No: 1222/2009. This new regulation is intended to reduce the impact tyres
have on the environment and the graphics used to represent the differences in tyres are similar to
the ones used to review household appliances.
The labelling classifies three different areas of performance from A to G, however D is not going to
be used as a classification to clearly differentiate between the top three grads A, B & C and the
bottom three E, F & G.
Compare Fuel Economy
The energy lost when a tyre rolls is expressed as ‘rolling resistance’, and tyres with lower
rolling resistances will use less energy which will increase your fuel economy. Tyres
classified as ‘A’ are the more economical and have the least rolling resistance, and tyres
classified as ‘G’ have the poorest full economy and the most rolling resistance.
If you fitted tyres that are classified as ‘A’ instead of ‘G’ you could save up to £110 or 80
litres of fuel for the life of the tyres (results can vary depending on the type of car or
climate conditions)
Compare Wet Grip
The more grip a tyre gives you in wet weather conditions the safer the journey will be.
Wheels always take longer to stop in wet conditions but tyres with a good web grip
classification will have a shorter stopping distance than those with a ‘G’
classification.
The difference in breaking from 50mph across two grades is 3metres, meaning the difference
between an ‘A’ classification and a ‘G’ classification is 18 metres.
Compare Noise Emissions
The final area tested is the exterior noise grading in decibels, with the decibel rating
included alongside one to three black sound waves. One black wave is the quietest and three
back sound waves are the noisiest. The introduction of noise emission tests is intended to
encourage users to purchase quieter tyres which will help to reduce noise pollution.