All new tyres sold in the EU as of May 1st 2021 (unless produced before 01.May.2021), will come with a new standard tyre label. The new label will be drastically different from the previous one, on the basis of renewed and tightened European regulations. In addition to the adjusted appearance of the tyre label, there will also be additional information available on it as well.
There will now be a QR code with a link to the EPREL (European Product Database for Energy Labelling). In this new European database all extensive product data per tyre must be listed. The database is free to access to all consumers for inspection and/or consultation.
There have been additional boxes added displaying “Supplier” and “Tyre Model Identifier” (product code).
Tyre label values have been reclassified A to E (previously A to G). Class D is taken into use (before May 1st this class was not used). A being the best and E being the worst.
Pictograms are now present, indicating performance on heavy snow and icy conditions. Tyres with ice grip are specifically designed for ice and roads with packed snow. They should only be used in severe weather conditions, for example low temperatures. The use of tyres with ice grip in less severe weather conditions (ex. precipitation or higher temperatures) may lead to reduced performance, in particular concerning wet grip, handling and wear.
The tyre label will now also be mandatory for truck tyres, class 3 (this was not the case until now). The label itself looks somewhat similar to the one that household appliances have. The aim is to provide drivers with enough objective, and reliable information to make an informed decision when buying new tyres.
Please note that actual fuel savings and road safety depend heavily on the behaviour of drivers, and in particular on the following – eco-driving can significantly reduce fuel consumption – tyre pressure needs to be regularly checked to optimize fuel efficiency and wet grip – stopping distances must always be respected.
Tyre Labels Explained
Fuel Efficiency
This label relates to a tyre’s rolling resistance. It measures the amount of energy lost when a tyre is rolling, which is affected by the day-to-day wear and tear.
Tyres which have lower rolling resistance tend to provide better fuel efficiency. Thus receiving a better energy rating.
Wet Grip
The rating of the Wet grip label is based on stopping distances in wet conditions. In the real world, stopping distance is affected by a number of factors, but the main ones remain tyre grip and tyre pressure.
Tyre manufactures have the difficult job of balancing rolling resistance, which affects fuel economy, and road grip, which affects stopping distance.
External Noise
The External noise rating is measured in decibels (dB) and was introduced to help drivers be more aware of noise pollution generated from a tyre. The goal is to reduce noise from road transport. Sound Waves will be replaced by “ABC” rating when displaying the noise level (external rolling noise). Again A being the best and C being the worst. On the old label it was represented with black sound waves, starting with one for the lowest noise level.
Driving with quieter tyres is not only better for those around you, but it also reduces cabin noise making your journey more pleasant.
