Understanding the EU tyre label
The Tyre Label is a mark for motor vehicle tyres. Manufacturers of tyres for cars, light and heavy trucks must specify fuel consumption, wet grip and noise classification of every tyre sold in EU markets starting in November 2012
Noise level rating
This is a measurement in decibels(dB) of the noise created between the tyre and the road. It is represented by 3 bars with a single bar being the lowest level of noise.
Fuel efficiency rating
Rolling resistance is used to measure how fuel efficient a tyre is. The less resistant a tyre is the less fuel it will use to move the vehicle.
A is for the highest performing tyres
E is the least performing
Wet grip rating
The basis for wet grip is the absolute stopping distance when driving 80 km per hour. Between each class, there are 3–6 metres difference in braking distance. Classes "D" and "G" are not used for passenger cars.
Snow tyre rating
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.
Ice tyre rating
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.
Tyre labels have changed. Find out more here.