Why do we have tyre labels?
Tyre labels were introduced to all EU members in 2012 to give customers important information on tyre safety and environmental impact. The label is based on three factors:
1. Fuel efficiency
2. Wet grip (breaking in wet weather)
3. Noise levels
These factors are designed to help you choose tyres that are most suitable for you.
1. Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Consumption
It’s often a shocking fact that tyres can account for 20% of your vehicle’s fuel consumption!
When you drive, your tyres flex toward and away from the road surface and it is this that uses energy. More energy efficient tyres use less power and therefore will use less fuel which means you get more miles per litre and C02 emissions are lower.
So that would be money saving for you and less damage to our environment.
Fuel Efficiency Rating
The Fuel Efficiency is rated from A to G, with A being the highest fuel efficiency rating (coloured green) and G being the lowest fuel efficiency rating (coloured red). When comparing fuel consumption between A and G rating, you could save up to 7.5% of fuel.
7.5% saving might not sound like a lot but, based on an average annual mileage of 10,000 miles (16,000km) you could save 60 litres of fuel. If fuel is at £1.20 per litre that could save you approximately £230 for the lifetime of each tyre. If fuel is at £1.40 per litre, that could be a saving of £268.
N.B. This is an illustration based on averages and will vary according to your vehicle as well as how and where you drive.
Tyre Pressure
It’s always good to remember the importance of correct tyre pressure primarily for road safety as it affects braking performance. Also, low tyre pressure makes tyres less energy efficient which costs you more money.
2. Wet Grip
Tyres will perform better on wet roads when they have a higher wet grip rating. Also, Class A Tyres will stop more quickly when roads are wet.
The EU label calculates when travelling at 80km (50m) per hour, a Class A wet grip tyre will stop after 28 metres whereas a Class F would not stop until 46.5metres.
That 18 metre extra stopping difference could be critical in terms of safety.
3. Noise levels
Vehicle noise is not just from engines, the tyres contribute to this considerably.
The EU label rating measures the tyre’s noise emissions in decibels. The label is rated in black waves:
1. Black wave: Quiet (between 67 and 71 dB)
2. Black waves: Moderate
3. Black waves: Noisy (between 72 and 76 dB)
For more information on EU tyre labels, click here.
Where can I find the tyre label?
Each tyre should have a label on it.
If for any reason it doesn’t have a label, then look on the manufacturer website where this information should be displayed.