EU introduces tyre labels

For many people, knowing which tyres to buy for their vehicle is a complete mystery. They’re all black and round, so how different can a never-heard-of budget brand be compared to more expensive offerings?

Well now the European Union has introduced something that should help consumers make a more informed choice. From today, the 1st of November, tyres sold within the EU must display a label or sticker that rates performance based on three criteria: grip in the wet, fuel efficiency and external rolling noise.

Resembling the labels already used on some domestic appliances, the grip and efficiency measures are scored from A (best) to G (worst). The noise assessment is conveyed using a decibel figure plus a black wave device, with one wave being quietest and three waves being loudest.

European Union Tyre Label
The new European Union tyre label.

However, there are a few caveats. For starters, the new labels only apply to tyres produced after the 1st of July 2012, so for a while retailers could be displaying old stock with no grades on them.

It’s also worth remembering that the scheme is based on self-declaration by the tyre manufacturer or importer, although EU member states are responsible for policing this to ensure that the results awarded are accurate.

Finally, the programme only encompasses tyres used by cars, vans, buses, coaches and large goods vehicles. It doesn’t apply to motorcycle, scooter, re-tread, spacesaver spare, specialist off-road, studded, racing or restricted-speed tyres.

In time, the labelling system is going to be used to dictate minimum standards. As an example, the sale of tyres with a ‘G’ fuel efficiency rating will be banned from November 2014, with those graded ‘F’ similarly due to disappear four years later.

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