Improvements to EU Tyre Labelling

The EU tyre label was introduced in November 2012 to help inform motorists when they are choosing which tyres to purchase. It was agreed in November that the EU tyre label will be updated in May 2021 to make tyre information clearer for buyers. Ensuring that customers are better informed when making their purchase decisions is important in keeping drivers safe and reducing fuel and emissions.

How will the EU tyre label change?

At the moment, the EU tyre label gives motorists information on three key areas of tyre performance; wet grip, braking performnace and external noise levels. These elements will all remain on the updated tyre label. However, the new label will match the European Energy-related consumer labelling which is used for products such as consumer electronics and white goods. The rating of A would represent the top ranking tyre through to E which is the worst tyre ranking.

Fuel efficiency

Vehicle running costs are one of the key components that drivers think about when they purchase new tyres for their vehicle. Therefore, fuel efficiency features strongly on both the old and updated labels. The main difference that will be introduced in the new 2021 labeling will be a simpler way to show a tyre’s fuel usage. At the moment, seven bands are used to show this but in 2021 this will be reduced to five.This will make it easier for consumers to understand and compare the values. This should make the process of comparison when customers are purchasing new tyres for their vehicle.

The wet grip rating

The wet grip rating is an important piece of information that can be found on the current EU tyre label. This shows which tyres provide the best safety performance in wet weather conditions. The number of bands for this category will also be reduced which will make the process of choosing which tyres to buy more simple.

External noise levels

Many drivers spend a lot of time in their cars. For this reason, vehicle comfort is important when choosing your tyres. The external noise level can have a crucial impact on vehicle comfort levels. The volume of noise created by your tyres can be significantly reduced. Rolling resistance plays its part in the external noise created by tyres and also gives better fuel efficiency.

Do the changes go far enough?

These three factors are important to take into account when buying tyres. However, there are also other pieces of information about tyres that buyers should consider before making the purchase. Other tyre attributes that should be taken into account are the mileage performance, dry handling and date the tyre was made among many other factors.

These tyre performance metrics as well as those found on the EU tyre label, highlight which tyres are judged to be the best by motoring experts and automotive experts. Auto Express use these values to decide which tyres receive their awards. Continental currently hold the 2018 awards for Best Summer Tyre, Best All-season and Best Winter tyres.