The EU tyre label provides consumers and commercial end customers with guidance when choosing tyres. It provides information on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise, thereby enabling a comparison of different tyres. Tyres with a higher fuel-efficiency class can help reduce fuel consumption and the associated CO2 emissions. Good wet grip supports safety when braking on wet roads. Information on external rolling noise helps compare tyres in terms of the noise they generate.
The actual fuel savings and road safety depend heavily on the behaviour of drivers, and in particular on the following:
Ice grip tyres are specifically designed for road surfaces covered with ice and compact snow, and should only be used in very severe climate conditions (e.g. cold temperatures).
Using ice grip tyres in less severe climate conditions (e.g. wet conditions or warmer temperatures) could result in sub-optimal performance, in particular for wet grip, handling, and wear.
Energy label
The EU has introduced energy (efficiency) labels for a great many products. Whereas the tyre label covers performance criteria in addition to energy and fuel efficiency, it nevertheless falls under the energy efficiency category. By retitling this label, the Commission intends to safeguard a common layout for all energy labelled products.
QR code
The QR code on the label contains a direct link to the product in the EPREL database. Here you can retrieve the label and product information sheet for each of the tyres registered. EPREL (European Product Registry Labelling) is a European database for energy labelled products.
The tyre type identifier is the manufacturer’s internal article number. In other words, all tyres of this type have the same construction and deliver the same performance.
The tyre label assigns the tyre classes:
Fuel efficiency class
The rolling resistance of a tyre affects fuel consumption and the associated CO2 emissions. Lower rolling resistance can help reduce fuel consumption. Fuel efficiency is classified on the EU tyre label in five classes from A (highest efficiency) to E (lowest efficiency).
Wet grip class
A tyre’s wet grip is an important factor for driving safety on wet roads. It indicates braking performance in wet conditions and is rated in five classes from A (best wet grip) to E (lowest wet grip). Under comparable conditions, tyres with a better wet-grip class can enable shorter braking distances on wet roads.
External rolling noise class
External rolling noise describes the noise generated by a tyre outside the vehicle while driving. The EU tyre label shows the measured external rolling noise in decibels (dB) as well as in noise classes A, B and C. Class A stands for lower external noise generation.
Snow grip
The snowflake symbol in the mountain pictogram (3PMSF) identifies tyres that meet specified minimum requirements for traction on snow. For tyres that meet these requirements, the symbol is also shown on the EU tyre label.
Ice grip
The ice-grip symbol identifies passenger-car tyres (C1) that meet specific minimum requirements for grip on icy roads.
>>> REGULATION (EU) 2020/740 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the labelling of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and other parameters, amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009
The EU tyre label helps consumers to decide in favour of a higher fuel efficiency class for their tyres. This can contribute to large reductions in running costs and emissions. Enhanced wet grip means greater road safety, and details of external rolling noise contributes to a reduction in traffic noise levels.
The actual fuel savings and road safety depend heavily on the behaviour of drivers, and in particular on the following:
Less rolling noise saves fuel and cuts CO2. This property is assigned to classes A to E.
Wet grip is assigned to classes A to E. Wet grip is crucial to safe driving. For instance, the difference between class A and class E braking distances is 18 m.
The label presents the volume in dB and the class A (quieter), B, or C (louder). The noise emitted by tyres affects the total noise levels emitted by the vehicle.
The snowflake symbol confirms that the snow tested tyre keeps within the 3PMSF limits (type approval).