Tyres for:
All tyres sold in the European Union are subject to mandatory tyre labelling. A new EU tyre labelling scheme – effective from May 1, 2021 – provides more comprehensive information about selected tyres and also covers heavy-duty vehicle tyres. It provides objective, reliable and comparable information based on three important tyre performance characteristics: rolling resistance – and thus fuel efficiency –, wet grip and external rolling noise. Additional pictograms indicate the tyre's suitability for severe snow conditions (3PMSF symbol) and/or its grip in icy conditions, although the latter applies to passenger car tyres only.
The new labelling scheme covers passenger car, bus and truck tyres. For further details on the new EU tyre labelling regulation please visit the official EU Commission website.
Understanding the EU label and its pictograms helps drivers or fleet managers to make informed decisions about tyre-related road safety, lower CO2 emissions, and greater fuel economy.
Please note that fuel savings and road safety are largely dependent on road and weather conditions, the vehicle type, and, in particular, the style of driving.
1. Wet Grip
Secure grip in wet conditions is crucial for safe driving. The wet grip rating indicates how well the tire will perform in wet conditions, with performance graded from class A down to E. A high grade means short braking distances on wet roads.
2. Fuel efficiency
Depending on the tire’s rolling resistance, its fuel efficiency will range from class A (denoting the best fuel economy) all the way down to class E. Fuel consumption plays an important role from an economic and ecological point of view. This is because low fuel consumption has a positive effect on the carbon footprint of the vehicle, and of heavy-duty vehicles in particular.
3. Noise Level
This is the external rolling noise generated by the tire, measured in decibels. The label shows the noise level rated in classes from A down to C.
Additional pictograms
In addition to the standard label, there are also pictograms − if applicable − relating to performance in severe snow conditions (3PMSF) and/or grip in icy conditions (passenger car/C1 tires only).
The snow grip pictogram (3PMSF) will be shown for winter and all-season tires tested under defined winter conditions and that deliver the required severe snow performance.
The ice grip pictogram will be shown for winter tires with outstanding ice performance confirmed by a defined ice grip test. These tires 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 in the Nordics). Using ice grip tires in less severe climate conditions (e.g. wet conditions or warmer winter temperatures) could result in suboptimal performance, in particular for wet grip, handling and wear.
As your tyres rotate, they also flex towards and away from the surface of the road, leading to a loss of energy. The amount of energy lost correlates with the rolling resistance of the tyre.
Tyres with low rolling resistance are the most energy efficient. That means it takes less power – and therefore less fuel – to move the vehicle.
Since tyres can account for between 20% and 30% of a vehicle’s fuel consumption, choosing new tyres that are energy efficient will result in direct fuel cost savings.
For improved fuel efficiency and greater road safety consider the following factors:
