EU tyre label
To reduce fuel consumption and increase road safety, the European Union, with Ordinance (EC) 1222/2009, has introduced a labelling obligation for new tyres, which states that tyres produced in the EU 01.07.2012, and all new tyres sold in the EU from 01.11.2012, must carry the label shown on the left. This includes tyres for cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks.
The label is intended to make it easier for end-consumers to assess the tyres in three categories, here by the example of car tyres:
The label is intended to make it easier for end-consumers to assess the tyres in three categories, here by the example of car tyres:
The criteria
Roll resistance (fuel consumption)
The reduction of roll resistance saves fuel and therefore also CO2. The assessment is given in seven classes from A (green) to G (red), with D not being used. An improvement by one class means a saving of approx. 0.1 litre of fuel per 100 km.
Wet grip / (safety)
Amongst other things, the grip of tyres in the wet is decisive for safety when driving. Here the performance is divided into the classes A to G, with D and G not being used. The braking distance difference from one class to the next on a wet carriageway from an initial speed of 80 km/h is between 1 and 2 vehicle lengths (3-6m). For example, the braking distance difference between classes A and F is over 18 metres.
Noise (noise emission)
The noise emission of the tyres has an effect on the overall volume of noise generated by the vehicle, and affects not only the comfort when driving, but also the noise pollution of the environment. The more black bars, the louder are the tyres.
