Introducing the new tyre label

What does the labelling introduce?

With effect from 01-05-2021, the European tire label has been radically changed, based on renewed and tightened European regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/740). This new European tire label applies to passenger car tires (C1), light commercial vehicle tires (C2) and heavy commercial vehicle tires (C3).

The new mandatory European tire label must be displayed on the tire or at the points of sale of all C1, C2 and C3 tires produced from 1 May 2021. The label (label) shows the extent to which the tire is economical, environmentally friendly and safe. It also displays the performance of tires specifically designed for use in heavy snow and ice conditions. The tire label allows for comparison of tires with the aim of encouraging the use of safer, more economical and quieter tyres.

However, the label lists only 5 performance criteria while there are as many as 50 performance criteria to judge the quality of a tyre. Examples of these are: wear resistance (kilometre efficiency), braking on dry surfaces, traction on snow, lateral grip on ice, noise production in the vehicle, handling and aquaplaning.

THE FIVE PERFORMANCE CRITERIA TIRE LABEL INFORMATION
The tire label gives a value (class) for the following five criteria:

Fuel Efficiency

5 classes from A (most economical) to E (least economical).

The fuel consumption of a vehicle depends on factors such as engine type, speed, road surface, weather conditions, etc. The rolling resistance of tires is responsible for approximately 20% of fuel consumption. Less fuel consumption means lower fuel costs and lower CO2 emissions.

Rolling Resistance Icon

Grip on Wet Roads

5 classes from A (shortest braking distance) to E (longest braking distance).

The grip of a tire on a wet road surface can differ due to, among other things, the vehicle type, the weather conditions and the profile. Good grip is important when it comes to safety. Wet Grip Icon

Rolling Sound Emission

3 classes of external rolling noise level, the measured value in dB.

By the external rolling noise we mean the traffic noise caused by the tyre. In addition to the sound level in decibels (dB), the icon also indicates the sound level A, B or C.

Note: There is no direct relationship between external (outside the car) and internal (inside the car) tire rolling noise.
Noise Icon

Grip on Snow

Tires with the snow symbol meet the minimum snow grip index values specified in UNECE Regulation No 117.

These tyres are suitable for use in heavy snow conditions. The snow symbol can be found on winter tires and many all-season tires.

The snow marking can also be referred to as the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake or 3PMS mark. In some countries, it is the law to have tyres fitted which use the 3PMS mark during winter, and failure to fit these winter tyres can result in fines or voided insurance.

Grip on Ice

Tires with the ice symbol meet the minimum grip index values.

These tyres are suitable for use in very heavy snow and ice conditions.

The ice symbol can only be used on passenger car tire labels for the time being.

Ice-grip tires are specifically designed for roads covered with ice and compacted snow. These tires may only be used in very severe weather conditions (eg low temperatures). The use of tires with ice grip in less severe weather conditions (eg precipitation or higher temperatures) can lead to a decrease in performance, especially in terms of wet grip, handling and wear.
Ice Grip Icon

EPREL Database

All labelling information for every European tyre.

The EU has a so-called “European Product Database for Energy Labeling (EPREL)”. From May 1, 2021, the tire (label) data can be consulted in the database. The new tire label also contains a QR code with which the data from the product information sheet, as specified in Annex III of Regulation (EU) 2020/740, will be made available to everyone.

Referring to the said European Regulation (EU) 2020/740, we emphasize that, in the first place, driver behavior determines fuel consumption and road safety, and in particular that:
• Eco-friendly driving can significantly reduce fuel consumption
• Tire pressure should be checked regularly to optimize fuel efficiency and wet grip
• The following distances must always be strictly observed

This Regulation does not apply to:
a) professional off-road tires;
(b) tires designed to be fitted only to vehicles first registered before 1 October 1990;
(c) temporary-use spare T tires;
(d) tires of the speed category below 80 km/h; (e) tires with a nominal rim diameter of less than 254 mm or more than 635 mm;
f) tires with traction-enhancing devices, such as studded tyres;
(g) tires designed exclusively to be fitted to vehicles intended for racing only;
(h) second-hand tyres, unless these tires have been imported from a third country.

EN Official Journal of the European Union L 177/6 5.6.2020
Source: Regulation (EU) 2020/740 of the European Parliament and of the Council