EU tyre labels

EU Tyre Labels (Pre May 2021) explained New EU Tyre Labels (Post May 2021) explained

When buying new tyres, it’s useful to know how fuel efficient they are, what level of wet grip they provide or how much noise they produce, and that’s where EU tyre labels come in handy.

EU tyre labels provide clear information on the safety and environmental characteristics of a tyre and these labels are split into three categories: fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise.

Labelling update

This year, following new EU legislation, a new tyre labelling system is being introduced that displays the grading of tyres in a different way. 

Some of the main changes include:

• Rolling resistance & wet grip classes will be displayed as well as classes for noise (A, B & C).
• The 3 peaks mountain “snowflake” or “alpine” symbol that is present on the sidewall of tyres will be replaced with a snow grip pictogram.
• Tyres suitable for icy conditions (friction) will have an ice grip pictogram.
• QR codes gives access to the tyre product database.

The letter-based grading system will also be updated:

• Rolling resistance and wet grip: For both rolling resistance and wet grip, the G grade disappears, while the E and F grades are adapted, with the E grade becoming the D grade and the F grade becoming the E grade.
• Noise level: Noise level was previously indicated using a soundwave pictogram but will be replaced with a letter-based grading system. This system will rate noise from A to C, with A being the best value.

EU tyre labels

Fuel Efficiency - Rolling Resistance (A-G)

• A- The most fuel-efficient tyres, 7.5% better than grade G tyres when fitted in a set of 4 (according to the European Commission's impact assessment SEC (2008) 2860)
• B - A fuel-efficient tyre only slightly behind grade A tyres.
• C - Above average fuel-efficient tyre but still several percent below that of a grade A tyre.
• D - Not used on labelling pre-May 2021. On post-May 2021 labelling, grade E will become grade D.
• E - Below average fuel efficiency, however, in some cases, there may be a good reason why the rolling resistance is higher - for example, where tyres are specifically designed for more grip, such as sports car tyres or winter tyres. On post-May 2021 labelling, grade E will become grade D.
• F - Not a very fuel-efficient tyre - could be up to 6% worse than a grade A tyre. However, in some cases, there may be a good reason why the rolling resistance is higher - for example, where tyres are specifically designed for more grip, such as sports car tyres or winter tyres. On post-May 2021 labelling, grade F will become grade E.
• G - Use 7.5% more fuel than grade A tyres when fitted in a set of 4, however, there may in some cases be a good reason why the rolling resistance is higher, for example, where tyres are specifically designed for more grip such as sports car tyres or winter tyres (European Commission's impact assessment SEC (2008) 2860). On post-May 2021 labelling, grade G will become grade E.

Wet Grip (A-G)

• A - The best quality tyres for stopping in the wet, stopping on average 18m shorter than a car on grade G tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009).
• B – High-quality tyres for stopping in the wet, stopping only 3m further than a grade A tyre but on average 15m shorter than a car on grade G tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009).
• C - Above average quality tyres for stopping in the wet, stopping only 6m further than a grade A tyre but on average 12m shorter than a car on grade G tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009).
• D - Not used on labelling pre-May 2021. On post-May 2021 labelling, grade E will become grade D.
• E - Below average quality tyres for stopping in the wet, stopping 9m further than a car on grade A tyres but on average 9m shorter than a car on grade G tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009). On post-May 2021 labelling, grade E will become grade D.
• F - Well below average quality tyres for stopping in the wet, stopping 12m further than a car on grade A tyres but on average 6m shorter than a car on grade G tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009). On post-May 2021 labelling, grade F will become grade E.
• G - A car on grade G tyres will on average take an extra 18m to stop compared to grade A tyres (on a wet road when braking from 50mph - testing according to regulation EC1222/2009). On post-May 2021 labelling, grade G will become grade E.

Noise (67-79 Db) - Applies to all 13 variations

dB - Exterior noise level measured in decibels (dB). The lower the exterior noise level the better the environment near busy roads.

Sound Wave (1-3)

• 1 Bar - Below future EU noise limits. This will become grade A on new EU labels.
• 2 Bars - Meets future EU noise limits. This will be displayed as grade B on new EU labels.
• 3 Bars - At least 3dB's above future EU noise limit (although meets current limit). This will be displayed as grade C on new EU labels.

Same day tyre fitting

Did you know that we now offer same day tyre fitting service across our garages nationwide? Simply book online before 1pm and we can replace your tyres the same day to help you get you back on the road safely and swiftly. Please note that availability varies by location. For more information, please head on over to our dedicated same day tyre fitting page where you can find answers to frequently asked questions, choose the right tyres for your vehicle and book your appointment.