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Under Regulation EU/2020/740, legislation for the new European tyre label will be effective from 1st May 2021 in the Republic of Ireland.
The new EU Tyre Label includes a revised rating system and imagery to cover three key aspects including safety, noise and fuel-efficiency.
This is to help you make informed choices and encourage you to reduce both costs and emissions, whilst information on wet grip will improve road safety and information on noise levels will reduce noise pollution.
The new label, shown on the right above, will have similar information in a new format. The scales have been simplified to A to E. Tyres previously in class E will be in class D and those in F and G will be in the new Class E. Tyre noise will be in recoded in grade A, B or C, replacing the existing sound waves.
In addition to the standard label, icons relating to severe snow conditions (3PMSF) and/or grip in icy conditions can be included if relevant.
The Quick Response (QR) code on the top right of the label provides a link to the EU product database (EPREL) which will provide the tyre label values specific to each tyre.
Fuel Efficiency
Your tyre’s fuel efficiency is not only important in reducing the cost of driving but also in reducing CO2 emissions. Fuel efficiency is measured according to the rolling resistance of the tyres in grades A to E, where A is the most fuel efficient and E is the least fuel efficient. The difference between grade A and grade E means a reduction or increase in fuel consumption of up to 7.5%.
Grip in Wet Conditions
Wet grip is a critical safety feature and relates to the ability of the tyre to stop a vehicle quickly on wet roads. The difference between each grade means an increase or decrease in stopping distance between one or two car lengths (3 to 6 metres) when braking from 50 mph. The difference between categories A and E is more than 18 metres in stopping distance.
Rolling Noise – exterior noise emissions
This is the external noise made by the tyre and is measured in decibels. Tyre noise is identified by grades of A to C, where A is the quietest.
Information on the tyre label will be provided by the manufacturer of each tyre. The gradings for each tyre follow the standards laid down in Regulation EU/2020/740.
Why has the tyre label been introduced?
The EU has a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions to reach climate neutrality by 2050. Reducing CO2 emissions from road transport plays a major part in fulfilling these goals. Choosing more fuel-efficient tyres can help to reduce transport emissions.
Originally introduced in 2012, the tyre label enables you to make informed choices and encourages customers to buy safer, quieter and more fuel-efficient tyres. The label covers wet grip capability, external tyre noise, and fuel efficiency.
The tyre label information allows you to compare different brands. The label was revised in May 2021 under EU Regulation 2020/740 with legislation effective from 1st May 2021 in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the UK later in the year (date to be confirmed).
Is the information on the label all I need to know to choose between different tyres?
Whilst the information on the tyre label will enable you to compare tyres on three specific measures, there are other factors which you might like to consider, such as:
· Tyre life – longevity
· Noise absorption
· Load-carrying ability
· Resistance to aquaplaning
· Steering precision
· Transmission braking force and power output
· Speed handling capability
But don’t forget that as well as tyre performance, the driver plays a key role in determining fuel economy and road safety. Tyre pressures should be checked regularly to optimise rolling resistance and grip, as well as fuel economy.
Where can you find the information?
The label will be attached to the tyre, in technical promotional material at your Ford Dealer and on tyre manufacturers’ websites. The information should be available at the point of sale before you purchase a tyre and the information will either be printed on, or attached to, your sales invoice.
What tyres are covered by the regulations?
The Regulations apply to passenger cars (including Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) tyres), vans, light trucks, trucks and buses.
Do the tyre label regulations apply when purchasing a new vehicle?
Yes. Under EU Regulation 2020/740, a new Tyre Label (and some other information) must be provided before sale. In addition, the customer can ask for the Product Information Sheet which is available via the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL) database.
Does the introduction of tyre labels change the legal obligations of the driver?
The introduction of the tyre label does not change the legal obligations of the driver. The legal obligations of tyre labelling will be met by the tyre manufacturers, the tyre retailers and vehicle manufacturers. The legal obligations of drivers are unchanged, and you should remember to check that your tyres have the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6 mm or risk a €2,500 fine, a 3-month prison sentence and five penalty points on your licence.
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