EU Tyre Labels

EU tyre labels explained

Our team of experts is always available to help you choose the best tyre for your vehicle and driving style. The EU Tyre Label allows you to compare the tyres, providing extra reassurance.

Since November 2021, all car, SUV, van and 4x4 tyres have been graded from A to E. Grade A is the best and Grade E is the worst. This grading is measured in three key areas – Fuel Efficiency, Wet Grip and Exterior Noise.

Fuel Efficiency

A rolling tyre changes shape and loses energy over time. This rolling resistance directly impacts fuel consumption.

Vehicles fitted with a complete set of grade A tyres could reduce fuel consumption by up to 7.5 percent more than those with grade E tyres.

Wet Grip

Tyres with excellent wet grip have shorter braking distances on slippery roads, which is essential for keeping you safe in rainy conditions. For those of us in Scotland, this is very important.

The wet grip rating is measured by the distance that a car travels after braking at 50 mph in the rain, according to the regulation EC 1222/2009. Grade A tyres’ braking distance is up to 30 percent shorter than Grade E, making them safer in wet conditions

Exterior Noise

Exterior noise levels are measured in decibels (dB) and graded A, B or C.

Grade A is the quietest, between 67 and 71 dB. On the other hand, Grade C is noisier, closer to the 77 dB range. Note that this does not relate to the interior vehicle noise.

In addition to the A to E grading system, the new EU label also displays:

Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol

The EU Tyre Label will feature the 3PMSF symbol if the tyres are suitable for severe snow conditions. A tyre earns this symbol when its braking distance is measured while a car is moving at 25 mph on compacted snow.

Alternatively, the traction force of a tyre may be measured to earn the symbol. For trucks, this symbol is granted after measuring the tyre’s acceleration performance.

These tyres are specifically designed to stay flexible below 7°C. They have excellent grip on snow, wet roads, slush and bare asphalt, making them a safer choice for winter driving.

Ice Grip Symbol

A tyre with the ice grip symbol indicates the tyres have shorter braking distances on ice. We recommend using these tyres in severe climates with snow and/or ice-covered surfaces. However, these tyres aren't the most suitable choice in less severe conditions, such as rainy or warm climates.