Not only do washing machines and refrigerators have a label prescribed by the European Union, but tyres also have been equipped with an EU label since November 1, 2012. We explain the labeling system below.
What criteria does the tyre label evaluate?
The people in charge have decided to elaborate three essential criteria: fuel efficiency, safety properties and noise levels, either for Summer or Winter tyres.
Fuel efficiency
The label qualifies the efficiency from A (very good) to G (low). Class D does not exist. The difference in fuel consumption between trips with class A and class G lines can be up to 7.5 percent, according to the Commission's estimates, and higher in the commercial sector. For a car with an average fuel consumption of 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers in Class A, consumption up to Class G increases by 0.15 liters.
Safety properties
Again, it is divided in classes from A to G with F as the shortest braking distance, the longest braking distance is divided according to wet conditions. Class D does not exist here either. The braking distance of a class A tyre, according to the Commission, can be up to 18 meters shorter at a speed of 80 m/h. That’s a decrease in braking distance by up to 30 percent, on wet roads.
Noise levels
Noise levels are expressed in decibels, in this case without categories but with a number and a symbol to the left. This pictogram has three stripes. The more black stripes, the higher the noise level. From this year on, a new noise levels limit for the UE will be applied. If the three stripes are black, the tyre reached the previously applicable limit. Two black stripes mean that the new limit is respected or undercut by up to 3 decibels. A fringe symbolizes an underflow of more than 3 decibels. Of course, the actual values in the three categories also depend on the driving style, the condition of the car and the environmental conditions while driving.
What does the tyre label not evaluate?
General handling (braking, stability, etc.) on dry roads, after all, what is often expected from tyres on European roads, is not part of the EU standard. Properties of aquaplaning, use and wear, Winter road behavior: all this information must be organized differently by the driver, for example, by studying the tyre tests. BRV (Federal Trade Association of Tyres and Craft Vulcanizer) and WDK (Trade Association of the German tyre Industry) point out that, the EU tyre label covers important, but not all, tyre performance characteristics.
What is the label for?
The label is granted under the European Regulation on tyre labeling in the EU / 1222/2009. The objective is to maintain and increase safety, protection of the environment and technical inspection. The label promotes quiet and safe tyres with low fuel consumption, safe only in terms of wet grip.
Where can I find the label?
There is a labeling requirement. Manufacturers, importers and dealers have to take care of that. Suppliers must include the labeling in the promotional material and publish it on the website. In addition, a decal can be placed on the tread. Dealers must ensure that the tyres issued have such a label or that the brand is in the immediate vicinity of the tyre and shown to the customer before purchase. If the customer does not really look at the tyres before buying them, for example, when buying online, the information must be available. Dealers that sell cars, including tyres, must also provide the label information before buying. In addition, buyers always get the information on or with the invoice. As we know, the EU is very strict with regulations. So, of course, it is also prescribed how large the adhesive should be: namely, at least 7.5 x 10 inches wide and high, but a maximum of 250 square centimeters and no more than 22 centimeters.
For which tyres is the EU label valid?
The label entered into circulation on November 1, 2012 for all light and heavy commercial vehicle tyres manufactured after June 30, 2012. With the exception of motorcycle tyres, retreaded tyres, all-terrain tyres for commercial vehicles, vintage tyres (rims for vehicles registered for the first time before October 1, 1990), type T spare tyres with a speed limit of up to 80 km / h for a rim diameter of less than 254 millimeters (10 inches) or greater than 635 millimeters (25 inches), tyres with particular traction improvements e.g. peaks and racing tyres.