Insights

From 1 May 2021 all tires sold in the European Union are subject to a new labeling scheme which provides more complete information based on 3 performance factors:

• Fuel efficiency, the rating can range from A (best fuel efficiency) to E (worst fuel efficiency) and is determined by the rolling resistance of the tyre. Lower fuel consumption has a decisive impact on containing fuel consumption and consequently vehicle pollution.
  
  
• Wet grip, the wet grip index determines the performance of the tire in wet conditions. The classification can vary from A (best wet grip) to E (worst wet grip). Tires with high wet grip stop more quickly when braking hard on wet roads.
  
  
• Noise level, the external noise of a tire generated during rolling, determines its noise classification. The noise level is classified with the nomenclature A, B or C. the noise level is measured in decibels, low noise tires have values ​​between 67 and 71 dB, high noise levels have values ​​between 72 and 77 dB .
  

The new energy label has introduced the option of two new pictograms for snow and/or ice, the addition of these symbols for winter and 4-season tires will make it possible to identify whether the tires are suitable for be used in severe snow conditions and/or their increased traction on icy roads. The snow tire pictogram has a snowflake embedded in a 3 peak mountain profile (3PMSF) and is located on the sidewall of the tyre. The pictogram with the stylized stalagmite indicates that the tire guarantees short braking distances on icy roads and is only intended for class C1 tires (for passenger cars). The values ​​shown on the label will be the minimum obtained from tests on the basis of the Unece regulation n.117 (on snow) and the ISO 19447 standard (on ice).

What's new in the new tire labeling scheme is included in the EU regulation 2020/740 published in the European Official Journal. The new regulation amends regulation (EU) 2017/1369 and replaces regulation (EC) no. 1222/2009