What are tyre label ratings?Updated 3 months ago

Since 1st July 2012, European regulations stipulate that it's a legal requirement in the EU for tyres to be labelled with performance information in a graded diagram.

The aim is to help you understand how different tyres can impact your vehicle, safety, and driving style. Fuel economy, braking in wet conditions, and external noise categorise the performance grading.

You will find that fuel economy performance is graded A to G, which is the same as household appliances. A is the highest grade and G is the lowest. As tyres contribute towards the amount of fuel that your vehicle consumes, it means that you could save around 80 litres of fuel over their lifetime, resulting in a significant cash saving.

Like fuel economy performance, braking performance is graded from A to G too. So, the lower the grade, the longer the braking difference. This means that lower grades are much better and safer as there is a significant difference between each grade – on average one or two car lengths.

The final performance label gives a breakdown of the external noise that will come from the tyre while you’re driving. It’s measured by decibels and is illustrated by black sound waves. There are three levels which are:

One black wave – the noise level is low Two black waves – the noise level is average Three black waves – the noise level is higher than what is permitted in the EU

All of the information above shows the sheer importance of tyre labelling and how it can significantly impact your safety and other motorists around you.