Selecting tyres for a fleet can be a difficult decision, yet it's one which implies significant benefits. Given today’s growing economic and environmental concerns, making well-informed choices has never been more crucial.
Before making a purchase, fleet managers must take a range of factors into account, and that’s where European tyre labels prove useful. This guide will explain everything you need to know about EU tyre labels in order to choose the ideal option for your fleet.
What are EU Tyre Labels?
EU tyre labels offer a standardised framework for assessing three critical aspects of tyre performance: fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise. These labels are mandatory for vehicles, including passenger cars (C1), vans (C2), and HGVs (C3).
Originally introduced by the European Commission in 2012, the tyre labelling system can help fleet operators make more informed decisions when purchasing tyres. In 2021, the scheme was updated to support the EU’s climate and energy objectives for 2030, with the aim of achieving safer and quieter transport, all while driving down carbon emissions.
What Do Car Tyre Labels Mean?
Fuel Efficiency
One of the primary metrics shown on an EU tyre label is fuel efficiency, which is closely linked to rolling resistance, the force that resists a tyre’s movement along the road surface. The higher the rolling resistance, the more energy the vehicle needs to keep moving, in turn heightening fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
On the label, fuel efficiency is rated from A to E (formerly A-G), with A being the best in terms of fuel savings and E the least efficient. Choosing tyres rated A over E can improve fuel economy by up to 7.5%, delivering cost control for a fleet while lowering environmental impact.
Wet Grip
Wet grip is a safety measure which shows how well a tyre performs when braking on wet roads. Since stopping distances increase in wet conditions, the quality of a fleet’s tyres plays a key role in maintaining driver safety.
Tyres are also graded from A to E here, with A providing the shortest braking distances and E the longest. The difference between each grade amounts to around 2.5 metres when braking at 50 mph. To put that into perspective, a vehicle fitted with A-rated tyres could stop up to two car lengths sooner than one using E-rated tyres.
External Noise
Though it might not initially seem notable, the level of noise a tyre produces does have an effect, especially on long-distance fleet routes. In particular, it contributes not only to driver comfort but also to environmental noise pollution in urban or residential areas.
To address this, EU tyre labels include a rating for external noise, displayed using three categories: A, B, and C. ‘A’ indicates the quietest tyres, ‘B’ denotes moderate noise emissions, and ‘C’ represents the highest permissible external rolling noise under current regulations.
How to Read Tyre Labels
By law, all new car tyres sold within the EU must display a label. On the most recent version of the label, there is a QR code in the top-right corner which, when scanned, brings up a detailed product database containing further specifications. Here’s how to read the main components of the label:
- Fuel efficiency: A black arrow points to the tyre’s rating, graded from A (most efficient) to E (least efficient).
- Wet grip: Similarly, a black arrow with a white letter indicates the tyre’s braking ability in wet conditions.
- External noise: Shown using a letter rating (A, B, or C) alongside the measured noise level in decibels (dB).
Additional information may regard:
- Tyre size: Clearly marked on the label for reference.
- Snow performance: A three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol means that the tyre is certified for use in snowy conditions.
- Ice grip: An ice stalagmite icon appears on tyres made to perform reliably on icy surfaces.
Some types of tyres are not subject to EU labelling regulations. Specifically, temporary-use spare tyres, off-road and racing tyres, as well as retreaded or second-hand tyres are all exempt.
Maximise Your Fleet’s Tyre Performance
While tyre labelling is essential to promoting safer and more efficient driving, true optimisation comes from combining informed choices with smart tyre management technology.
Take rolling resistance, for instance; it increases when tyres are underinflated. TPMS eliminates the consequences by alerting drivers when pressure levels fall outside the recommended range. Likewise, predictive tyre maintenance allows fleet managers to monitor tyre health in real-time, enabling early detection of wear or faults and therefore preventing breakdowns, downtime, and unnecessary replacements.
At MICHELIN Connected Fleet, we recognise the importance of tyres in fleet management. It’s for this reason that we’ve developed solutions designed to optimise tyre performance, thereby improving safety, extending lifespan, and reducing fuel consumption.
If you’re interested in reducing operational costs while also lowering your emissions, then be sure to make an enquiry into our services today.
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