In 2012 the European Union introduced a new tyre label, in order to provide standardised information on 3 specific performances; fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Tyre labelling for passenger cars and light trucks took effect from November 2012, for tyres on sale in the EU under European Regulation (EC/No. 1222/2009) which were manufactured after 1 st July 2012. 

The label is accompanied on the actual tyre and gives consumers useful information to assist them when purchasing new tyres. On the right you can find an example of the new EU tyre label. These graphics on the labe are similar as those already used for household appliances and more recently new cars.

Wet grip is one of the most important safety aspects of a tyre. The tyres with excellent grip on wet surfaces have shorter braking distance when driving in rainy weather.

There are other important parameters which are also related to safety. However, consumers will be able to check and select for themselves their preferred performance.

On the top right of the label, wet grip is also expressed in classes ranging from A (highest performance) to G (lowest performance).

Traffic noise is a major factor of nuisance and a very relevant environmental issue. On the lower part of the label, this indicates the level of exterior tyre noise from the vehicle (not the internal noise heard by the driver), expressed in decibels. The grading indicates the tyre's contribution to traffic noise and the environment. The label displays sound waves and corresponding levels ranging from 1 (least noise) to 3 (highest noise)

1 sound wave The best noise level performance.(3 dB below the future European limit )*3 sound waves

The average performance. (Already compliant with the future European limit )*3 sound waves

The weakest performance. (Compliant with the current European limit)

* The new European tyre external noise levels will be introduced by 2016