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What does the EU tyre label show?
The EU label shows certain aspects of a tyre's performance in a standardised way, so that different models can be compared using the same criteria. It is governed by Regulation (EU) 2020/740.
| Item | What it measures | Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | Rolling resistance, which affects consumption | From A (best) to E |
| Wet grip | Braking ability on wet roads | From A (best) to E |
| External rolling noise | Noise emitted to the outside | Value in dB and classes A–C |
| Snow | 3PMSF pictogram, if the tyre has earned it | Present / absent |
| Ice | Ice grip pictogram, where applicable | Present / absent |
What does the energy efficiency class mean?
The energy efficiency class shows how much rolling resistance the tyre has: the closer it is to A, the less energy is lost and therefore, all else being equal, the lower the fuel or energy consumption.
On an electric car this affects range (see electric cars). Remember, though, that the real benefit also depends on the pressure: an under-inflated tyre cancels out part of the advantage. Read what your tyre pressure should be.
What does the wet grip class mean?
The wet grip class shows the tyre's ability to brake on wet roads: class A gives the shortest braking distances, class E the longest.
It is the item most closely linked to safety. It refers to a new tyre: as the tread wears, wet grip decreases, as explained in worn tread and in aquaplaning.
How do you read the external noise rating?
External noise is read from the value in decibels (dB) and the class from A to C: the lower the value, the less noise the tyre emits to the outside.
This figure concerns the noise heard by people outside the car, not directly the noise inside the cabin, which also depends on the vehicle. Bear in mind that the decibel scale is not linear: even a difference of a few dB is noticeable.
What do the snow and ice symbols and the QR code mean?
The additional pictograms indicate specific performance: the snow symbol (3PMSF) marks a tyre that has passed a snow grip test, and the ice symbol indicates specific grip on icy surfaces.
- The 3PMSF is typical of winter tyres and many all-season tyres.
- The ice pictogram applies to tyres designed for particularly cold conditions.
- The QR code links to the European product database, where you will find the tyre's product information sheet.
What does the label not tell you?
The label does not tell you everything: it does not show mileage life, dry grip, cornering precision or how the tyre behaves when worn.
Use it as a first filter between models in the right size for your car, which you can check with how to read your tyre size. If instead you have a problem right now, with a flat tyre in Milan or its province, SOS Tyre comes out 24/7, in 30 minutes on average, to wherever the vehicle is: call +39 377 326 0999.
Frequently asked questions
Since when has the current EU label been in force?
The current label is the one defined by Regulation (EU) 2020/740, which has applied since 1 May 2021 and replaced the previous one. Compared with the earlier version it introduced, among other things, the snow and ice pictograms and the QR code linked to the European product database.
Is class A better for efficiency or for wet grip?
It depends on your priorities, but wet grip is the item most closely linked to safety, because it shows the ability to brake on wet roads. Energy efficiency affects consumption and range. It often makes sense to prioritise grip and then compare the other items between similar models.
Does the label also apply to used tyres?
The label accompanies new tyres at the point of sale. The classes describe the model's performance when new: a used tyre, with a worn tread or an aged compound, may behave differently, particularly in the wet.
Where do I find a tyre's label?
The label must be made available at the point of sale, for example attached to the tyre or shown in the shop and in offers, including online. Using the QR code you can look up the model's product information sheet in the European product database.