EU Tyre Label Guide

What You Need to Know About the New European Tyre Labelling System

Since May 1, 2021, all tyres sold in the European Union are required to display the EU Tyre Label — a standardised system designed to help consumers make informed choices about tyre safety, efficiency, and environmental impact.

This new regulation applies to passenger car, bus, and truck tyres, and provides objective, comparable information on three key performance factors:

1. Fuel efficiency (rolling resistance)

2. Wet grip (braking performance)

3. External rolling noise (in decibels)

Additional pictograms indicate whether a tyre is suitable for:

• Severe snow conditions (the 3PMSF symbol), and/or

• Icy conditions (for passenger car tyres only).

Understanding these ratings helps drivers and fleet managers balance safety, fuel economy, and CO₂ emissions reduction.

1. How to Read the EU Tyre Label

The label displays simple pictograms that rate tyre performance across three essential categories:

a. Wet Grip – Safety on Wet Roads

Wet grip indicates how well a tyre performs during braking on wet surfaces — a vital factor in road safety.

• Rating scale: A (best) to E (lowest)

• Meaning:

  • A-rated tyres offer the shortest braking distances.

  • Lower ratings correspond to longer stopping distances and reduced control in wet conditions.

Tip: A difference of one grade can mean several metres in braking distance — enough to prevent a collision in emergency braking situations.

b. Fuel Efficiency – Rolling Resistance

This measures how much energy (and fuel) is required to keep the tyre moving. It’s directly related to rolling resistance — the energy lost as a tyre deforms against the road surface.

• Rating scale: A (most efficient) to E (least efficient)

• Impact:

  • Low rolling resistance = less fuel consumed and lower CO₂ emissions.

  • High rolling resistance = higher fuel costs over time.

Tyres can account for 20–30% of a vehicle’s total fuel consumption — so choosing more efficient tyres can deliver tangible savings at the pump.

c. External Rolling Noise – Environmental Impact

This shows the amount of external noise a tyre produces, measured in decibels (dB).

• Rating scale:

  • A – quietest (compliant with future noise limits)

  • B – moderate

  • C – above the acceptable noise threshold

Quieter tyres contribute to reduced traffic noise, especially important in urban areas.

2. Additional Pictograms

Alongside the three main performance indicators, the EU Tyre Label may include one or both of the following symbols:

a. Snow Grip (3PMSF Symbol)

Indicates that the tyre meets strict performance standards for severe snow conditions, verified through testing.
This pictogram appears on winter and all-season tyres that deliver reliable traction and braking on snow-covered roads.

b. Ice Grip (for Passenger Car Tyres Only)

Marks tyres designed specifically for icy and compact snow conditions — such as those found in Nordic climates.
These tyres should only be used in very cold regions, as they may deliver reduced performance on wet or warmer winter roads.

3. How Rolling Resistance Affects Fuel Efficiency

When tyres rotate, their constant flexing against the road surface causes energy loss. This energy is drawn from the vehicle’s engine — meaning higher resistance equals more fuel burned.

• Low rolling resistance tyres require less energy to move, enhancing efficiency.

• Over the tyre’s lifespan, this can lead to significant fuel cost savings and lower emissions.

Even small reductions in rolling resistance can reduce fuel consumption by several percent — a meaningful gain for both private and commercial vehicles.

4. Tips for Maximising Tyre Efficiency and Safety

Even the best-rated tyres perform optimally only when maintained correctly. To improve both fuel economy and safety, follow these best practices:

✅ Drive efficiently – smooth acceleration and braking reduce fuel use.
✅ Check tyre pressure regularly – underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption and wear.
✅ Inspect for uneven wear – may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
✅ Keep your car light – remove unnecessary weight to reduce rolling resistance.
✅ Follow your manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.

Remember: driving behaviour, vehicle condition, and road surfaces all influence real-world performance more than the label alone.

Summary: The EU Tyre Label at a Glance