Car Tyre Ratings & Tyre Efficiency Ratings Guide

EU Tyre Ratings LabelJust like the labelling on our food packaging and white goods, tyre ratings, also known as EU labelling, came into force in 2012 to ensure that car owners everywhere had the information they required to buy a new tyre with confidence. Just like other labelling however, many individuals need a helping hand to translate the compulsory jargon into Layman’s terms and we’re here to do just that with our complete guide.

How efficient are your tyres?

Fuel efficiency is just one of the areas that the tyre ratings system focuses on. Unbeknown to many, your tyres are responsible for one fifth of your entire vehicle’s fuel efficiency, meaning your tyre choice could in fact save you hundreds of pounds in petrol or diesel. The rolling resistance between the tyre and the road surface is calculated to supply the fuel efficiency rating.

Rated from A to G, tyres with a lower rolling resistance will be the most efficient. As well as unlocking plenty of savings at the pump, a vehicle with ‘A’ rated fuel efficiency will also result in lower CO2 emissions, helping you to save the planet as well as the pennies!

Is stopping distance rated?

Providing the main point of contact with the road beneath, it’s no secret that tyres play a vital role in your car’s stopping distance, and that’s why it is another key area rated under the EU labelling system. Again rated from A to G, the rating system records the tyre’s wet grip, i.e. the stopping distance when the road surface is wet. Whilst a car takes longer to stop during damp weather conditions, this wet rating gives the ultimate indicator when it comes to safety.

An ‘A’ rated tyre would have the shortest stopping distance when wet, whilst the distance difference between ratings can be as much as two car lengths.

Why is rating noise important?

Whilst the first two areas rated directly affect cost and safety, the third may not seem as important. However, noise can affect your drive more than you think, particularly if you spend a large proportion of your day driving. Measured in decibels, a high level of noise can have a significant impact on driving comfort. Instead of being rated by letter however, noise levels are displayed as bands on the label. The more bands or waves shown, the higher the noise emissions or exterior noise levels.

Being clued up on each of the three aspects mentioned above will affect all areas of your driving cost, safety and comfort so choose carefully during your next tyre replacement.