When you’re buying a fridge, freezer or washing machine, you probably check the energy rating label before committing. It gives you a simple, visual way of comparing performance between products, so you can make a smarter choice.
Well, tyres are no different.
The EU Tyre Label works in exactly the same way, helping you compare different new car tyres based on how they perform in key areas. It’s a trusted reference point for motorists across Europe (and the UK), giving you insight into what you're really getting for your money.
But while it’s a great starting point, it's not the full story, so here’s everything you need to know.
The EU Tyre Label is a legal requirement for all new tyres sold across Europe and the UK. It gives you clear, easy-to-understand information on three key performance areas:
These categories help drivers compare tyres in terms of safety, environmental impact and comfort.
The label looks and feels familiar to the ones found on home appliances. It uses a grading scale from A to E (formerly A to G), where A is the best performance, and E is the lowest. Think of it as a tyre’s ‘report card’.
The most recent regulation (effective from May 2021) aimed to simplify the label and improve transparency. It introduced:
For drivers in the UK and Ireland, this is now standard practice. Tyre manufacturers and retailers must provide the label at point of sale – in-store and online.
Let’s take a closer look at what each part of the label means:
This reflects how much rolling resistance a tyre has, how much effort it takes for your car to move. Lower rolling resistance means better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
For drivers in the UK and Ireland, this is now standard practice. Tyre manufacturers and retailers must provide the label at point of sale – in-store and online.
This reflects how much rolling resistance a tyre has, how much effort it takes for your car to move. Lower rolling resistance means better fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions.
For drivers in the UK and Ireland, this is now standard practice. Tyre manufacturers and retailers must provide the label at point of sale – in-store and online.
This indicates how much noise a tyre generates outside the vehicle, measured in decibels (dB). It doesn’t affect performance but does have an impact on comfort and environmental noise pollution.
Quieter tyres are particularly appealing for electric vehicle (EV) owners or those looking for a more refined drive.
The updated label now features a QR code, which links directly to the EPREL database. This gives consumers access to more detailed tyre specs, such as load and speed ratings, manufacturing info, and further performance data. It’s a useful tool for more technical buyers or fleet operators.
The EU Tyre Label is an excellent guide, but it doesn’t tell you everything.
Other important tyre characteristics, like:
...aren’t featured on the label but can vary greatly between brands and models. So while the label helps you make a quicker comparison, speaking to a tyre expert is still the best way to make a fully informed choice. At ETB Autocentres, our trained technicians can walk you through your options and recommend the best tyre based on your budget, driving style, mileage, and vehicle type.
In summary, the EU Tyre Label is a powerful tool for drivers. It gives you quick insight into fuel savings, wet grip safety, and tyre noise, so you can make a smarter, more sustainable choice.
But to find the perfect tyre for your car and lifestyle, it’s always worth talking to an expert who understands the bigger picture.
Pop into your local ETB Autocentre t oday and we’ll help you choose a tyre that ticks every box
Calls may be recorded for training and to ensure the best quality customer service.
TYRE BRANDS
Bridgestone - Firestone - Avon - Michelin - Pirelli - Continental - Davanti - Ceat
