New Tyre Labelling Laws Coming in 2012

[geekstation]

From 1 November 2012, all car tyres will have to display a new kind of label. This label is intended to give motorists a clearer understanding of how different tyres will perform. It is hoped that this information will not only lead to savings for the driver, but also a reduction in CO2 emissions. The labels need to be displayed on the tyres themselves, on the website selling them, and in any catalogues.

These new labels are being introduced because of the new European tyre labelling legislation that will be coming into force from 1 November 2012. All C1, C2 and C3 tyres must display clear information regarding fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise. The longer term aim of these labels is that as consumers choose tyres that perform better, and therefore reduce the costs of running a car, tyre manufacturers will work harder to improve these attributes, resulting in less CO2 emissions going into the atmosphere.

The fuel efficiency of car tyres is divided into seven categories from A to G, based on the tyre's rolling resistance level. This grading indicates how large a contribution the tyre will make to both a car's fuel consumption and its CO2 emissions. On the whole, car tyres are responsible for about 20% of the car's total fuel consumption due to their rolling resistance. Reducing this can make a big improvement in the energy efficiency of the car. The gradings are also colour coded, with A - C being in the green zone.

Wet braking is also graded on a scale from A - G. A vehicle fitted with the MOT Service Maidstone is tested under specified conditions, and then the measurements are compared to a reference tyre so it can be classified. The difference in stopping distances between class A and class F is more than 10 metres, which could easily mean the difference between avoiding an accident or not.

Finally the exterior noise produced by the tyres is measured in decibels, with an accompanying graphic showing which of three levels the tyre's noise is at compared to other tyres.

These labels are easy to read, and should be familiar to consumers as they are very similar in format and graphics to the labels found on household appliances. Giving consumers the knowledge to make informed choices about their car tyres. As the fuel efficiency of a tyre will either save or cost the driver money, consumers are much more likely to choose tyres with a better, more environmentally-friendly rating.