Choosing a Tyre

Performance labelling

A new EU regulation requires some tyres to have performance labels, with the aim of encouraging people to purchase tyres with superior environmental and safety performance, and also encourage tyre manufacturers to produce tyres whose performance exceeds the minimum requirements specified in EU Regulations.

This regulation requires that tyres manufactured from 1st July 2012 for cars, light commercial vehicles and heavy trucks and placed on sale from 1st November 2012, carry a label showing the tyre’s wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise performance. The tyre labels are similar to the labelling already in use for household goods such as washing machines and dishwashers.  Each tyre will be given a performance rating from A-G excluding D to avoid an average performing tyre.

Some tyres, such as retreaded tyres, off-road tyres and racing tyres, are excluded from labelling requirements.

Wet Grip

Wet adherence, or grip, is one of the most important safety performance characteristics of a tyre.

However, higher adherence and lower rolling resistance are often contradictory objectives that have traditionally required a performance trade-off. Thanks to the new labelling regulation, customers will be able to see and choose for themselves their preferred performances.

The labels measure wet grip using a ranking system that ranges from
A (best performance)    ——————–>    G (worst performance)

Vehicles with tyres from Class A stop in the shortest distance from 50mph, whilst tyres from Class B take an additional 3-6 metres. This trend continues for the subsequent values and results in an increase in braking distance of over 18 metres from a vehicle in Class A to Class F. It is key that this crucial safety value appears on the label to enable the motorist to have a fuller picture of the tyres performance. A label that only highlighted rolling resistance and noise could give a false impression of the tyres performance. For wet braking Categories D and G are not used so any tyre with longer stopping distances in the wet will be rated as E or F.

Fuel Efficiency

One of the forces influencing the fuel efficiency of a motorised vehicle is the rolling resistance of the tyres. A tyre from Class C will use 1 litre more fuel than that of a tyre from Class B over a journey of 625 miles.

The labels measure rolling resistance using a ranking system that ranges from
A (Most fuel efficient)  ——————–>  G (Least fuel efficient)

Exterior Noise

Traffic noise is an environmental concern. The new labels split tyres into three sound categories, based on the noise they produce in reference to new EU regulations, to be introduced in 2016.

1 black sound wave = least noise produced, already compliant with the future tighter EU limit
2 black sound waves = already compliant with the future EU limit.
3 black sound waves = compliant with the current EU limit.

Labelling responsibilities of distributors, suppliers & manufacturers

Distributors (retailers selling to end users) should ensure that

• each tyre bears the label sticker in a clearly visible position, or,
• before the sale of the tyre, the label information will be shown to the end user, and a label must be clearly displayed in the immediate proximity of the tyre or provided when tyres offered for sale are not visible to the customer.
• label values for any tyres purchased must also be stated on or with the bill to the customer.

Tyre suppliers should ensure that:

• when tyres are delivered, they are accompanied by a performance label or sticker for each size and type of tyre in the delivery.
• all sales promotion and technical material show the label values for each tyre in an understandable way.

Vehicle manufacturers should ensure that:

• they provide label values to consumers where a choice of different tyres can be made on a new vehicle

The websites of both manufacturers and distributors must also show the label information for tyres offered.

E-marking on tyres

What is an E-marked tyre?

An E-mark confirms that a tyre meets minimum EU or International (UNECE) standards in relation to its dimensions, load and speed rating. E-mark tyres have been tested to ensure adequate tread depth and performance ability.

All motor vehicles tyres in the EU must be E-marked, whether new or retreaded.

Here’s how to read your tyre in relation to E-marks:

• The E-mark consists of an ‘E’ or ‘e’ and a number within a circle or a rectangle
• A capital ‘E’ denotes UNECE approval, a small ‘e’ EU approval. Either is acceptable.
• The number following the ‘E’ or ‘e’ denotes the Member State that granted approval.
• Following the circle or rectangle is a type approval certificate number, issued for tyre size and type.
  

  Example of an E-mark and approval number

Roadworthiness check of E-marked tyres

The check on E-marking of tyres is one of a number of new NCT test items introduced following the completion of a public consultation process in 2009.

What should I do if I have recently purchased tyres that are not E-marked?

It is illegal to fit non-E-marked tyres. If you have recently had tyres fitted to your vehicle that do not have an E-mark, the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) advises you return to the vendor with proof of purchase and request that they be replaced with the E-marked tyres appropriate for your vehicle.
When returning non E-marked tyres, the National Consumer Agency advises that you also consult the information provided on their website on the Sale of Goods Acts 1980 (PDF).

S-marking on tyres

EU motor vehicle tyres must bear an S-mark “sound marking” that certifies that the amount of road noise produced by the tyre complies with EU or International (UNECE) standards.
Retailers can no longer sell tyres with a width of 215mm or lower unless they have an S-marking on the sidewall. From 1st October 2011, all tyres, regardless of width, will have to bear an S-mark to be sold.

Retreaded tyres

Retreaded tyres are older tyres that have been recoated with a rubber veneer of tread. If you are on a tight budget, the use of retreaded tyres can also make it possible to replace worn tyres without incurring a great deal of expense.

While the exact process for retreading a tyre varies slightly from one producer to another, the essentials of the task involve taking a tyre that is in good condition and adding another layer of rubber over the worn tread. This replacement treading is adhered to the original tyre using methods that help to bond the veneer to the older tyre so strongly that it is difficult if not impossible to tell the difference between retreaded tyres and new tyres.

In Ireland the sale and supply of retreaded tyres is governed by the Road Traffic (Retreaded Tyres) Regulations 2008—S.I. 118 of 2008. These Regulations, give effect to Council Decision 2006/443/EC, which says retreaded tyres must conform with UNECE Regulation 109 (retreaded tyres for commercial vehicles and their trailers) and UNECE Regulation 108 (retreaded tyres for private cars, light goods and light trailers).

For a retreaded tyre that complies with these regulations to be placed on the market, purchased, sold or fitted to a vehicle or trailer, it must conform to a type that has been type approved and must bear the required ‘E’ or ‘e’ mark. Once retreaded at an approved production unit, it must also bear the word ‘Retread’ on its sidewall.

Tyre retreading centres or production units must be approved by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI, who can also tell you the locations of tyre retreading centres in your area.