Tyres are one of the most crucial components on a car as they’re the sole point of contact between your vehicle and the road.
However, according to a survey by the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association, just one per cent of all tyres on sale feature the highest rating for both efficiency and wet grip.
Though there’s likely to be all manner of reasons as to why low numbers of these top-performing tyres are being sold, a lack of clear information could be a key one - which is why the way tyres are labelled is being radically updated.
Road safety charity TyreSafe has said how these new labels have been designed to clearly relay key information about a tyre’s quality as well as its ratings for fuel efficiency, wet braking performance and noise back to the consumer.
The labels are attached to the tyres prior to purchase, but customers who are purchasing their tyres from garages rarely see them as they’ll make a decision based on price. Staff are often unable to show a tyre’s ratings on their computers, too.
On May 1st 2021 the tyre labels were simplified and digitally available so customers can easily see them. Retailers are also obliged to provide this information to buyers.
The number of ratings has been brought down from A-G to A-E, while a mountain symbol is used for those tyres which are suitable for snow. The tyre noise rating has been given an A-C designation too, which helps to give context of the existing decibel rating.
Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chairman, said: “The key point of tyre labelling is to help those choosing a tyre to make an informed decision. There is concern that owners typically only consider cost and don’t appreciate there may be tyres that are more suitable and offer better value but perhaps at a higher price.
“It’s in the interest of vehicle owners to make themselves aware of the information contained on the new tyre label to cut costs in fuel, as well as improve their safety.”
