The energy label of car tires has changed as of May 1st, 2021 and has acquired a new scale ranging from A to E.

What does this mean in practice?

1. Fuel economy

Depending on the rolling resistance of the tire, fuel efficiency ranges from category A to category E. The first category includes tires with lower rolling resistance and better fuel economy, while the last category includes tires with higher rolling resistance and greater fuel consumption. Tires with low rolling resistance not only save fuel, but also have a reduced impact on the environment.

2. Wet grip

Wet grip (adhesion) is an important and vital characteristic of tires. The wet grip rating shows the ability of the tire to perform in wet conditions and is classified into categories A to E. The first category includes tires that require short braking distances on wet roads, while the last category includes tires that require longer braking distances.

3. Noise level

The noise level indicates the external rolling noise of the tire measured in decibels (dB). The new energy label distinguishes the noise level rated in categories A to C.

Also, at the bottom of the energy label, we can see additional icons (if the tire has them), which indicate the suitability of the tire for conditions of heavy snow or the grip in icy conditions. The icon with the snowflake indicates that this particular tire has been tested in specific winter conditions and provides the required performance in heavy snow.

The icon with the snow-capped mountain can be seen on winter tires, indicating that this specific tire has been tested in a designated ice grip test. These tires are only suitable for road surfaces covered in ice and compact snow.

What are the differences between the old energy label and the new one?

1. The scale now consists of classes A, B, C, D, E compared to the old one, which had more classes such as A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Tires that belong to class A (colored green & blue) are those with the best rating, therefore lower fuel consumption and better wet performance. While tires that belong to class E (colored red & light blue) are those with the highest fuel consumption and lower wet performance.

2. A new addition to the energy label is the tire size with the speed and load indices (see more here) as well as the code C1, C2, C3 which indicates the vehicle type, e.g. C1 passenger cars, C2 light commercial vehicles and C3 for heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

3. The third addition in order is the QR code in the top right corner of the label. By scanning the code with a smartphone, we gain access to the European product database “EPREL”, which provides additional information about products bearing energy labeling.

4. At the bottom of the label, the icon with the tire’s noise level also appears, which was already present on the old label. Finally, another new addition is the 2 visual symbols which indicate whether it is a tire with snow grip or a tire with ice grip. 

The new tire label, which concerns all new tires that will be sold in the European Union, was designed to help car drivers choose tires that will meet their needs. For example, information regarding low rolling resistance can offer the driver significant fuel savings as well as reduced emissions.

To learn more before buying your next tires, you can read our detailed guide -----> What tires should I put on my car? Tire buying guide