Tyre Labelling and Fuel Efficient Motoring

Tyre labelling

Tyre labels help you to make energy saving decisions without compromising safety and the environment. The labels provide information on the rolling resistance, wet grip and external rolling noise of a tyre.

Understanding the tyre label

Each tyre comes with a label that contains three pieces of information.

Fuel efficiency

The fuel efficiency of a tyre is dependent on the tyre’s rolling resistance. Tyres are rated between A and E. A is the most efficient tyre and will use least fuel, while E is the least efficient tyre and will use the most fuel.

Wet grip

The Wet Grip rating will tell you how well the tyres perform in wet conditions on a scale of A to E. A is the safest, while E is the worst performing tyre.

Noise levels

A tyre’s noise level is measured in decibels (dB) using a three wave scale. Each label also has space for the manufacturer’s details, including the trade name, tyre line, tyre dimensions, load index and speed rating.

Fuel efficient motoring tips

Maintenance

Service your car regularly

This can help to optimise engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

Check your tyre pressure

Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Under-inflated tyres will increase your fuel consumption and are more prone to a blowout.

Before your journey

Plan your journey

Plan your journey and leave enough time – getting lost increases journey length and not leaving enough time for your journey encourages speeding. Both lead to increased fuel consumption.

Save weight

Unnecessary extra weight means extra fuel consumption so if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.

Minimise drag

Roof racks and boxes increase drag – if you don’t need them at the moment, take them off to increase fuel economy.

Walk or cycle instead

If you are only taking a short journey, consider walking or cycling.

During your journey

Drive smoothly

Driving at a moderate speed and keeping your eye on the road ahead helps to reduce unnecessary braking and acceleration, which increase the amount of fuel you use.

Slow down

Your fuel costs increase the faster you drive, so keep speeds reasonable.

Switch off your engine

Many newer cars automatically turn off when stationary in neutral. If yours doesn’t, turn off your engine when you’ve stopped for a minute or so to save fuel.

Higher gear

Driving at lower revs reduces fuel consumption so change up a gear at around 2,000 RPM.

Windows vs. air conditioning

If you are travelling at lower speed, opening the windows is more fuel efficient. If travelling at 60 mph or above, closing the windows and using the air con will save you more.

Retailer obligations

Since 1st November 2012 tyre manufacturers and retailers in the EU have been required to provide consumers with information regarding the performance of tyres.

We have been given functional responsibility for the market surveillance of tyre labelling and regularly carry out checks to ensure tyre manufacturers, importers and retailers are in compliance with the regulation.