Truck tyre labelling: follow the guide!
Truck tyre labelling: follow the guide!
It's not always easy to choose the best tyres for your line of business. In 2012, the European Commission brought in a tyre classification tool that helps consumers measure and compare tyres' rolling resistance, wet grip and noise level. In May 2021, the current tyre-labelling system will be upgraded to provide more information.
Understand European tyre labelling
What will change from May, 1 2021:
1. If we look at the information shown on the label, the first change concerns the rolling resistance scales and the wet braking characteristics. The categories F and G are being included in the E category: the one with the lowest performance levels.
2. The noise-measurement scale will be represented by letters from A to C. The decibel value is still mentioned.
3. The 3PMSF logo appears, providing the tyre meets the requirements. This logo signals winter tyres that are specially designed to ensure sufficient grip for traveling in winter conditions and testifies to their performances.
4. In addition to the point-of-sale labelling information, more technical information will be supplied by a newly-created public database, the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL).
How to read a tyre label:
labelling taurus
1 & 2: Rolling resistance and wet braking indicators are represented on a scale from A to E.
3: The outside noise level is measured in decibels and classified on three scales: A, B or C.
4: The "3PMSF" logo is placed next to the noise level indicator when the tyres qualify. It certifies the tyre's grip performances in winter driving conditions.
5: A QR code associated with the EPREL European database provides all the labelling information, along with a detailed fact sheet that shows additional technical information about the tyre; such as its load index and speed rating for a single tyre and also for a twin fitment, if applicable. You'll also find this fact sheet on our truck tyre product pages on this website.
6: Manufacturer's name and the tyre's dimensions.
Where can I find a tyre's European label?
The European labelling information will be accessible on our truck tyres' product pages on this website.
Why take the European labelling system into account?
The European tyre classification system provides clear information about three performance scales. This lets you compare different tyres' rolling resistance and wet grip performances, and the level of noise they generate. Depending on the specific features of your business, the different rating scales on the label will not all be equally as important. For example, for mainly city driving, the two most meaningful indicators might be wet grip and rolling noise. On the other hand, if you use your trucks for long-distance haulage, the rolling resistance rating might be one of the most important criteria in your choice of tyre because of the potential fuel savings. If you regularly have to drive on snowy or slippery roads, 3PMSF-certified tyres will be the obvious choice for increased traction and safety.
Don't forget that, quite apart from the tyres, eco-friendly driving can significantly reduce fuel consumption. Regularly check tyre pressure, too, for optimal grip and energy efficiency. Be sure to maintain sufficient safety distances.
Our advice: define your requirements as thoughtfully as you can in order to make the best possible choice
The European labelling system provides important performance data, but it's not the only data to take into consideration. To make the best choice of tyres, we recommend defining your requirements first. Depending on the type of roads, the weather conditions and the specific type of tyre use (e.g. intra-regional, long-distance, etc.), some of our tyres will be a more suitable choice than others.
Also, the European labelling system does not include some major performance criteria that might be decisive factors in your choice. For example, mileage performance, the ability to be retreaded or regrooved, or lateral grip are not taken into account by this regulation.
To define selection criteria based on your business and guide you to the wisest choice, we advise you to get in touch with your tyre adviser.
Find out more about tyre labelling on the European Commission's dedicated web page.