Tyre Label Guide:

How to Read a Tyre Label

A tyre label displays three key ratings: fuel efficiency, wet grip, and external noise. These ratings help you compare tyres and choose the best option for your driving needs.

Tyre Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency is rated from A to E and indicates how much fuel a tyre consumes. Tyres rated A offer the highest fuel efficiency, helping reduce fuel consumption and running costs. Lower-rated tyres consume more energy due to higher rolling resistance.

Tyre Wet Grip: Wet grip is rated from A to E and measures how well a tyre brakes on wet roads. Tyres with an A rating stop in a shorter distance, improving safety in wet conditions. Lower ratings mean longer stopping distances.

Tyre Noise: Tyre noise is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how much sound the tyre produces outside the vehicle. Lower dB ratings mean quieter tyres. Labels also show noise classes, making it easier to compare options.

These three ratings form the basis of every tyre label and provide a quick way to compare safety, efficiency, and comfort.

Tyre Fuel Efficiency Explained

Tyre fuel efficiency depends on rolling resistance, the energy required to keep the tyre moving. Tyres with lower rolling resistance use less fuel, improving fuel economy and reducing running costs. On the tyre label, this is shown as a rating from A to E, with A being the most efficient.

Choosing a higher-rated tyre can make a noticeable difference over time, especially for high-mileage drivers. Improved efficiency can also reduce emissions and is particularly important for electric and hybrid vehicles, where lower resistance helps extend driving range. However, there is often a trade-off between fuel efficiency and grip. Premium tyres are designed to balance both, offering good efficiency without compromising safety.

Even small differences in rolling resistance can affect long-term fuel costs, making it an important factor when comparing tyres.

Tyre Wet Grip Explained

Tyre wet grip indicates how effectively a tyre can stop on wet roads, making it one of the most important safety ratings on a tyre label. The rating ranges from A to E, with A delivering the shortest braking distance in wet conditions. Even a small difference in rating can significantly affect stopping distance, especially at higher speeds.

Choosing a tyre with strong wet grip performance can improve safety in the rain and reduce the risk of losing control when braking or cornering on wet surfaces. For most drivers, prioritising wet grip alongside fuel efficiency is key to balancing safety and performance.

For example, the difference between an A-rated tyre and a lower-rated tyre can mean several metres in stopping distance during emergency braking.

Tyre Noise Explained

Tyre noise ratings indicate how much external noise a tyre produces while driving. This is measured in decibels (dB) and shown on the tyre label alongside a noise class rating. Lower dB values indicate quieter tyres.

Tyre noise mainly affects the level of sound outside the vehicle, rather than inside the cabin. However, quieter tyres can still contribute to a more comfortable driving experience. If you regularly drive on motorways or in urban areas, choosing tyres with lower noise ratings can help reduce overall road noise.

Noise ratings also help reduce environmental noise pollution, especially in built-up areas.