What do the EU tyre label classes mean?

The label grades three things: fuel efficiency in classes A–E (rolling resistance, which affects consumption), wet grip in classes A–E (braking performance on wet roads) and external noise in classes A–C together with a decibel value. A is best on every scale. The label may additionally carry the 3PMSF snow pictogram and an ice-grip pictogram. The current format applies under Regulation (EU) 2020/740, in force since May 2021.

Is a class A fuel-efficiency tyre worth the money?

It depends on your mileage. Lower rolling resistance saves fuel or electricity on every kilometre, so with high annual mileage a better class can pay back its price difference. However, do not sacrifice wet grip for the sake of the fuel class — wet grip is the more important rating for safety. A sensible choice is a tyre with a good wet-grip class and the best fuel class available alongside it.

What does the noise class on the tyre label mean?

The noise rating describes the external noise the tyre generates — how loud the car is as it drives past. The label shows class A, B or C plus the measured value in decibels; A is the quietest. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a difference of a couple of dB is audible. The figure does not measure cabin noise directly, but a tyre with lower external noise is generally quieter inside as well.

What is EPREL and why does it matter?

EPREL is the European Union’s official energy-labelling product database, where the label data of every tyre sold in the EU is registered. The QR code on a tyre label links straight to that tyre’s EPREL record. As a buyer you can use it to verify that the fuel, wet-grip and noise classes a shop advertises match the manufacturer’s officially declared data, and to view the label before purchase.

Does the tyre label say anything about winter performance?

Only partly. The fuel, wet-grip and noise classes describe nothing about winter grip. Winter capability is indicated by pictograms: the 3PMSF three-peak mountain snowflake confirms certified snow performance, and a separate ice-grip pictogram marks Nordic ice tyres. If you are buying a tyre for winter use, look primarily for these symbols rather than the letter classes alone.

The EU tyre label explained: fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise

Every passenger tyre sold in the EU carries a standard energy label that makes comparing models straightforward. The current label applies under Regulation (EU) 2020/740, in force since May 2021. Here is what each class actually means and what to look at when buying.

The three main ratings

Fuel efficiency (classes A–E) measures rolling resistance. The lower the rolling resistance, the less fuel or electricity the car uses. The difference between class A and E is most noticeable with high annual mileage.

Wet grip (classes A–E) reflects braking performance on a wet road and is the most safety-relevant number on the label. Between a class A and a class E tyre, the wet braking distance differs by several metres.

External noise is shown as class A, B or C together with the measured value in decibels. Class A is the quietest. The figure describes drive-by noise rather than cabin noise directly, but a quieter tyre is usually quieter inside the car too.

Extra pictograms and the EPREL database

The label may also carry a snow pictogram (3PMSF, the three-peak mountain snowflake), confirming certified snow performance, and an ice-grip pictogram used for Nordic ice tyres. If you plan to use the tyre in winter, look for these marks, because the fuel and wet-grip classes say nothing about winter behaviour.

The official record of every label lives in the EU product database EPREL, reachable through the QR code printed on the label. There you can verify that the classes a seller shows match the manufacturer’s registered data. In our catalogue the label data is shown on each tyre, for example in the summer tyre range at /tires/summer.

Frequently asked questions

What do the EU tyre label classes mean?: The label grades three things: fuel efficiency in classes A–E (rolling resistance, which affects consumption), wet grip in classes A–E (braking performance on wet roads) and external noise in classes A–C together with a decibel value. A is best on every scale. The label may additionally carry the 3PMSF snow pictogram and an ice-grip pictogram. The current format applies under Regulation (EU) 2020/740, in force since May 2021.
Is a class A fuel-efficiency tyre worth the money?: It depends on your mileage. Lower rolling resistance saves fuel or electricity on every kilometre, so with high annual mileage a better class can pay back its price difference. However, do not sacrifice wet grip for the sake of the fuel class — wet grip is the more important rating for safety. A sensible choice is a tyre with a good wet-grip class and the best fuel class available alongside it.
What does the noise class on the tyre label mean?: The noise rating describes the external noise the tyre generates — how loud the car is as it drives past. The label shows class A, B or C plus the measured value in decibels; A is the quietest. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a difference of a couple of dB is audible. The figure does not measure cabin noise directly, but a tyre with lower external noise is generally quieter inside as well.
What is EPREL and why does it matter?: EPREL is the European Union’s official energy-labelling product database, where the label data of every tyre sold in the EU is registered. The QR code on a tyre label links straight to that tyre’s EPREL record. As a buyer you can use it to verify that the fuel, wet-grip and noise classes a shop advertises match the manufacturer’s officially declared data, and to view the label before purchase.
Does the tyre label say anything about winter performance?: Only partly. The fuel, wet-grip and noise classes describe nothing about winter grip. Winter capability is indicated by pictograms: the 3PMSF three-peak mountain snowflake confirms certified snow performance, and a separate ice-grip pictogram marks Nordic ice tyres. If you are buying a tyre for winter use, look primarily for these symbols rather than the letter classes alone.