The label contains 3 performance criteria:

Fuel Efficiency
Wet Grip
Exterior tyre noise from contact to road surface

For Fuel Efficiency and Wet Grip, the performance is expressed in 7 classes ranging from A
( the most efficient ) to G ( the least efficient ). For noise, the measured value is present on the label together with 3 symbolic sound waves ( one wave is lowest noise and 3 waves for the highest noise rating )

Fuel consumption is influenced by the rolling resistance of the tyres caused by tyre deformation when rotating, resulting in energy losses in the form of heat. The higher the deformation, the higher the tyre rolling resistance and consequently the more fuel is required to move the vehicle forward. In other words, lower rolling resistance means lower fuel consumption and therefore lower vehicle emissions, including CO2.

The new label will display different grades in “rolling resistance” where A is the most “fuel efficient” and G the least efficient in class. The black arrow (in this case B) next to the grading indicates the performance level of the product.

Customers should be made aware that the actual fuel savings and road safety depend heavily on the behaviour of drivers, in particular the following: eco-driving can significantly reduce fuel consumption; the tyre pressure needs to be correct and regularly checked for optimum fuel efficiency.

The most important role of a tyre is to provide safety - in all weather conditions. Wet traction or grip is one of the most important performance characteristics of any tyre.

There is typically a performance trade-off when combining noise, fuel efficiency and safety performances like wet grip. The labelling will allow customers to prioritize for themselves their preferred performances.

The label will display a range of 7 grades where tyres with an “A” provide the highest levels of wet grip and “G” the lowest.

Exterior tyre noise levels are split into 3 categories and measured in decibel (dB) in comparison with the new European tyre exterior noise levels to be introduced until 2016.

black sound wave = 3dB less than the future tighter European limit.
black sound waves = already compliant with the future European limit.
black sound waves = compliant with the current European limit.

We at GT Radial welcome this new labelling system since we are convinced it will guide our customers towards using safer, quieter and more fuel efficient tyres. Our R&D have taken great care in developing tyres that meet the highest safety and environmental standards and we are confident it will satisfy our customers.