It is mandatory to display the environmental performance of tyres since November 2012 (Regulation 1222/2009 on the labelling of tyres). Tyres have an impact on fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of the vehicle. They also determine the vehicle noise in excess of 50 km/h. It is therefore important to select the right tyres.
Displaying the environmental information
Since November 2012, when buying, it is mandatory for the seller to provide you with the environmental information of your new tyres. Not only at the time of replacing but also when choosing a new vehicle if several tyres are available.
The label must contain the following three pieces of information:
• Energy efficiency (ranked from A, best, to G),
• Wet grip (ranked from A, the best, to G),
• Noise (in decibels).
Display is in the form of a sticker on the tyre or a poster nearby. This information should also be included in the promotional literature.
Characteristics of tyres
Tyres are the only connection between the vehicle and the road. It is important to given them special attention.
They may have different characteristics depending on their quality and use:
1. Security: manufacturers target the highest possible grip in various weather conditions.
2. Environment: manufacturers consider energy efficiency and noise. Energy efficiency depends on the rolling resistance of tyres. Higher the resistance, greater will be the consumption of the vehicle. Tyre noise is not a detail; beyond 50 km/h, this noise is higher than that of the engine.
All these parameters are important. In order to avoid giving preference to one of them over the others, there are minimum legal requirements.
Specific uses
It should be noted that certain tyre characteristics may vary according to their applications and uses. Winter tyres, for example:
• less energy efficient than a conventional tyre (summer),
• better adhesion (in general) on wet ground than a conventional tyre (summer).
For best choice of tyre, ask your dealer.
Tips for your safety and for the environment
• Check your tyre pressure regularly.
Recommended pressure is indicated in your vehicle's literature or in the frame of the driver's door.
• Check the wear of the tyres. If they are too worn, you are not only in danger (risk of slipping on wet road, longer braking) but also in violation. You will find wear indicators on the tyres. A tyre is considered dangerous when the depth of its grooves is less than 1.6 millimetres.