Performance labelling of tyres

EU law requires that all new tyres have performance labels showing how well the tyre performs in wet conditions, fuel efficiency and noise levels and will show a performance rating from A-E., A being the best and E the worst. For more detailed information log onto Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland SEAI.

From a road safety point of view, wet grip or wet adherence is one of the most important safety performance characteristics as it improves the braking distance of a vehicle. e.g., a tyre with a wet grip rating of E will need an extra 18 m. to stop in wet conditions compared to an A rated tyre.

Yes. It applies to all car, van and truck tyres.

Yes. The following tyres are exempt:

• re-treaded tyres
• professional off-road tyres or tyres used only for racing.
• temporary-use spare tyres; studded tyres
• tyres whose speed rating is less than 80 km/h, or vintage car tyres.

Under S.I. No. 342 OF 2012:

Distributors (retailers selling to end users) should ensure that:

Each tyre bears the label sticker in a clearly visible position, or before the sale of the tyre the label information must be shown to the end user, and a label must be clearly displayed in the immediate proximity of the tyre or provided when tyres offered for sale are not visible to the customer.

Label values for any tyres purchased must also be stated on or with the bill to the customer.

Tyre suppliers should ensure that:

When tyres are delivered, they are accompanied by a performance label or sticker for each size and type of tyre in the delivery.

All sales promotion and technical material show the label values for each tyre in an understandable way.

Vehicle manufacturers should ensure that:

They provide label values to consumers where a choice of different tyres can be made on a new vehicle.

For more information on the correct labelling of tyres log onto SEAI.

Traffic noise is an environmental concern and relates to the tyre’s external noise level expressed in decibels, not any tyre noise heard inside the vehicle. For more information, log onto the Department of Environment, Climate & Communications  (DCCAE).