Continental backs new EU tyre label

Date: 24/1/2012

A new label designed to make it easier for buyers in the European Union to understand the quality of the tyres they are purchasing has been backed by Continental.

The company said it "fully supports" the move, which comes into force in November 2012 and will apply to any tyre manufactured after July 1st.

Information that will feature on the label - which is similar to that already used on consumer electrical products such as fridges and televisions - includes ratings for fuel efficiency, external rolling noise and grip in wet conditions.

The criteria will be rated on a scale of A to G, but D ratings will not be given to avoid tyres being rated as average.

Continental noted the label will ensure "standardised information" is available to consumers and it must be affixed to all tyres, with retailers required to ensure the information is clearly displayed to the buyer.

Poor quality or worn down tyres can reduce grip and increase stopping distances for drivers and TyreSafe Chairman Stuart Jackson recently noted many road users are still unaware of the importance of regularly checking this part of their vehicle.

Posted by Sarah Bailey