Tyre labelling not telling full story

THE NEW TYRE LABELLING scheme to tell drivers how environmentally efficient a tyre performs is not giving the full picture, according to Emissions Analytics.

Tests show that at certain speeds, tyres with a lower efficiency rating can perform as well as those with a higher rating. This means drivers could be paying more for higher rated tyres when they would be as well off with a more affordable tyre.

The most efficient tyres that help a car produce the lowest carbon dioxide emissions as it drives along are given an A-rating. Nick Molden of Emissions Analytics said: ‘Our test found that at mid-range speeds, F-rated tyres can perform as well as B-rated tyres. Tyre efficiency labels don’t provide enough information for buyers to make an informed choice.’

These tests were conducted at speeds between 40- and 70mph and showed there was little difference between the two tyre ratings at speeds of up to 55mph. From a buyer’s perspective, this means that opting for B-rated tyres is unlikely to produce a fuel saving if journeys are mainly confined to urban routes. In contrast, opting for the same tyres and covering a substantial amount of motorway miles could produce a noticeable improvement.

Introduced in November 2012, the EU’s mandated tyre label includes a test-bench-measured, rolling-resistance coefficient expressed as a fuel efficiency rating.

By Press Association reporters