EU tyre label doesn't tell whole story, Goodyear experts say

ERJ staff report (LMH)

Brussels - Goodyear tyre experts have highlighted that the new EU tyre label only focuses on a few of the criteria which affect tyre performance. The tyre label became mandatory in the EU for all passenger car, and light and heavy truck tyres on 1 Nov.

The label scores a tyre's performance in three criteria - rolling resistance, wet grip and exterior noise.

Tyre maker Goodyear said it welcomes the initiative, but stressed that the label reflects only a few of the important factors that impact tyre performance.

“The label has a huge potential impact - financially, environmentally and on road safety across Europe. Our analysis shows that if all European vehicles ran on A-graded tyres, it would save Euro 84 billion in fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by 20 million tonnes,” commented Jean-Pierre Jeusette, general director Goodyear Innovation Center Luxembourg.

“However the label can only serve as a starting point for consumers and fleet managers, who should look beyond the label to other criteria that affect the overall performance of a tyre,” he added.

Jeusette noted that Goodyear tests over 50 different factors during the development process including a tyre's handling on dry and wet roads, lateral stability and high-speed stability.

Goodyear reiterated that consumers must ask the right questions of tyre dealers and that all relevant safety information should be passed on.

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News release from Goodyear