EU Tyre Label Guide (UK) — What Fuel, Wet Grip & Noise Ratings Mean

Many tyres come with an EU tyre label that helps you compare performance at a glance.

This guide explains what each rating means so you can choose the right tyres for:
✅ safety
✅ fuel economy
✅ quieter driving

What Is the EU Tyre Label?

The EU tyre label is a standard rating system that shows 3 key performance areas:

  1. Fuel Efficiency

  2. Wet Grip

  3. External Noise

Some labels may also show snow or ice symbols depending on the tyre type.

1) EU Fuel Efficiency Rating (A–E)

Fuel efficiency measures how much the tyre affects your vehicle’s rolling resistance.

✅ What it means:

Better fuel efficiency can help improve:

  • MPG

  • running costs

  • CO₂ emissions

Rating scale:

  • A = best fuel efficiency

  • E = lowest fuel efficiency

💡 Tip: Fuel efficiency is important, but wet grip is usually the most important for UK safety.

2) EU Wet Grip Rating (A–E)

Wet grip is one of the most important ratings for UK drivers because we drive in rain so often.

✅ What it means:

A better wet grip rating can improve:

  • braking distance in the wet

  • traction

  • control during heavy rain

Rating scale:

  • A = best wet braking

  • E = weakest wet braking

⚠️ Choosing a higher wet grip rating can make a big difference to stopping distance.

3) EU External Noise Rating (dB + Class)

External noise shows how much sound the tyre produces outside the vehicle.

It’s measured in:

  • Decibels (dB)

  • and a noise class (A / B / C)

✅ What it means:

Lower noise can improve:

  • driving comfort

  • motorway noise levels

  • overall ride quality

Example:

  • 68dB (Class A) = quieter

  • 72dB (Class B) = normal

  • 75dB (Class C) = louder

What About Noise INSIDE the Car?

The EU label measures external tyre noise only.

Cabin noise can also depend on:

  • your vehicle insulation

  • road surface

  • tyre design

  • tyre pressure

Snow & Ice Symbols (Important)

❄️ 3PMSF Symbol (Snowflake on Mountain)

This symbol means the tyre has been tested for snow performance.

You’ll often see it on:

  • winter tyres

  • all-season tyres

🧊 Ice Grip Symbol

Some tyres have an ice symbol which means improved grip on ice (more common in Nordic-style winter tyres).

For most UK drivers:
✅ 3PMSF is the most useful winter symbol.

Which EU Rating Matters Most in the UK?

For UK driving, the priority is usually:

✅ 1) Wet Grip (Safety)

Because wet braking is the biggest real-world safety factor.

✅ 2) Fuel Efficiency (Running cost)

Helps MPG, especially for high mileage drivers.

✅ 3) Noise (Comfort)

Nice to have, especially for motorway driving.

Example EU Label Comparison

Two tyres might both be the same size, but:

Tyre A:
Fuel: B
Wet: A
Noise: 69dB (A)

Tyre B:
Fuel: A
Wet: C
Noise: 71dB (B)

In the UK, many drivers would choose Tyre A because wet grip is stronger.

Does a Better EU Label Always Mean a Better Tyre?

Not always.

EU labels are helpful, but they don’t show everything like:

  • dry handling

  • steering response

  • tread life (mileage)

  • comfort

  • performance in snow beyond the symbol

They’re a guide — not the full story.

Quick FAQ

Why do some tyres have no EU label?

Some products may not show full label info depending on supplier data availability, older stock, or category.

Do all-season tyres have EU labels?

Many do, yes — especially if they are EU-certified.

Should I always choose A-rated tyres?

Not always. The best tyre depends on your budget and driving style.
For safety in the UK, prioritise wet grip.

Shop Tyres With EU Label Ratings

Browse our tyres online:

  • Car Tyres: /collections/car-tyres

  • Van Tyres: /collections/van-tyres

  • 4×4 / SUV Tyres: /collections/4x4-tyres

If you need help choosing, contact us and we’ll recommend the best option for your vehicle.