Volkswagen Tiguan Quiz
Wheel and Tire Guide General Information

EU Tire Label

In this manual: Wheel and Tire Guide General Information
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EU Tire Label, Short Overview

Starting on 11/1/2012, tire manufacturers must comply with the new EU Regulation (EG) 1222/2009 (Tire Labeling Regulation).

The Tire Labeling Regulation requires that information pertaining to rolling resistance (fuel efficiency), wet grip and external rolling noise be printed on a uniform EU tire label. The goal of this is to increase safety and ecological and economical road transport efficiency by using tires that are safer, quieter and use less fuel.

The new EU tire label contains concrete information for seven classes from A to G.

There are 3 different categories:

  1. Rolling Resistance
    • Explanations.
  2. Wet Grip
    • Explanations.
  3. Noise Emission
    • Explanations.

EU Tire Label, Goals

  • To reduce fuel usage
  • To improve road safety
  • To reduce traffic noise

The EU Tire Label Provides the End-User with Information About the Tire's Most Important Properties. However, it Does Not Provide All Critical Safety Criteria.

  • Explaining additional tire properties can exert a sustained influence on the purchasing decision.
  • The customer should be made aware of the limited reliability of the label regarding tire properties. For example, the label says nothing about the winter properties on winter tires.
  • Tire tests remain important sources of information for dealers and end-users.

The tires test check many other performance factors, including the following:

  • Aquaplaning properties
  • Driving stability
  • Steering precision
  • Service life
  • Braking properties
  • Performance under winter conditions

EU Tire Label, Categories

Rolling resistance:

  • Is defined as the amount of energy used by a tire to travel to a given distance.
  • This corresponds to the loss of energy in units per defined distance.
  • This is expressed as an quotient of energy in Newton meters (Nm) and of distance in meters (m). Thus, the rolling resistance is expressed as a force in Newtons (N).
Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10572

The rolling resistance of a tire is defined by the rolling resistance coefficient c R:

cR =

FR

Z
  • cR - Rolling resistance coefficient
  • FR - Rolling resistance force
  • Z - Vehicle weight (sum of all wheel loads)

Goal

  • To reduce rolling resistance
  • To economize fuel and CO2

Evaluation

  • Separated into fuel efficiency classes A to G
  • Class D is not used

Note

  • The fuel efficiency classes are listed in EU Regulation (EG) 1222/2009. Tires categories are established by this regulation.
  • The rolling resistance is ascertained by prescribed tests performed by the tire manufacturer.
  • The lower the rolling resistance, the lower the fuel consumption.
Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10573
  1. Lowest rolling resistance coefficient = lowest fuel consumption
  2. + 0.10 liters / 100 km
  3. + 0.12 liters / 100 km
  4. + 0.14 liters / 100 km
  5. + 0.15 liters / 100 km
  6. + 0.15 liters / 100 km

Wet Grip

Definition

For the wet grip, the wet grip parameter G must be determined. The wet grip parameter G is defined by testing the distance required by a standardized vehicle to brake from 80 km/h down to 20 km/h on a wet, even road surface. The test is performed using predefined standard reference test tires (SRTT), allowing for the wet grip parameter G to be determined. Mean fully developed deceleration (mfdd) is used for the test.

Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10574

The mean fully developed deceleration is determined thusly:

mfdd = 231.48 S

S - the braking distance between 80 km/h and 20 km/h in meters

The wet grip parameter G is determined thusly:

G =

mfdd of the tire to be checked

mfdd of the standard reference tire

mfdd - mean fully developed deceleration

Goal

  • Good wet grip on tire
  • Sharp decrease in braking distance

Evaluation

  • Separated into wet grip classes A to G
  • Classes D and G are not used

Note

  • The wet grip classes are listed in EU Regulation (EG) 1222/2009. Tires categories are established by this regulation.
  • The lower the wet grip parameter, the shorter the braking distance.
Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10575
  1. lowest wet grip parameter = shortest braking distance
  2. 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category A
  3. 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category B
  4. 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category C
  5. 3 to 6 m longer braking distance compared to category E
  6. When emergency braking at 80 km/h, the difference between using class A and class F tires can be more than 18 m.
    Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10576

Noise Emission

Goal

  • To reduce pass-by noise
  • To reduce noise impact

Evaluation

  • Take measurements from outside of the vehicle only
  • Divided into three classes
Volswagen Tiguan. N44-10577
  • Three black waves signify the worst performance. The tire produces external rolling noise, which falls below the current EU Directive 2001/43/EG limit. The limit surpasses the future limit set by EU Regulation (EG) 661/2009, which will go into effect in 2016.
  • Two black waves: the tire noise level does not exceed the future limit set by EU Regulation (EG) 661/2009, which will go into effect in 2016.
  • One black wave: the tire noise level does not exceed the future limit set by EU Regulation (EG) 661/2009, which will go into effect in 2016, by at least three decibels.

Note

  • Reducing the noise measured value from two black waves down to one corresponds to 3 dB, which halves the noise level.
  • Please note that extreme tire rolling noise does not always correspond to the noise in the vehicle interior.

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Tiguan quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.