NEW TYRE LABELING LAW BEGINS IN 2012
the European Parliament has recently voted in favour of a labling system for Tyres similar to that applied to Washing Machines and Refrigerators.
The labels will become mandatory in November 2012 and it is hoped that it will help consumers when trying to descide which tyre to buy by indicating the Tyres rating in three key areas.
Fuel Efficiency
The Fuel effciency is indicated by Labels A to G, in which A, B and C are green (GOOD) through to E,Fand G which are yellow,Orange and Red (POOR)
Fuel Efficiency is Measured as rolling resistance at 50mph
the lower te score the better the rating.
D remains blank at the moment
WET GRIP
Again using the A-G system the tyres are rated on how far they travel when slowing down from 50 mph to 12 mph in wet condtions.
A bench mark was set and the percentage of the distance traveled was calculated,
tyres that stop between 10-24% short of the mark are labeled E
tyres that stop between 25-39% short of the mark are labeled C
tyres that stop between 40-54% short of the mark are labeled B
tyres that stop 55% or more in front of the mark will be label A
D and G will remain blank for now
NOISE
The External rolling noise(the noise experinanced by the surroundings, not the driver)will be indicated by an Icon of a Loud speaker and a number the indicates The Performance for Instance 68 for a 68db result
UK TYRE LAW for cars - current tread depth legislation requires that car tyres must have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread in a continuous band throughout the central ¾ of the tread width and over the whole circumference of the tyre.
Although this is the minimum UK requirement we recommend changing your tyres sooner than this as the tread is responsable for water dispersement in wet weather conditions, and the tyres ablity is much better with 3mm or more compared to the 1.6mm minimum. A tyre at 1.6mm is only 55% as effective as new tyres when it comes to water dispersement in straight line braking.
Tyre Safety - www.Tyresafe.org provides lots of information on tyre safety and what you need to be aware of to help keep you and your family safe when in you car, such as guides for checking air pressure.
Did you know you can receive 3 points on your driving licence for EACH illegal tyre and a substantial fine? It really is worth having your tyres checked regularly by professionals.
If you have any questions about tyre safety please call us - 01926 88 77 22 - we'll be happy to help.