Buying car tyres: reading the EU label
Tyres are the only part between car and road. The EU label makes comparison easy — once you know which of its three figures matters for your driving.
Wet grip first
Between class A and C there are several car lengths of braking distance at 80 km/h. You buy this figure for the one moment it counts — it beats any fuel class.
All-season or seasonal
All-season tyres are a compromise: usable in a mild winter and a mild summer, inferior in both extremes. Mountain roads or lots of motorway favour two sets. Look for the 3PMSF marking; a snowflake alone is not legally sufficient.
The size is on the tyre, not in a brochure
Take width, aspect ratio, rim diameter plus load and speed rating exactly from the fitted tyre or the registration document. A lower rating is not a saving, it is a defect.
Quick checklist
- Wet grip A or B for year-round driving
- 3PMSF marking for winter use
- Copy load and speed ratings exactly
- Rolling noise under 70 dB for motorway miles
