New EU tire labels – especially useful for online purchases

Europe has become the first region in the world to use for tires a grip symbol on ice. Later a snow grip symbol it’s a QR code which points to a huge database. These new symbols help motorists to compare different alternatives and to choose safe tires that reduce emissions. As a pioneer of winter tires, Nokian Tires has long promoted the development of labels.

Nokian Tryres and the new labels

The tire labels stay on renewing across the EU. The new labels are mandatory on tires manufactured after May 1, 2021, then they will begin to gradually appear on those for sale. Since their first appearance, the labels have now changed.

A QR code and the information they also affect grip on snow and ice. These requirements do not apply to studded winter tires. Nokian Tires has been working for years to improve labels and offer customers the best product. Now his hard work is paying off. Matti Morri, Technical Customer Service Manager of Nokian Tires, revealed:

In practice, wet grip is the opposite of ice grip: developing one reduces the other. Tires designed for Central Europe emphasize the characteristics required on clear roads. On the other hand, the ice grip symbol indicates that the tire works and remains safe in the harsh conditions of the Nordic winter.

The snow grip symbol indicates that the tire meets the official EU requirements for snow grip; this is particularly useful in Germany, Italy and the Nordic countries. We do not recommend using tires designed for Central Europe in conditions for which they are not intended.

Consumers are ordering more and more products online. It is a significant advantage for them that, in the future, they can check the symbols and order the best possible tires for their own conditions of use. Expert assistance is available from dealers, however there is no personal assistance online that can help you choose safe tires.

A new element on the tire label is the QR code. This code has the ability to point to a huge database that it accumulates information on all tires available on the European market. Product information is standardized, allowing easy tire comparison.

What do the new tire labels tell drivers?

• Rolling resistance refers to fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Winter tires in the best category can do save 0.6 liters of fuel per 100 km compared to the lowest category.
• Wet grip indicates it braking distance. On wet asphalt, the best tires need almost 20 meters less to stop when they travel at a speed of 80 km / h compared to those of the minor categories.
• The external rolling noise value indicates the noise levels outside the vehicle. The use of quieter tires reduces noise pollution in the environment.
• The snow grip symbol indicates that the tire meets the official requirements and works well on snow. It also indicates that the tire has passed the ice grip test and is suitable for Nordic winter conditions.

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