How to read the fuel efficiency and braking distance label

The European tire energy label has been in effect since 2012, and was updated in 2021: it now includes a QR code and an abbreviated scale of classes A-E, to make it easier for the buyer to assess the efficiency and safety of tires. All manufacturers and sellers are required to display the label, regardless of whether the tire is new or has already been used. This way, you get transparent information about the main characteristics of the wheel even before installation.

At «Eurokoleso» each pair of tires undergoes a tread, carcass and marking check. The presence or accurate reconstruction of the label allows you to make sure that you are buying not only profitable, but also technically suitable rubber. This is especially valuable when it comes to premium European brands, where the difference between classes can mean up to 7% fuel savings or several meters of braking distance.

Three key parameters on the label

Fuel efficiency class (Rolling Resistance)

Indicates how much energy a car spends to roll a wheel. Class A has the lowest rolling resistance and, accordingly, the minimum fuel or electricity consumption. The difference between A and E can be up to 0.6 l/100 km for an internal combustion engine or about 10 km of additional range for an electric vehicle.

Wet Grip class

Indicates how quickly a tire stops a car on wet asphalt. Going from class E to A reduces braking distance by up to 18 meters at 80 km/h — this is the length of a four-story building.

External Rolling Noise

Indicated in decibels and additionally classified by the letters A–C. Class A means the quietest wheel, reducing noise pollution and driver fatigue.

Additional pictograms: snow, ice and QR code

• 3PMSF (three-peak mountain and snowflake) — the tire is tested for severe winter conditions.
  • Ice Grip — additionally confirmed properties on ice.
  • The QR code leads to the official EU EPREL database, where you can check the reliability of the data.

How to interpret classes from A to E

Parameter	A	B	C	D	E
Fuel efficiency	lowest drag, fuel savings up to 7 %	5–6 %	3–4 %	1–2 %	baseline level
Wet braking distance, compared to A	—	+3–4 m	+6–7 m	+9–12 m	+15–18 m
External noise (typical reduction)	–3 dB	–2 dB	–1 dB	baseline level	+1 dB

Practical tips: how to use the label in «Eurowheel»

The manager will send you the original image or an extract from the EPREL database so that you can check the tire class yourself. Our catalog has filters by size and brand; add A/B parameters to find economical and safe options faster.

Fuel economy (A) without good grip (D or E) may be unacceptable if you often drive in the rain. Look for a balance of A–B / A–B.

If you are planning a winter trip to the Carpathians, choose tires with the 3PMSF icon; for a city electric car, minimal noise can be critical.

Even the best class A-A-A does not compensate for the aging of the compound. At «Eurokoleso» we sell mainly tires that are less than 5 years old, and their condition is confirmed by HOFMANN GEODYNA 9000P diagnostics.

The European label — is a quick way to assess fuel efficiency, wet road safety and noise characteristics before buying. Knowing what the pictograms and letter in each category mean, you can easily choose the optimal set for your own routes and driving style. Contact «Eurokoleso» at 8 Saperno-Slobidska Street or call from 8:00 to 21:00 — we will help you choose used tires with the best performance and deliver them to any region of Ukraine.