In my weekly update from Which?, they highlight the new tyre energy labelling system being introduced later this year. From November, all new car tyres will need to display a new Energy label (similar to the labelling used for domestic appliances) giving information on rolling resistance, wet grip and noise. Three symbols will be on the new labels:-

1) A symbol with the tyre and fuel pump - a measurement of the tyre's rolling resistance carried out on a calibrated test rig. The lower the rolling resistance the better the fuel economy.

2) A symbol with the tyre and rain - a measurement of wet grip, to ensure manufacturers do not compromise on grip to acheive a get a good energy rating. The rating is based on wet braking in a straight line, carried out to a standard method on a controlled wet surface. Measurement is based on a standardised wet braking test. Industry analysts have estimated that using a set of grade A tyres over a set of grade G tyres, can result in a vehicle stopping in a 30% shorter distance. For comparison, the Which? wet grip assessments they use in their tyre tests, consider both straight line braking and traction, and resistance to aquaplaning in bends.

3) A symbol with the tyre and a speaker with sound waves coming out of the speaker - an assessment of noise generated by the tyre. One black sound wave emanating from the speaker is 3dB less than the forthcoming European limit (very quiet). Two sound waves - already compliant with the future European limit (fairly quiet). Three sound waves - compliant with the current European limit, but not with the new one (noisiest tyre allowable). Based on a trackside measurement. Whereas Which? considers measure external noise and internal noise (subjectively assessed by two testers in the car).

What is missing is a wear rating. Which? offer the only independent test results for tyre wear in the UK - whereas other publications use tyre manufacturer test data.

Edited by Auristocrat on 02/03/2012 at 16:15