Conti: 3 – 6 metres between wet braking tyre label bandings
Following the European authorities’ announcement of the latest tyre labelling regulations, Continental has also given more freshly released details of the labelling legislation, breaking them down into a more digestible form. As far as the wet braking category is concerned, vehicles with tyres in Class A stop are set to stop in the shortest distance from 50mph, whilst vehicles with tyres from Class B will take 3-6 metres longer. This trend continues for the subsequent values and results in a braking difference of over 18 metres from a vehicle in Class A to Class F.
The rolling resistance part of the label also operates on a letter-based scale. For example, a tyre from Class C will use 1 litre more fuel than that of a tyre from Class B over a journey of 625 miles. Such values are intended to aid consumers in purchasing tyres for their individual requirements. Another environmental factor, noise level, will also be highlighted on the label with a numerical value of decibels produced.
Speaking at a recent press conference in London, Continental representatives became to the first to share when they would voluntarily comply. The Hannover-based tyre manufacturer plans to begin labelling its products in June next, almost as soon as the legislation permits. It is likely that other premium tyre firms we follow suit. As far as the practical side of labelling is concerned, Conti has opted to invest in new machinery that allows it to apply two neatly aligned labels on its tyres when they come off the production line. Due to the fact that Continental wants to add its colour scheme, marketing messages and consumer information (and because what is allowed on the EU label is tightly controlled by the legislation), this can only be done with two separate labels. Again, it is not likely that other tyre manufacturers will consider a similar approach.
Tyre manufacturers will be obliged to provide a sticker on or with all tyres, which retailers must display in a clearly visible position to the end user. The vehicle manufacturer must also provide label values to consumers in case a choice of different tyres can be made on a new vehicle.
The regulation is intended to help consumers make better decisions when buying tyres but it still only covers three of the performance criteria that a tyre needs. For a more complete picture of how their tyres will perform out on the road, consumers can also refer to independent tyre tests in leading UK magazines which also take into account criteria such as aquaplaning, wet handling and performance on dry roads.
The truck and bus tyre label
Tyre labelling will also provide commercial end users with tangible information on each commercial vehicle tyre, making it easier to compare different brands. For example in terms of rolling resistance a tyre graded Class C could use up to 10 per cent more fuel than a tyre graded Class A
“This can have a huge impact on an operator’s annual fuel bill. Assuming the latest pump price of £1.36 per litre, Let’s consider a truck fitted with Class A tyres that does 9.42mpg average at 160,000 KM p/a. If this same vehicle was fitted with Class C tyres, the increase in fuel costs could be as much as £1,500. This will clearly demonstrate to potential buyers that inexpensive budget brand tyres aren’t always the best solution to drive down costs,” said Tracey Hyem, marketing manager commercial tyres at Continental UK.
Noise, which is particularly important to coach operators, will be shown in decibels as well as with a bar rating. Three bars shows the tyre meets the current minimum noise legislation, two bars shows that the tyre is up to three decibels quieter than the minimum and a tyre a with one bar is more than three decibels quieter.
Like rolling resistance, wet grip will be graded on a scale from A to G, and can be expressed in terms of braking distance. The values behind the wet grip label classes are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
“This can have a huge impact on an operator’s annual fuel bill. Assuming the latest pump price of £1.36 per litre, Let’s consider a truck fitted with Class A tyres that does 9.42mpg average at 160,000 KM p/a. If this same vehicle was fitted with Class C tyres, the increase in fuel costs could be as much as £1,500. This will clearly demonstrate to potential buyers that inexpensive budget brand tyres aren’t always the best solution to drive down costs,” said Tracey Hyem, marketing manager commercial tyres at Continental UK.
Noise, which is particularly important to coach operators, will be shown in decibels as well as with a bar rating. Three bars shows the tyre meets the current minimum noise legislation, two bars shows that the tyre is up to three decibels quieter than the minimum and a tyre a with one bar is more than three decibels quieter.
Like rolling resistance, wet grip will be graded on a scale from A to G, and can be expressed in terms of braking distance. The values behind the wet grip label classes are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.
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