Changes to Tyre Label Production
CS Labels | 4 September 2023
The motoring and automotive tyre world has changed quite rapidly in recent years. As many, new regulations have been brought into play to represent how modern tyres are made to help consumers make more informed decisions.
The new labelling system for tyres is similar to the chart for household appliances (Energy Ratings) and gives each tyre a rating based on different factors so you can see exactly what type of tyre you are buying.
The new tyre label format corresponds to Regulation (EU) 2020/740, enacted on May 1, 2021, replacing Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009. The new rules have been extended from cars to include trucks and bus tyres.
The reason behind this change is to help identify tyre performance based on three different areas;
● Rolling Resistance (savings)-How efficient is the tyre
● Wet Grip (safety) - How well does the tyre stop in wet conditions
● Exterior noise (volume) - how moist is the tyre
Consumers now have a greater choice of tires than ever before, and deciding on the right tire for their car outside of the correct size and measurement can help them make better choices when the time comes for new or replacement tires.
The main differences between the old and the new label are that it has details on the tire performance in snow and ice conditions, the rolling resistance and wet grip classes now have 5 levels instead of 7, and the label contains the supplier details and a QR code you can scan to find out more performance details on the tyre.
The Importance of Inclusion
The recent tyre label changes are designed with efficiency in mind and aim to give consumers increased control and power over the tyres they purchase. Road safety and efficiency are something every driver needs to be aware of when on the road; they should know their tires' role in these factors.
The tyre label regulations now emphasise including additional details that will be of value to drivers. Such details include its wet grip for those who live in and drive in wetter conditions than average. This can make all the difference to how people drive in wet conditions as they will know how their specific tires will handle road surface water or drive through flooded areas and adjust their driving to account for this without being caught unawares if they do not know how the tyres can handle these situations.
The same goes for those operating in snow and ice. The UK specifically sees a higher number of road traffic incidents when there is snowfall, thus reiterating the importance of being aware of tyre performance in icy conditions to give drivers greater peace of mind when taking to the roads.
Tyre performance ratings included on automotive tyre labels promote transparency within the industry and allow customers to make more informed decisions about their vehicles and the parts they choose. Putting the power in the hands of the buyer means that they have more control over their choices and can better understand the importance of buying the right tyres for their car, van or truck to help them increase safety and performance.
Decoding Tyre Labels
Decoding tyre labels means identifying each rating and knowing what it relates to concerning the tyre performance.
Underneath the European Union logo and QR code at the top of the label, you can find the supplier's name along with the tyre class.
The rest of the information is included in colour-coded graphics
● On the top right-hand corner is a QR code linked directly to the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL), which will show you a full product sheet for the tyre.
● The chart on the left-hand side of the label is labelled “Size,” and it relates to the Rolling Resistance. Each tyre will be rated A-E, with A being more efficient than E.
● The right-hand side of the label is for the Wet Grip rating and is again in an A to E colour-coded list. A rating of A here means the tyre has a better-wet grip than those lower down the scale.
● The bottom of the label can contain up to three symbols. The first symbol on the left relates to the volume of the tyre, and it will be a tyre with a speaker symbol on it telling you the noise level in dB (decibels) and a rating of A-C, with A being the highest rating again. This symbol is mandatory.
● The optional symbols are snow and ice figures, which tell you if your tyre is suitable for driving in these conditions. Typically used for Nordic countries where these driving conditions are more common.
Enhancing Tyre Label Performance: Selecting the Right Materials
When it comes to creating tyre labels, selecting the right materials is crucial. Not only do these labels need to provide important information about the tire, but they also need to withstand various conditions and adhere effectively to the surface. Here at CS Labels, we have access to a range of materials, and one such option we use for tyre an aluminium backed semi gloss paper.
Why Use Aluminium Barrier Foil?
The use of the aluminium barrier foil in this material is essential as it prevents migration of components through to the face stock, ensuring that the label remains unstained. This is particularly important for tyre labels, as they may come into contact with oils, chemicals, and other substances that could potentially damage the label's appearance or readability. By incorporating the aluminium barrier foil, these labels can maintain their integrity, even in challenging environments.
The Face Material of the Label
The face material of this label is semi-gloss white, offering a professional and visually appealing finish. With a weight of 82 gsm and a thickness of 60 microns, this material strikes a balance between durability and flexibility. It is sturdy enough to withstand handling and potential abrasions, yet thin enough to conform to the curved surfaces of tyres seamlessly.
The adhesive used in these labels is TS79, a permanent rubber adhesive with exceptional performance characteristics. It has a minimum application temperature of -0°C, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions. With an in-service temperature range of -20°C to 70°C, these labels can endure extreme temperatures without compromising their adhesion or readability.
The Adhesive’s Tack
The adhesive's initial tack is very high, ensuring that the label adheres to the tyre surface instantly upon application. This is particularly valuable for tyre labels, as they need to stick securely to the rough and sometimes difficult substrates of tyres. Additionally, the ultimate adhesion of this adhesive is also very high, guaranteeing that the label remains firmly attached throughout the tire's lifespan.
It is worth noting that this adhesive is highly aggressive and specially designed for use on challenging and rough substrates such as tyres. This characteristic further emphasises the suitability of these labels for their intended application.
Correspondence with Tyre Markings
It is important to remember that while the new tyre label format is aimed at increasing transparency to help customers make more informed decisions, it doesn't include all of the safety aspects of the tyre. They are designed to work in conjunction with the tyre markings themselves, which provide more details on these aspects of performance.
Tyre marking usually include:
- Aspect Ratio
- Tyre Construction
- Wheel Diameter
- Load Index
- Load Capacity
- Speed Rating
- Tyre Width
Every label must be accurate and correspond to the marking for enhanced safety and maximum details. Each tyre will be created to meet specific standards and speeds, and choosing a tyre based on the label alone isn't always enough.
To provide clear and consistent messaging, the ratings on the tyre label need to match the tyre specification based on the markings so consumers can choose the more suitable tyres for their vehicle and their driving habits and environment.
Conclusion
While most consumers only see the tyre after being fitted to their car before it is put on the vehicle, retailers should be able to show them the ability to assess which tyre is the most suitable for them. The labels must be clear, concise, easy to read, and match the information on the tyre markings.
Decoding the label and highlighting each tyre's capabilities is essential to provide the correct information.
The new labels make it easier to visually see the tyre's performance and key statistics and interpret this to the customer when needed. This information should also be readily available for the customers to check themselves, and they should be encouraged to do so via the QR code linking to the product information.
For more details in understanding automotive tyre labels, including material quality and finishes for the brands, don't hesitate to contact CS Labels for more information.
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