EU Tyre Regulations 2009
EU adopts noise, rolling resistance, wet grip and labeling rules
On March 10th it was announced that the European Parliament has authorised legislation that will have a marked impact on the tyre trade. This regulation defines, for all passenger car, light truck and heavy truck and bus tyres, the maximum limit values for rolling resistance and noise, as well as the minimum value for the wet grip of passenger car tyres. It also specifies that tyre pressure monitors must be installed on all new passenger cars.
The intention is for the rules to reduce the environmental impact of tyre noise and vehicle CO2 emissions and is set to be enforced from 1st November 2009.
From this time when purchasing tyres you will need to ensure that they are S marked & W marked. A tyre marked in this way will be compliant with the new regulations in terms of noise levels (S marked) and wet grip (W marked).
Current options
As always Vredestein remain ahead of the pack and the new Ultrac Cento has both S & W marks so you can be sure that you are getting a tyre that is as quiet as technology allows and offers fantastic wet grip. The new generation of Vredestein Sessanta is also S marked to reinforce their quiet ride capabilities!
Environmental benefits
One fifth of the fuel consumption of a passenger car is devoted to fighting the rolling resistance phenomenon. Expected fuel savings from the increased use of fuel efficient tyres are estimated to lead to saving 20 million tones of CO2 per year and £10 billion of fuel per year. Here at Tyremen we warmly welcome the new regulations that will set better health standards and lower sound limits in future years and thus improves public health and safety by reducing road traffic noise and promoting cleaner and safer car technology.