Tyre characteristics

Consumers should consult an expert salesperson at a tyre outlet, study the websites of manufacturers, and read tyre tests published by major independent car magazines, which test dozens of characteristics.

No. In the Nordic countries in particular, wet grip is far from the most important safety element of winter tyres. Winter tyres with good wet grip do not have good ice grip and are very often designed specifically for the milder winter conditions of central Europe.

Rolling resistance refers to the energy consumed in the deformation that takes place when the tyre grips the road. Rolling resistance affects fuel consumption, thereby also affecting carbon dioxide emissions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20 percent of the vehicle's fuel consumpt…

Wet grip is an essential safety factor, particularly in summer tyres. It communicates the tyre's maneuverability on wet roads. EU tyre label states the tyre's braking distance on wet asphalt from an initial speed of 80 km/h.

The new tyre classifications are determined using precisely specified tests. Every tyre manufacturer is responsible for evaluating and classifying its own tyres. Self-evaluation involves using precisely defined testing methods approved by the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

There are a lot of other factors that must be taken into consideration when evaluating a tyre's performance. These include the tyre's handling on wet and dry surfaces, grip on ice, aquaplaning behavior, and the wear resistance.

Wet grip refers to the tyre's ability to retain its grip on wet surfaces. In practice, the concept of wet grip is closely related to factors such as a short braking distance on wet surfaces, better handling characteristics, or a more stable driving response in wet conditions.

The tyre labels do not apply to studded tyres but they are used for non-studded winter tyres. For winter tyres, the information on the tyre label should not be the only criteria used for comparison – it is worth reading independent tests and consulting an expert tyre outlet.