Wet Grip A to E: What the EU Tire Label on the Shelf Really Reveals
Every new tire in the EU and Switzerland comes with a label indicating three ratings: fuel efficiency, wet grip, and rolling noise. We analyzed how these ratings are distributed across over 10,000 tires in our product range. The results explain why one rating is far more important than another when making a purchase — and why an A-rating doesn't mean the same thing for both.
What the EU tyre label shows
The current EU tyre label rates rolling resistance and wet grip on a scale from A to E. It also shows the external rolling noise in decibels and as a class from A to C. If applicable, symbols for severe snow or ice conditions appear. The label makes defined individual values comparable but does not replace an independent tyre test.
How complete our data is
Of 26,834 active tyres, 11,478 currently include a structured wet grip class, 11,237 a fuel efficiency class, and 11,481 a noise value. Missing information in our catalogue does not mean the tyre lacks an EU label; it indicates a gap in the supplier data we received.
Wet grip in the current assortment
| Class | Articles | Share of recorded values |
|---|---|---|
| A | 3,739 | 32.6 % |
| B | 4,750 | 41.4 % |
| C | 2,580 | 22.5 % |
| D | 245 | 2.1 % |
| E | 164 | 1.4 % |
A and B together account for approximately 74 percent of the recorded wet grip values. A class below B is therefore a sensible reason to compare alternatives of the same dimension. However, it is not the sole indicator for dry handling, aquaplaning, winter performance, or wear.
Rolling resistance in the current assortment
| Class | Articles | Share of recorded values |
|---|---|---|
| A | 537 | 4.8 % |
| B | 1,476 | 13.1 % |
| C | 5,846 | 52.0 % |
| D | 2,701 | 24.0 % |
| E | 677 | 6.0 % |
For efficiency, C is the most common class, accounting for approximately 52 percent of the recorded values. The actual range or consumption also depends on tyre pressure, vehicle, temperature, load, and driving style.
What takes priority when buying
Within the same dimension and intended use, better wet grip is usually the more important safety gain. This is followed by the appropriate season, load capacity, speed index, and the results of independent tests. Efficiency and noise help with fine selection but should not be prioritized over an unsuitable tyre design.
External is not internal noise
The decibel value on the label describes the rolling noise measured outside the vehicle. It does not directly indicate how loud a tyre sounds inside the vehicle. Vehicle insulation, road surface, tread frequencies, and any acoustic foam technology are crucial for this.
For further reading: The EU tyre label in detail · How the VANTIQ index is created · All tyres in the assortment
Sources and Status
Catalogue data: own active tyre inventory, read on August 19, 2026 via the Shopify Admin API. Total population: 26,834 tyres in 309 sizes. Prices are per tyre including VAT.
Factual basis: European Commission – Tyre Labelling and Regulation (EU) 2020/740.
The catalogue changes constantly. Stock levels and prices on the respective product page are therefore binding for ordering.
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