Drivers have no idea about new tyre markings rule 07/04/2015
A recent survey has revealed that the majority of drivers in the UK have
absolutely no idea about the new tyre marking rulings which will be
introduced next year. The new legislation involves the way that every
tyre sold in the UK must be labelled, and the major tyre manufacturers
have been gearing up for it for quite some time.
An online survey by ATS Euromaster found that 86% of drivers had no
idea about the new legislation, which will be rolled out across Europe
as well as the UK. The new rules come into force in November next year,
and with less than a year to go, governments will be worried about the
tyre education of their countries.
A survey of 800 people found that just 2% knew exactly what the new
legislation was, with a further 2% having a good idea, and 10% having
heard of it, but not knowing what the markings would entail.
The new rulings will see all tyres made for cars, vans, pickups,
trucks and 4x4 vehicles would have to have three different labels, which
will make the selection of tyre for a particular vehicle far easier.
The three criteria are wet grip, exterior road noise and rolling
resistance.
Director at ATC, Huw Williams explained, We believe that the
introduction of tyre labelling is a positive step for the industry it
will support the honest advice we already give our customers both online
and in centres, which will in turn help them to make even better
informed choices.
However, these results clearly highlight that very few people are
even aware that this new system will soon exist even though the vast
majority believe it will affect their decision-making.
When asked about the importance they would place on each criteria,
of the 800 asked, 55% thought that wet grip would be the most important
to them, while 38% wanted to reduce fuel consumption with a lower
rolling resistance. Just 7% were worried about the noise their tyres
gave off externally.
Of those asked, 77% agreed that they would pay more now for a tyre
with better rolling resistance, or wet grip, but just 45% said they
would pay more for a tyre that had a better exterior rolling sound
rating.