FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Delivery time
An item that is marked as “In stock” leaves the stock within 1 working day after receipt of payment. Please note that the assembly of the complete wheels can cause a delay of an additional 2 to 3 working days. The actual delivery time ex stock can deviate especially during peak seasons (October to December and March to April).
An item which is marked as “available” is offered by one of reifen.com’s suppliers. The shipping time of this item is approximately 2 to 3 working days. Due to the assembly of the complete wheels a time delay of an additional 3 to 5 working days may occur. The actual delivery period may vary in individual cases, especially during the season (October to December and March to April). Please keep in mind that the item has to be ordered for you by reifen.com, and that the availability of this item is given with the reservation of the actual availability at our supplier’s.
An item which is marked as “available” is offered by one of reifen.com’s suppliers. The shipping time of this item is approximately 2 to 3 working days. Due to the assembly of the complete wheels a time delay of an additional 3 to 5 working days may occur. The actual delivery period may vary in individual cases, especially during the season (October to December and March to April). Please keep in mind that the item has to be ordered for you by reifen.com, and that the availability of this item is given with the reservation of the actual availability at our supplier’s.
How can I order?
You order in our store by going through the following steps:
1) You place items in your shopping cart without obligation by clicking on the "Into shopping cart" button.
2) You can view all the items you have placed in your shopping cart by clicking on the shopping cart in the upper right corner. Your shopping cart will open. Here you can also delete items or change the quantity.
3) If you want to buy the items from your shopping cart, click on the button "Start an order". This will take you to the ordering process.
4) As a registered customer you can log in with your own customer account , or you can use our guest login as a new customer. For this, you only enter the data that are absolutely necessary for the safe execution of your order.
5) In the order process you first enter your delivery and payment data.
6) Before you send your order, you will get an overview of all data of your planned order (especially invoice and shipping address, product, price, quantity, payment method) on the page "Check data". Here you will be prompted to check the accuracy of your information. You can also correct or change your order data by clicking on "Modify".
7) By clicking on the button "Order with obligation to pay" you send your order to us. By doing so, you offer the conclusion of a purchase contract to us. The information about the time of the conclusion of the contract can be found in the section "Conclusion of the contract" in the GTC.
You also have the option of making a so-called "on-site purchase" with us, by going through the following steps:
1) You add items to your shopping cart without obligation by clicking on the "Select workshop" button and then selecting the workshop.
2) You can view all the items you have placed in your shopping cart by clicking on the shopping cart in the upper right corner. Your shopping cart will open.
3) If you want to purchase the items from your shopping cart, click on the button "Start on-site purchase" This will take you to the ordering process.
4) As a registered customer you can log in with your own customer account, or you can use our guest login as a new customer. For this, you only enter the data that are absolutely necessary for the safe execution of your order.
5) In the ordering process you confirm the selected workshop, then you will be informed about the payment options in the workshop.
6) Before you submit your order, the "Check data" page will give you an overview of all the data for your planned order. Here you will be prompted to check the accuracy of your information. You can also correct or change your order data here by clicking on "modify".
7) By clicking on the "Order on spot" button, the goods selected by you in the context of the stationary purchase will be made available for you to view at a specific branch. A contractual relationship with you is not established by a stationary purchase.
1) You place items in your shopping cart without obligation by clicking on the "Into shopping cart" button.
2) You can view all the items you have placed in your shopping cart by clicking on the shopping cart in the upper right corner. Your shopping cart will open. Here you can also delete items or change the quantity.
3) If you want to buy the items from your shopping cart, click on the button "Start an order". This will take you to the ordering process.
4) As a registered customer you can log in with your own customer account , or you can use our guest login as a new customer. For this, you only enter the data that are absolutely necessary for the safe execution of your order.
5) In the order process you first enter your delivery and payment data.
6) Before you send your order, you will get an overview of all data of your planned order (especially invoice and shipping address, product, price, quantity, payment method) on the page "Check data". Here you will be prompted to check the accuracy of your information. You can also correct or change your order data by clicking on "Modify".
7) By clicking on the button "Order with obligation to pay" you send your order to us. By doing so, you offer the conclusion of a purchase contract to us. The information about the time of the conclusion of the contract can be found in the section "Conclusion of the contract" in the GTC.
You also have the option of making a so-called "on-site purchase" with us, by going through the following steps:
1) You add items to your shopping cart without obligation by clicking on the "Select workshop" button and then selecting the workshop.
2) You can view all the items you have placed in your shopping cart by clicking on the shopping cart in the upper right corner. Your shopping cart will open.
3) If you want to purchase the items from your shopping cart, click on the button "Start on-site purchase" This will take you to the ordering process.
4) As a registered customer you can log in with your own customer account, or you can use our guest login as a new customer. For this, you only enter the data that are absolutely necessary for the safe execution of your order.
5) In the ordering process you confirm the selected workshop, then you will be informed about the payment options in the workshop.
6) Before you submit your order, the "Check data" page will give you an overview of all the data for your planned order. Here you will be prompted to check the accuracy of your information. You can also correct or change your order data here by clicking on "modify".
7) By clicking on the "Order on spot" button, the goods selected by you in the context of the stationary purchase will be made available for you to view at a specific branch. A contractual relationship with you is not established by a stationary purchase.
Redeem voucher
A voucher can be used for online purchases at reifen.com or in our stores. To do so, please use the voucher field in the shopping basket or provide the code in store before making your purchase. A voucher cannot be combined with other discounts and can only be used once. It is not possible to spread the voucher value across multiple orders. Any unused credit is forfeited.
Where do I find my credit card's confirmation number?
If you want to pay by credit card, please enter the following during your order: your credit card number, the 3-digit confirmation number (see fig. below) and the validity information. Every current credit card includes a card confirmation number (Mastercard since 1997, VISA since 2001). The back of your VISA or Mastercard also features the card number (in the signature field); the three-digit card confirmation number is given directly behind this number:
For American Express cards, you will find the 4-digit confirmation number on the front side, slightly offset:
The confirmation number is designed to reduce misuse of your credit card data, thereby limiting the probability of financial losses for the purchaser as well as for the merchant.
For American Express cards, you will find the 4-digit confirmation number on the front side, slightly offset:
The confirmation number is designed to reduce misuse of your credit card data, thereby limiting the probability of financial losses for the purchaser as well as for the merchant.
What happens to my credit card data?
Credit card data (as well as all other data provided via secure SSL forms) is transferred encrypted from your Internet browser to our web server. The data you entered is only used for the payment transaction. We don't store your credit card's confirmation number for any longer than the one-time debiting of your card for the order.
What is PayPal?
PayPal is an online payment service that allows you to shop securely, conveniently, and quickly in online shops – for free.
Secure: Your bank or credit card data is only stored with PayPal. That means that you don't need to send your information each time you shop online.
Convenient: You can pay with just a few clicks. Since you only need to access your bank or credit card data as it is stored with PayPal, you don't have to enter it again next time.
Fast: PayPal payments take place quickly. This enables the vendor to send the items immediately, which means you receive them sooner.
Register and use PayPal right away:
90 days deferred payment – no problem at all!
Use our generous deferred payment scheme and forget about paying for 90 days. We shall calculate a small interest fee of only 2.0% and an one-time administrative fee of 5.00 EUR in addition to the cash payment price (e.g. for 100.00 €, an interest fee of 2.00 EUR + 5.00 EUR administrative fee = 107.00 EUR).
How can I pay at reifen.com stores?
The payment of the goods is made optionally via one of the following accepted payment methods:
- Advance payment
- Invoice (up to max. 1500 EUR)
- Direct debit (up to max. 1500 EUR)
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard and American Express)
- Financing (from 99 EUR onwards)
- Instalment Powered by PayPal
- Payment pause 90 days (up to max. 1500 EUR)
- Sofortüberweisung (direct debit)
- PayPal
- MasterPass™
The payment methods invoice, direct debit and payment pause are only offered for customers with residence in the Federal Republic of Germany, and only up to a total order value of 1500.00 EUR
The payment methodInstalment Powered by PayPal is only offered for customers with residence in the Federal Republic of Germany, and only up to a total order value of 750.00 EUR
Additional costs only occur for you when choosing the payment methods “Payment pause”, “Financing” or “Instalment Powered by PayPal"
Independent of the payment method chosen, you receive an invoice via email. The order overview in the shop cannot be used as an invoice.
Note: In our reifen.com branches we accept cash, EC cards, financing and invoice.
The reifencom GmbH reserves the right to exclude certain payment methods in individual cases. Unfortunately payment by sending cash or cheques is not possible.
To check the address and creditworthiness, reifencom GmbH inquires information stored in the databases of the following credit agencies about your personal address and data regarding your creditworthiness, including those that are based on mathematical-statistical processes (scoring):
Address data are requested from:
- Schober Information Group Deutschland GmbH, Max.-Eyth-Str. 6-10, 71254 Ditzingen, Germany.
Creditworthiness data (scoring) is requested from:
- Bürgel Wirtschaftsinformationen GmbH & Co. KG, Gasstraße 18, 22761 Hamburg, Germany
A scoring is only executed when one of the following payment methods is chosen:
- Invoice
- Direct debit
- Payment pause 90 days
Due to our internal credit policy we reserve the right to exclude these payment methods after completed check.
Detailed information about the payment methods can be found in the Terms and Conditions in this area Terms of payment
Do I have the right to withdraw?
Detailed information about your right to withdraw is available in our General Terms of Service.
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems) – what is that?
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System
A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), or Reifendruck-Kontrollsystem (RDKS), is “…a system fitted on a vehicle which can evaluate the pressure of the tires or the variation of pressure over time and transmit corresponding information to the user while the vehicle is running” (chapter I, article 3, number 7 of the EU regulation 661/2009).
This technical monitoring of the tire pressure in everyday life is useful because many tire damages come into being due to loss of pressure which is often recognized too late by the drivers of the vehicles. A tire pressure that is too low again leads to higher fuel consumption and a weakened driving behaviour. Closely related to that is an increase of the tire temperature as well as a greater wear - and finally the tires can suddenly burst because of the tire pressure that is too low, a big safety risk for all vehicle passengers!
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems shall minimize safety risks
TPMS have been in existence for many years, in the USA they have been mandatory for the monitoring of new vehicles for a longer period of time. Also in Europe there are regulations for TPMS, which have been established in the EU regulation 661/2009 as of July 13th, 2009:
- According to this, all new type approved vehicles of the class M1/M1G have had to be fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) according to ECE-R 64 since November 1st, 2012.
- Further, from November 1st, 2014 all newly registered vehicles of the class M1/M1G need to be fitted with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) according to ECE-R 64. The named vehicle class includes vehicles used for the carriage of passengers with up to eight seats except for the driver’s seat, i.e. passenger cars, cross-country vehicles and mobile homes
In the EU regulation 661/2009 as of July 13th, 2009, the legislator does not regulate which TPMS (active/direct or passive/indirect) need to be fitted - as long as TPMS meet the ECE-R64, active/direct and passive/indirect TPMS are permitted.
reifencom supports active Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Our offered Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors support active TPMS. Active TPMS consist of more components, which work together on the vehicle and thereby monitor the tire pressure:
For an active TPMS a programmed tire pressure monitoring sensor which measures the temperature of each tire in addition to the tire pressure is installed on each tire. The measured values are sent to the control unit in the vehicle (usually the on-board computer of the vehicle) when the vehicle is driving together with an individual identification of the tire pressure monitoring sensor.
Active Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems offer more safety!
Active TPMS with tire pressure monitoring sensors work more detailed because they can recognise slower loss of diffusions as well as fast pressure loss. In a few years active TPMS and tire pressure monitoring sensors will be so naturally a part of the vehicle equipment as ABS is today.
But despite the additional safety you should not forget that TPMS and tire pressure monitoring sensors can neither correct the tire pressure themselves nor give information about the tread depth of the tires - tires are the link between the vehicle and the road, and therefore it is important to check the tires regularly oneself or to have it checked in one of our branches.
Note: As a standard our complete wheel fitting is made without the tire pressure monitoring sensor.
Please keep in mind that starting from November 1st, 2014 all newly registered vehicles in the EU of the class M1/M1G (passenger cars, cross-country vehicles and mobile homes) need to have a TPMS.
If your vehicle has an active or direct TPMS with tire pressure monitoring sensors, you can order tire pressure monitoring sensors as an additional equipment for specific models of a vehicle. This possibility is shown to you, as far as it is offered by us, during the order process. Tire pressure monitoring sensors ordered by you will be fitted onto your complete wheel and programmed by us and you need to activate it on your vehicle after receipt.
Are the tyres actually new?
In the segment of quality, branded and premium tyres we only sell new tyres. Our tyres always meet the highest requirements and are taken from the current production of the corresponding manufacturers. We place the greatest value on the quality of our tyres.
We also place the greatest value on the quality of our retread tyres of European origin to which, at the time of delivery, the same warranty and product liability criteria do, of course apply, as to new tyres.
Tyre age - how long may an unused product actually be sold as a new product?
In the segment of quality, brand and premium tyres, we exclusively sell new tyres from the running production of the corresponding manufacturer.
Even though tyres are considered as new up to an age of a maximum of five years according to the Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk e.V. (BRV - German Tyre Retailer and Vulcanization Trade Association) provided an appropriate and professional storage, the production data of the tyres offered by us are usually considerably newer than this recommendation. (Source: https://www.bundesverband-reifenhandel.de/verbraucher/reifenkauf/)
The same applies for our tyres for two-wheeled vehicles. We always sell the tyres from the most current productions. As we also provide very special motorcycle tyres that are produced individually for specific motorcycle types (special identification), older years of production are occasionally also sold; however these are always kept in a good order and condition due to professional storage.
What accessories are included with rims?
Provided that special fixing material is required, this will be included.
Do your rims and complete wheels include a general operating permit (ABE)?
A general operating permit (ABE) is always included.
What does a complete wheel include?
All complete wheels are mounted individually for you. Our complete wheel prices include rims, tyres, valves, installation of the tyre on the rim, balancing, any neccessary fixing material and a general operating permit (ABE).
Who installs the tyres?
If you live close to one of our branches, then you may have your tyres installed there right away. Otherwise, you may have your tyres installed by a tyre dealer or at a workshop close to you.
What information is on a tyre?
1: Brand
2: Profile name
3: Tyre width in mm
4: Aspect ratio
5: Tyre type
6: Size in inches
7: Load index
8: Speed index
9: Tubeless
10: Date of manufacture
11: The indication “Three peak mountain snow flake” (3PMSF) is awarded from the American road administration and marks tyres, which reach in a test a better traction on ice and snow compared to a reference tyre.
12: Enhanced tyres
13: The M+S symbol (mud and snow) is an unprotected identification of a tyre, whose tread, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to give a better driving - and traction performance on snow compared to a tire without M+S symbol (EU Regulation no. 661/2009 of 13 July 2009 ).
14: The ECE mark certification agreed upon by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) is a marking of the vehicle components subject to approval. It consists of a capital E in a circle as well as an approval number related to the ECE Regulation and proves that the components marked that way have undergone all tests and approvals and that an ECE design certification has been given. The states and offices participating in the ECE procedure acknowledge the design certifications given by the others.
2: Profile name
3: Tyre width in mm
4: Aspect ratio
5: Tyre type
6: Size in inches
7: Load index
8: Speed index
9: Tubeless
10: Date of manufacture
11: The indication “Three peak mountain snow flake” (3PMSF) is awarded from the American road administration and marks tyres, which reach in a test a better traction on ice and snow compared to a reference tyre.
12: Enhanced tyres
13: The M+S symbol (mud and snow) is an unprotected identification of a tyre, whose tread, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to give a better driving - and traction performance on snow compared to a tire without M+S symbol (EU Regulation no. 661/2009 of 13 July 2009 ).
14: The ECE mark certification agreed upon by the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) is a marking of the vehicle components subject to approval. It consists of a capital E in a circle as well as an approval number related to the ECE Regulation and proves that the components marked that way have undergone all tests and approvals and that an ECE design certification has been given. The states and offices participating in the ECE procedure acknowledge the design certifications given by the others.
Do you deliver internationally?
We deliver to the following European countries:
- Great Britain
- 2 car tyres and up, motorcycle tyres, aluminium rims, complete wheel with and/or without accessories 4.95 EUR
- 1 car tyre (minimum quantity fee) 5.50 EUR
- Island fee 11.00 EUR
Poland
- 2 car tyres and up, motorcycle tyres, aluminium rims, complete wheels with and/or without accessories 12.00 EUR
- 1 car tyre (minimum quantity fee) 6.50 EUR
Slovenia
- 2 car tyres and up, motorcycle tyres, aluminium rims, complete wheels with and/or without accessories 12.00 EUR
- 1 car tyre (minimum quantity fee) 6.50 EUR
Slovakia
- 2 car tyres and up, motorcycle tyres, aluminium rims, complete wheels with and/or without accessories 12.00 EUR
- 1 car tyre (minimum quantity fee) 6.50 EUR
Czech Republic
- 2 car tyres and up, motorcycle tyres, aluminium rims, complete wheels with and/or without accessories 8.00 EUR
- 1 car tyre (minimum quantity fee) 4.50 EUR
The delivery to France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark isn´t possible if you order via reifen.com .
Please visit our country shops for a shipment to your country:
- For France: www.bonspneus.fr
- For Italy: www.123gomme.it
- For Austria: www.reifenshop.at
- For Switzerland: www.pneuexperte.ch
- For Denmark: www.daekekspert.dk
- For Belgium: www.rubbex.com
- For Netherlands: www.rubbex.com
- For Luxembourg: www.rubbex.com
What do I do in case the goods ever have a defect/lack?
You are entitled to the legal warranty for a time of 24 months starting with your receipt of the goods. For complaints please contact info@reifen.com or +49 (0) 511 -123210 -10
What can I do if something has gone wrong with my order?
In this case, simply send us an email to info@reifen.com, or a fax to +49 (0)1805 - 66 22 62*, or call us at: +49 (0)1805 - 99 11 91*
(0.14 EUR/min. from land lines / mobile networks max. 0.42 EUR/min)
. Describe in brief what has gone wrong and we'll do our best to take care of the issue.
I only received part of my order. When will the rest of the order arrive?
If a portion of your order is missing, then you will likely receive it the next day. Many delivery services will put off part of an order until the next day due to excessive loads on their delivery vehicles.
How do you deliver, and what happens if I'm not at home?
We deliver via DPD (Deutscher Paketdienst). In case you are not home when your order is delivered, DPD will leave a note and then try to deliver again later. In case DPD cannot reach you three times, your package will be sent back to us.
Do I require wheel bolts for complete steel wheels if I already have wheel bolts?
If these are the original serial-production wheel bolts, then you can use these and do not need to order any more. The wheel bolts that are offered in your shopping cart may be removed from the order by clicking the small X beside the item.
Is there any marking for winter tyres that I can use to recognise whether or not a tyre meets the minimum legal requirements?
Suitable tyres for winter road conditions would be M+S tyres or, alternatively, a year-round tyre which features the M+S marking on its wall. The following minimum tread depths are recommended for these tyres:
For car, off-road, SUV and light lorry tyres, the minimum tread depth is 4 mm; for lorry and bus tyres, the minimum tread depth amounts to between 6-8 mm (at least for the tyres on the drive/traction axle).
According to UN-ECE regulations (ECE-R30 and 54), EC Directive 92/23 EEC and StVZO (§ 36), winter tyres must be marked by the letters "M+S". This also applies to year-round tyres (all-season, all-weather), which also bear the marking "M+S".
The snowflake symbol is an another asset during winter and marks “thoroughbred winter tyres”. This means that according to the SRTT Standard (Standard Reference Test Tyre), a winter tyre must feature a minimum of 7% improved traction value on snow than any normal tyre that is marked "M+S". Such tyres only receive the snowflake symbol.
For car, off-road, SUV and light lorry tyres, the minimum tread depth is 4 mm; for lorry and bus tyres, the minimum tread depth amounts to between 6-8 mm (at least for the tyres on the drive/traction axle).
According to UN-ECE regulations (ECE-R30 and 54), EC Directive 92/23 EEC and StVZO (§ 36), winter tyres must be marked by the letters "M+S". This also applies to year-round tyres (all-season, all-weather), which also bear the marking "M+S".
The snowflake symbol is an another asset during winter and marks “thoroughbred winter tyres”. This means that according to the SRTT Standard (Standard Reference Test Tyre), a winter tyre must feature a minimum of 7% improved traction value on snow than any normal tyre that is marked "M+S". Such tyres only receive the snowflake symbol.
Do you have special offers for merchants?
Merchants may shop via a separate website at www.b2b-reifen.com. Any interested merchants may register here.
Air pressure for wide tyres
Basically, any wide-base tyre with the same volume of air as the serial-production model also requires the same air pressure. For safety reasons, wide tyres may, however, require different pressure values than standard tyres. This depends on the load on the particular tyre, the vehicle's top speed and the load index (LI). Indicators of the tyre's pressure values are always the manufacturer's specifications and your particular vehicle's operating manual.
Paying by sofortbanking - highest security standards
With sofortbanking you can pay easily and securely with your online banking account. No registration is required. Just use your normal login information to your existing online banking account.
sofortbanking is the direct payment method of Payment Network AG. sofortbanking allows you to directly and automatically trigger a credit transfer during your online purchase with your online banking information. A transfer order is instantly confirmed to merchant allowing an instant delivery of goods and services. .
sofortbanking has been certified by the largest German quality and security institute, the TÜV, according to best-practice data privacy standards. There is no need for an additional registration or a credit card. It works simply, secure and fast with your online banking account.
sofortbanking is the direct payment method of Payment Network AG. sofortbanking allows you to directly and automatically trigger a credit transfer during your online purchase with your online banking information. A transfer order is instantly confirmed to merchant allowing an instant delivery of goods and services. .
sofortbanking has been certified by the largest German quality and security institute, the TÜV, according to best-practice data privacy standards. There is no need for an additional registration or a credit card. It works simply, secure and fast with your online banking account.
The ne EU tyre label
European Tyre Labelling Regulation - EU Tyre Label
The Tyre Labelling Regulation determines the information that must be provided with regard to tyres' fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Information is also provided on the product's performance in wintery driving conditions.e Reifen-Kennzeichnungs-Verordnung legt die Informationspflichten zu Kraftstoffeffizienz, Nasshaftung und externem Rollgeräusch von Reifen fest. Zusätzlich wird auf Wintereigenschaften des Produktes hingewiesen.
Regulation EU 1222/2009, which has been in force since 01/11/2012, has been revised and will be replaced from 1 May 2021 by Regulation EU 2020/740, from which point new standards will apply. The assessment categories for fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise have been changed and the layout of the EU label has been changed accordingly. The manufacturers' product data sheets, stored in the EU database, can be downloaded via a QR code integrated into the label. It also includes information on snow grip and ice grip for tyres that meet these criteria.
The following tyres are exempt from the regulation:
An overview of the criteria and assessment categories
Fuel efficiency
The fuel consumption depends on the rolling resistance of the tyres, the vehicle itself, the driving conditions and the driver's driving style. The measured rolling resistance (rolling resistance coefficient) of the tyre is divided into classes A (highest efficiency) to E (lowest efficiency).
If a vehicle is fully equipped with class A tyres, a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 7.5%* is possible, compared to a vehicle equipped with class E tyres. It can be even higher for commercial vehicles. (Source: European Commission Impact Assessment * if measurements were carried out in accordance with the test methods specified in Regulation (EU) 2020/740))
Please note: Fuel consumption depends to a large extent on the driver's own driving style and can be reduced considerably by driving in an environmentally friendly manner. To improve fuel efficiency, it is important to regularly check the tyre pressure.
Wet grip
Wet grip is divided into classes A (shortest braking distance) to E (longest braking distance).
Braking distance can be reduced by up to 18 m in the case of an emergency stop at 80 km/hr (on a road surface with average grip) when a car is equipped with class A tyres, compared to class E tyres.* * Source: wdk Trade Association of the German Rubber Industry
Please note: Road safety depends to a large extent on the driver's own driving style. Stopping distances must always be observed. To improve wet grip, it is important to regularly check the tyre pressure.
External rolling noise
The noise emissions from a tyre affect the overall volume of noise produced by the vehicle and have an impact not only on the driver's comfort but also on environmental noise pollution. On the EU tyre label, the external rolling noise is divided into 3 classes from A (lowest level of rolling noise) to C (highest level of rolling noise), measured in decibels (dB) and compared to the European noise emission limits for tyres' external rolling noise.
A
The pictogram with the classification "A" indicates that the external rolling noise of the tyre is more than 3 dB below the EU limit that applied until 2016.
B
The "B" classification means that the external rolling noise of the tyre is up to 3 dB below or equal to the EU limit that applied until 2016.
C
The "C" classification indicates that the specified limit has been exceeded.
The Tyre Labelling Regulation determines the information that must be provided with regard to tyres' fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Information is also provided on the product's performance in wintery driving conditions.e Reifen-Kennzeichnungs-Verordnung legt die Informationspflichten zu Kraftstoffeffizienz, Nasshaftung und externem Rollgeräusch von Reifen fest. Zusätzlich wird auf Wintereigenschaften des Produktes hingewiesen. Regulation EU 1222/2009, which has been in force since 01/11/2012, has been revised and will be replaced from 1 May 2021 by Regulation EU 2020/740, from which point new standards will apply. The assessment categories for fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise have been changed and the layout of the EU label has been changed accordingly. The manufacturers' product data sheets, stored in the EU database, can be downloaded via a QR code integrated into the label. It also includes information on snow grip and ice grip for tyres that meet these criteria.
The following tyres are exempt from the regulation:
- Tyres designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990.
- Remoulded tyres (until Regulation EU 2020/740 has been widened accordingly)
- Professional off-road tyres
- Racing tyres
- Tyres with additional devices to improve traction, e.g. studded tyres
- Temporary-use spare tyres (T-type tyres)
- Tyres with a speed rating below 80 km/h
- Tyres with a nominal rim diameter of 254 mm or less and 635 mm or more
An overview of the criteria and assessment categories
Fuel efficiencyThe fuel consumption depends on the rolling resistance of the tyres, the vehicle itself, the driving conditions and the driver's driving style. The measured rolling resistance (rolling resistance coefficient) of the tyre is divided into classes A (highest efficiency) to E (lowest efficiency).
If a vehicle is fully equipped with class A tyres, a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 7.5%* is possible, compared to a vehicle equipped with class E tyres. It can be even higher for commercial vehicles. (Source: European Commission Impact Assessment * if measurements were carried out in accordance with the test methods specified in Regulation (EU) 2020/740))
Please note: Fuel consumption depends to a large extent on the driver's own driving style and can be reduced considerably by driving in an environmentally friendly manner. To improve fuel efficiency, it is important to regularly check the tyre pressure.
Wet gripWet grip is divided into classes A (shortest braking distance) to E (longest braking distance).
Braking distance can be reduced by up to 18 m in the case of an emergency stop at 80 km/hr (on a road surface with average grip) when a car is equipped with class A tyres, compared to class E tyres.* * Source: wdk Trade Association of the German Rubber Industry
Please note: Road safety depends to a large extent on the driver's own driving style. Stopping distances must always be observed. To improve wet grip, it is important to regularly check the tyre pressure.
External rolling noiseThe noise emissions from a tyre affect the overall volume of noise produced by the vehicle and have an impact not only on the driver's comfort but also on environmental noise pollution. On the EU tyre label, the external rolling noise is divided into 3 classes from A (lowest level of rolling noise) to C (highest level of rolling noise), measured in decibels (dB) and compared to the European noise emission limits for tyres' external rolling noise.
A
The pictogram with the classification "A" indicates that the external rolling noise of the tyre is more than 3 dB below the EU limit that applied until 2016.
B
The "B" classification means that the external rolling noise of the tyre is up to 3 dB below or equal to the EU limit that applied until 2016.
C
The "C" classification indicates that the specified limit has been exceeded.
The most important information concerning the EU Tyre Label
What is the EU Tyre Label?
Starting on November 1st, 2012 the new European Tyre Labelling Regulation EU/1222/2009, short EU Tyre Label, applies. This regulation applies for all newly produced tyres from CW27/2012 onwards.
The EU Tyre Label informs about the criteria fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise, and is binding for all tyres of cars, light trucks and trucks (C1, C2 and C3) across the EU member states.
The aim of the EU Tyre Label is to increase the safety, environmental protection and economic efficiency of road transport by promoting fuel-efficient and safe tyres with low noise levels.
Next to the EU Tyre Label you should continue to include relevant tyre tests as an important factor in your buying decision, as the new EU Tyre Label only tests three important criteria. This means that for instance neither the drivability of summer tyres on a dry road nor the grip on snow of winter tyres is tested.
Every tyre and every tyre size has its own EU Tyre Label because the different tyre sizes of one item number of one manufacturer behave differently regarding the three characteristics fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise.
To which tyres does the EU Tyre Label apply and to which does it not apply?
The EU Tyre Label is binding for all tyres of cars, light trucks and trucks (C1, C2 and C3) across the EU member states which have been produced after July 1st, 2012.
The respective vehicle class is given at the left bottom of the EU Tyre Label.
This Regulation shall not apply to:
Which criteria are valuated through the EU Tyre Label?
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is measured by means of the rolling resistance of a tyre: The lower it is, the lower the fuel consumption. The categorization of fuel efficiency is made on a scale of seven classes: from A (greatest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency), whereby class D is not used. An improvement from one class to the next more efficient class means an approximate saving of 0.1 l fuel per 100 km.
Rolling resistance is the force that has to be set against the direction of movement of the tyre. Force is demanded by the vehicle engine in order to compensate for the rolling resistance. Thereby fuel is consumed. The following guides as a rule of thumb for cars: A reduction of the rolling resistance by 6% leads to a reduction of fuel consumption by 1%.
The data about the energy efficiency rating as part of fuel efficiency are the result of a harmonized testing procedure.
Wet Grip
The wet grip is subdivided into the classes A (shortest breaking distance) to G (longest breaking distance), whereby class D and G are not used. When going 80 km/h on a wet road, the difference in the breaking distance between adjacent categories (from one class to the following better class) is between 1 and 2 car lengths (3-6 m).
Wet grip refers to the bailout of tyres. It stands for the breaking ability of a tyre on a wet road. There are further parameters like e.g. roadholding or breaking behaviour on wet and dry road at higher speeds or the aquaplaning behaviour. For the Label, wet grip was chosen as the most significant aspect regarding reduced adhesion.
As it was the case with the data about the energy efficiency rating, the data about the wet grip class are the result of a harmonized testing procedure.
External rolling noise
The noise emission of a tyre has an effect on the total noise level of the vehicle and does not only influence one’s own riding comfort, but also the noise pollution of the environment.
The external soundscape is measured exclusively; interior noise is excluded. In the EU Tyre Label the external rolling noise is divided into three categories, measured in decibel (dB) and compared with the European noise emission limits for external rolling noise of tyres. The general rule hereby is: The fewer black lines there are, the lower the external rolling noise as measured according to the EU limit.
The tyre is more than 3dB under the noise limit set according to the regulation 661/2009/EG
The tyre is up to 3dB and fulfils at least the noise limit according to the regulation 661/2009/EG
Fulfils at least the noise levels of the regulation 2001/43/EG
Where are the Label data for my tyres published / shown?
On our homepage we directly inform you at the item as well as in the list of results about the respective Label data to your tyre. Furthermore the individual classifications are sent together with the invoice. The tyres issued in our branches in Germany also have the Tyre Label and are handed out to you with the offer or invoice.
Are the assessment criteria of the Tyre Label sufficient to buy the tyre?
Next to the EU Tyre Label you should continue to include relevant tyre tests as an important factor in your buying decision, as the new EU Tyre Label only tests three important criteria. This means that for instance neither the driveability of summer tyres on a dry road nor the grip on snow or breaking on ice of winter tyres is tested. In contrast, you find up to 11 further crucial test criteria for an objective valuation of the tyre characteristics in tyre tests.
Reference: BRV Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk e.V.
wdk Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e. V.
Further even premium brands hardly reach the “AA-labelling” with the current state of the art. As soon as for example the value of fuel efficiency is changed, this automatically has effects on the wet grip and vice versa.
Does the quality of a tyre with EU Tyre Label differ from a tyre without label?
No! The tyre manufacturer guarantees that a tyre with the same item number has the same quality no matter if it was produced before or after July 1st, 2012. Therefore you can drive tyres of the same item number with and without EU Tyre Label without worries.
What do the industry and organizations say about the EU Tyre Label?
Industry and organizations generally welcome the introduction of the EU Tyre Label. That way a basis regarding the customer information, the driving safety and for the reduction of energy consumption and thereby the environmental protection is created. The customer can include this in his buying decision.
However, manufacturers point out that relevant tyre tests of the specialist press offer more information than the Tyre Label, which can therefore not serve as a substitution.
Furthermore the actual fuel consumption and safety in road transport strongly depend on one’s own driving behaviour. An ecological way of driving can reduce the fuel consumption notably. The mandatory tyre pressure has to be satisfied and checked regularly in order to reach the ideal fuel efficiency and wet grip.
What is reifen.com’s opinion about the EU Tyre Label?
We support the effort to bring safety, environmental protection and efficiency into service by promoting fuel efficient, safe and quiet tyres.
We believe that you should continue to consult relevant tyre tests in your buying decision next to the EU Label, because the Label only tests three criteria and does not include other important tyre features.
For example no other criteria for grip on snow or breaking on ice of winter tyres are considered. Further, the actual fuel consumption and safety on the road are strongly dependent on one’s own driving behaviour. Fuel consumption can be reduced considerably through an ecological way of driving; the required tyre pressure is to be kept and checked regularly in order to reach the ideal fuel efficiency and wet grip.
Starting on November 1st, 2012 the new European Tyre Labelling Regulation EU/1222/2009, short EU Tyre Label, applies. This regulation applies for all newly produced tyres from CW27/2012 onwards.
The EU Tyre Label informs about the criteria fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise, and is binding for all tyres of cars, light trucks and trucks (C1, C2 and C3) across the EU member states.
The aim of the EU Tyre Label is to increase the safety, environmental protection and economic efficiency of road transport by promoting fuel-efficient and safe tyres with low noise levels.
Next to the EU Tyre Label you should continue to include relevant tyre tests as an important factor in your buying decision, as the new EU Tyre Label only tests three important criteria. This means that for instance neither the drivability of summer tyres on a dry road nor the grip on snow of winter tyres is tested.
Every tyre and every tyre size has its own EU Tyre Label because the different tyre sizes of one item number of one manufacturer behave differently regarding the three characteristics fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise.
To which tyres does the EU Tyre Label apply and to which does it not apply?
The EU Tyre Label is binding for all tyres of cars, light trucks and trucks (C1, C2 and C3) across the EU member states which have been produced after July 1st, 2012.
The respective vehicle class is given at the left bottom of the EU Tyre Label.
This Regulation shall not apply to:
- motorcycle tyres
- re-treaded tyres
- off-road professional tyres
- tyres designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990
- T-type temporary-use spare tyres
- tyres whose speed rating is less than 80 km/h
- tyres whose nominal rim diameter does not exceed 254 mm or is 635 mm or more
- tyres fitted with additional devices to improve traction properties, such as studded tyres
- tyres designed only to be fitted on vehicles intended exclusively for racing
Which criteria are valuated through the EU Tyre Label?
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is measured by means of the rolling resistance of a tyre: The lower it is, the lower the fuel consumption. The categorization of fuel efficiency is made on a scale of seven classes: from A (greatest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency), whereby class D is not used. An improvement from one class to the next more efficient class means an approximate saving of 0.1 l fuel per 100 km.
Rolling resistance is the force that has to be set against the direction of movement of the tyre. Force is demanded by the vehicle engine in order to compensate for the rolling resistance. Thereby fuel is consumed. The following guides as a rule of thumb for cars: A reduction of the rolling resistance by 6% leads to a reduction of fuel consumption by 1%.
The data about the energy efficiency rating as part of fuel efficiency are the result of a harmonized testing procedure.
Wet Grip
The wet grip is subdivided into the classes A (shortest breaking distance) to G (longest breaking distance), whereby class D and G are not used. When going 80 km/h on a wet road, the difference in the breaking distance between adjacent categories (from one class to the following better class) is between 1 and 2 car lengths (3-6 m).
Wet grip refers to the bailout of tyres. It stands for the breaking ability of a tyre on a wet road. There are further parameters like e.g. roadholding or breaking behaviour on wet and dry road at higher speeds or the aquaplaning behaviour. For the Label, wet grip was chosen as the most significant aspect regarding reduced adhesion.
As it was the case with the data about the energy efficiency rating, the data about the wet grip class are the result of a harmonized testing procedure.
External rolling noise
The noise emission of a tyre has an effect on the total noise level of the vehicle and does not only influence one’s own riding comfort, but also the noise pollution of the environment.
The external soundscape is measured exclusively; interior noise is excluded. In the EU Tyre Label the external rolling noise is divided into three categories, measured in decibel (dB) and compared with the European noise emission limits for external rolling noise of tyres. The general rule hereby is: The fewer black lines there are, the lower the external rolling noise as measured according to the EU limit.
The tyre is more than 3dB under the noise limit set according to the regulation 661/2009/EG
The tyre is up to 3dB and fulfils at least the noise limit according to the regulation 661/2009/EG
Fulfils at least the noise levels of the regulation 2001/43/EG
Where are the Label data for my tyres published / shown?
On our homepage we directly inform you at the item as well as in the list of results about the respective Label data to your tyre. Furthermore the individual classifications are sent together with the invoice. The tyres issued in our branches in Germany also have the Tyre Label and are handed out to you with the offer or invoice.
Are the assessment criteria of the Tyre Label sufficient to buy the tyre?
Next to the EU Tyre Label you should continue to include relevant tyre tests as an important factor in your buying decision, as the new EU Tyre Label only tests three important criteria. This means that for instance neither the driveability of summer tyres on a dry road nor the grip on snow or breaking on ice of winter tyres is tested. In contrast, you find up to 11 further crucial test criteria for an objective valuation of the tyre characteristics in tyre tests.
| Test criteria | Tyre label | tire test |
| Dry road | ||
| Driving stability |
|
|
| Handling |
|
|
| Braking |
|
|
| Wet road | ||
| Braking |
|
|
| Driving stability |
|
|
| Handling |
|
|
| Aquaplaning |
|
|
| Lateral guidance |
|
|
| Rolling noise | ||
| Internal |
|
|
| External |
|
|
| Rolling resistance |
|
|
| Tyre wearing |
|
|
| PAH in Tires |
|
|
| High-Speed examination |
|
|
Reference: BRV Bundesverband Reifenhandel und Vulkaniseur-Handwerk e.V.
wdk Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e. V.
Further even premium brands hardly reach the “AA-labelling” with the current state of the art. As soon as for example the value of fuel efficiency is changed, this automatically has effects on the wet grip and vice versa.
Does the quality of a tyre with EU Tyre Label differ from a tyre without label?
No! The tyre manufacturer guarantees that a tyre with the same item number has the same quality no matter if it was produced before or after July 1st, 2012. Therefore you can drive tyres of the same item number with and without EU Tyre Label without worries.
What do the industry and organizations say about the EU Tyre Label?
Industry and organizations generally welcome the introduction of the EU Tyre Label. That way a basis regarding the customer information, the driving safety and for the reduction of energy consumption and thereby the environmental protection is created. The customer can include this in his buying decision.
However, manufacturers point out that relevant tyre tests of the specialist press offer more information than the Tyre Label, which can therefore not serve as a substitution.
Furthermore the actual fuel consumption and safety in road transport strongly depend on one’s own driving behaviour. An ecological way of driving can reduce the fuel consumption notably. The mandatory tyre pressure has to be satisfied and checked regularly in order to reach the ideal fuel efficiency and wet grip.
What is reifen.com’s opinion about the EU Tyre Label?
We support the effort to bring safety, environmental protection and efficiency into service by promoting fuel efficient, safe and quiet tyres.
We believe that you should continue to consult relevant tyre tests in your buying decision next to the EU Label, because the Label only tests three criteria and does not include other important tyre features.
For example no other criteria for grip on snow or breaking on ice of winter tyres are considered. Further, the actual fuel consumption and safety on the road are strongly dependent on one’s own driving behaviour. Fuel consumption can be reduced considerably through an ecological way of driving; the required tyre pressure is to be kept and checked regularly in order to reach the ideal fuel efficiency and wet grip.
