New research from eBay reveals a worrying lack of knowledge about EU Tyre Labels among UK drivers, with nearly half (47%) unaware of their safety information. Despite being introduced in 2012, two-thirds (66%) of respondents did not know their purpose, and 61% do not check the labels before buying tyres.
EU tyre labels provide essential details on efficiency ratings, wet grip classification, road noise levels, and performance in snowy and icy conditions. Sadly, motorists incorrectly interpret label information two-thirds (67%) of the time, particularly misunderstanding the icy conditions label in 92% of cases. Conversely, 67% correctly identify the wet grip indicator.
Some three-quarters of UK motorists (74%) rely solely on garage recommendations for tyre selection, with over half conducting minimal (30%) or no research (25%). This lack of awareness is clear, as the DVSA reported over 2 million drivers failed their MOT in 2023-24 due to tyre defects.
Abir Tewari, the UK Director of Commercial Operations for Parts & Accessories at eBay, emphasised the importance of understanding EU tyre labels for improved safety and affordability. eBay’s tyre fitment service enables customers to view these labels clearly, assisting them in selecting the right tyres for any season.
Customers can choose from hundreds of thousands of listings, including brands like Michelin and Pirelli, and access thousands of installers across the UK, making eBay UK one of the largest tyre fitment networks. Tyre installation locations can be found on eBay’s dedicated landing page, which you can visit here: https://pages.ebay.co.uk/tyre-installation/
