New tyre labelling

[ilovedmymantas]

I've been looking for a couple of new tyres and I'm not finding this new eu labelling very helpful. Three indicators: fuel economy , wet grip & noise 'pollution'.
I couldn't care less about the noise. The faster you go, the louder it is, typically on wider & faster roads with less population to hear it and let's face it, 3Db?
Secondly, I live in Scotland and visit wales a lot. I always buy tyres biased towards wet grip!
The bit I have the biggest problem with is fuel economy. Let me know if it's just me but in my mind reducing the friction between tyre and road is reducing grip? I've googled to boredom and can't find an adequate answer. The Michelin site on the subject says 70% of accidents are in dry conditions, yet all tyre sellers state fuel economy and totally ignore dry grip. I'd rather be safe than save a few quid in petrol.
So, is it just me?

[Cavalier342]

Bit of an odd one, init?

I was looking at new tyres as well recently, and yes as you say it's all a bar graph now next to each tyre, from A to F or G I think. A is best, G is worst obviously.

I think it depends on how rigid the sidewall is, for if there is less give in the sidewall, there will be less rolling resistance. I've had a couple of part-worn Firestones on my old Cavalier and the sidewalls felt like they were made out of concrete.....

Tread pattern also depends on how good the tyre is at removing water from under it... Personally I would go for wet grip also, as you never know what's on the horizon... Fuel economy is all about gearing and the right pedal anyway so maybe a driverless car would save a few pennies but let's be honest it's all mixed driving anyway out there