What do E.U. LRR tire labels tell us about North American tires? Anything?

[California98Civic]

I decided to do some research online into European rolling resistance standards and their labelling system. What I found is an interesting, but it’s mostly just tantalizingly suggestive a specification we might find in the variety of tires in the United States that also claimed to be of low rolling resistance.

The tire models sold in Europe are somewhat to quite significantly different from the United States models even when brands might be similar. The Bridgestone Ecopias that so many efficient-minded drivers in North America like are different (& apparently better) in Europe.

Here is a description of how the label works, the testing regime, and what the different ratings mean for actual coefficient of rolling resistance. Then I’ve gathered some screenshots I took from a E.U. governed online seller (https://www.oponeo.co.uk), compared to similar tires in the United States at Tire Rack (https://www.tirerack.com). I think it’s revealing how the European system of labeling puts the lie to some claims of a "Green" or "Eco" tire. Some such products rate low on the European Union’s list of efficient tires.

And notice what Nokian & Michelin claim: highest LRR and wet traction ratings… hmmm… really?!

I'll come back to edit, fix any typos, & add a citation later... gotta get to an appointment.

LABEL & TESTING REGIME:







MICHELIN RATING & TREAD COMPARISON PHOTOS:







BRIDGESTONE RATING & TREAD COMPARISON PHOTOS:







OTHER TIRE SCREENSHOTS:







NOTES:

"EU Tyre Labelling Regulation..." (Nov. 30, 2011), 2-4.
Oponeo: https://www.oponeo.co.uk/
Tire Rack: https://www.tirerack.com/

[California98Civic]

Added citations, did a couple edits.

[rmay635703]

I have been told many times that comparing a particular model tire from one market to another is pointless

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

I have been told many times that comparing a particular model tire from one market to another is pointless

Yes. I have heard that too. And it makes sense. However, it's still good idea to test that claim since production methods, corporate ownership, supply chains, and regulatory regimes change over time.

Tire Rack did a test of several LRR tires (not sure how long ago). Here is a screenshot of one result. They came to conclusions for the Michelin and Bridgestone tires that broadly confirm what those companies are claiming under the EU regulations, which is to say top-rated rolling resistance characteristics and top-rated wet traction characteristics. The screenshot is just for the fuel economy, but in a separate part of the same video Tire Rack shows stopping distances in wet traction capabilities the tires.



I guess if there's any lesson to pull from it, it's at the Michelin and Bridgestone tires have the top reputations for a reason. I think after reading about this stuff, I'd consider a Nokian LRR tire as well.

[roosterk0031]

I have 6 sets of Nokian WRG3/4 on my cars today, but it's hard to compare to previous tires. I do spin at intersections when wet in the Cobalts but maybe that's just me. Spun the bosses Camry Manual this morning when wet in front of a LEO, a challenger went by first at a 4 way stop followed by 3 with lights on in pursuit , 4th waved me by. The 2010 has a fairly fresh tires and last tank set it's PBR, next one will probably be better.

Winter they are great. Other than maybe trying Toyo Celsius I can't see buying anything else offered today for where I live and not wanting to do winter/summer swap.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by roosterk0031

I have 6 sets of Nokian WRG3/4 on my cars today, but it's hard to compare to previous tires. I do spin at intersections when wet in the Cobalts but maybe that's just me. Spun the bosses Camry Manual this morning when wet in front of a LEO, a challenger went by first at a 4 way stop followed by 3 with lights on in pursuit , 4th waved me by. The 2010 has a fairly fresh tires and last tank set it's PBR, next one will probably be better.

Winter they are great. Other than maybe trying Toyo Celsius I can't see buying anything else offered today for where I live and not wanting to do winter/summer swap.

I didn`t know Nokian was selling in rhe USA. But... not an LRR tire, the Nokian WR G3 & G4, I think. Their best LRR tire seems unavailable in the USA. That is, of course, a trend: North America does not get the best stuff. It seems the Michelin Energy Saver A/S is OEM on the Chevy Bolt in North America. Michelin says its "E-V" tire (EU) is 20% more efficient than the Energy Saver A/S. Michelin claims that creates a 6% range difference. Bolts can go further in the EU. Too bad, America.

Impossible. Frustrating.

[Hersbird]

Does anyone know if the Hankook Kinergy PT H737 has an EU rating? They probably don't sell it over there as it was Hankook's first made in the USA tire. Our rating system just calls it a 860/A/A It was listed as a LRR tire, it has a max PSI of 51, so I got a set for my Town and Country. I had Michelin Defenders on there before and they did pretty good. I haven't noticed and major changes in fuel economy, but haven't done any road trips yet which is where I keep track more. Day to day things vary so much you would never know.

[roosterk0031]

The WRG4 on the 2010 Cobalt outside are labeled Low Rolling Resistance on the sidewall. I thought the G3 were as well but will have to check. The 2011 Rogue has directional G3s where the rest are asymmetrical.

EDIT: Checked the WRG3's on the 15 Rogue, they are label LRR as well.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by roosterk0031

The WRG4 on the 2010 Cobalt outside are labeled Low Rolling Resistance on the sidewall. I thought the G3 were as well but will have to check. The 2011 Rogue has directional G3s where the rest are asymmetrical.

I see a guy on PriusChat who bought the WRG4 in 2018 and liked it. Says a Leaf owner reviewed them as better than the stock Leaf tires. Seems like something to consider. Thx. Clearly, in Europe, Nokian LRR tires rate with the best of the best (Michelin and Bridgestone LRRs). What that says to me, imprecisely, is they are worth trying here in North America.