15 countries, including Poland, underwent an international tire inspection
More than 12,000 passenger car tyres were examined by inspectors from 15 countries under international MSTyr15[1] action. During inspections funded by Horizon2020 inspectors monitored the appropriate tire labelling by manufacturers, importers and dealers, including online stores. The results are very good: Polish Trade Inspection questioned the labelling of less than 3% of batches of tyres.
In all of the countries taking part in the project, inspectors controlled producers, importers and dealers, including online stores. They checked if their tyres are properly labelled. From November 1, 2012, tyres sold in countries belonging to the European Union must come with appropriate labels, which most often appear in the form of a sticker on the tread. This directive ensures that consumers have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the basic three tire parameters prior to making a purchase and to compare the products during shopping – and these are:
Such information must also be provided in e-shops or on bills confirming the purchase.
– The results of the inspection are very good. In Poland, we questioned less than 3 percent of batches due to labelling. This means consumers are provided with information that helps them compare the tyre properties and make an informed choice – says Marek Niechciał, President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection. He adds that good tyres translate into particular savings: – By using A class tyres, you can save up to 7.5 percent of fuel, compared to G class tyres. For example – as calculated by Polish Tyre Industry Association - on the same amount fuel, we can get from Władysławowo even to Bielsko-Biała on the best tyres, while on the worst ones – only to Katowice.
– Good quality tyres also mean road safety. In case of emergency braking, when driving on Class A tyres on a wet surface, we will stop a few lengths of the car sooner. That can mean the difference between life and death. Let's be an informed consumer and consciously choose new and good tyres – adds Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
Parameter control
Selected tyres were tested in an independent laboratory in France – in total, 131 tyres were selected for laboratory tests under the project. The objective was to check if the real rolling resistance values – which translate into fuel efficiency – and wet grip values match the manufacturer's declarations on the label. During the inspections, inspectors also reviewed technical documentation of tyres.
The tests showed irregularities in terms of wet grip in 5 cases, and in terms of rolling resistance – in 9 cases. All 10 tyres from Poland which underwent tests in the French laboratory passed them successfully.
Polish and European consumers can be satisfied
As part of the EU project, the Trade Inspection audited 158 undertakings – mainly distributors, but also a dozen or so importers. The labelling of 1,111 batches of tyres was checked, including over 800 summer and over 300 winter ones. 32 of them raised the inspectors’ concerns due to improper or lacking labelling. In the case of 12 batches, the inspectors found irregularities in the technical documentation, such as lack of manufacturer's data or different parameters than on the label.
In total, the labelling of almost 12,000 tyres, of which 73 percent were summer, and 27 percent – winter ones, was checked in 15 countries. The largest number of improperly labelled tyres were found by inspectors from in on-line stores – out of 2,888 checked products offered on-line, 627 raised their concerns. In the case of traditional sellers, 568 tyres were questioned for the same reason.
The main problems identified during the inspection were: the lack of labels, inaccurate or missing data and wrong label format.
Do you have any doubts or objections? Please, contact the Trade Inspection.
Source: Urząd Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów