Nearly Half of UK Drivers Don’t Know What EU Tyre Labels Mean, Finds eBay Research
New research from eBay shows that almost half of UK motorists (47%) are in the dark when it comes to EU tyre labels—a crucial safety and performance guide that’s been around since 2012. Shockingly, two-thirds (67%) of drivers can’t correctly identify key label indicators like fuel efficiency or road noise, and even more surprisingly, 74% rely solely on their tyre fitter's advice rather than doing any homework themselves.
Nearly Half of UK Drivers Don’t Know What EU Tyre Labels Mean, Finds eBay Research
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EU tyre labels pack a lot of info—everything from wet grip and fuel ratings to noise levels and performance in snowy or icy conditions. But according to eBay’s study, many drivers miss the mark, with the icy conditions symbol the most misunderstood (92% got it wrong).

The problem has real-world consequences: over 2 million drivers failed their MOT last year due to tyre issues.

Abir Tewari, Director of Commercial Operations at eBay UK, puts it plainly: “Despite being around for over a decade, a lot of drivers just don’t get what EU tyre labels mean. This knowledge gap can put safety at risk and cost more in the long run. That’s why eBay’s tyre fitment service highlights these labels clearly, helping people make smarter choices and get the right tyres for their vehicle and driving conditions.”

eBay’s tyre fitment service makes tyre buying easy and worry-free. Customers pick tyres from hundreds of thousands of listings—including trusted brands like Michelin and Pirelli—and then book installation at one of thousands of vetted UK centres. The service sends tyres straight to the chosen centre for fitting at a convenient time, taking the hassle out of tyre shopping.

For anyone wanting to see what’s available in their area or learn more, eBay has a dedicated Tyre Installation page packed with options across the country.

With tyre knowledge gaps dangerously wide, smart, straightforward solutions like this could be the key to safer roads and more confident drivers.

For more info, visit eBay’s tyre installation page: https://pages.ebay.co.uk/tyre-installation/.

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