All tyres manufactured after July 2012 and on sale in the UK after November 2012 will feature a new explanatory label explaining wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise levels.

The new system complies with new regulations from the European Union.

The wet grip and rolling resistance ratings will be displayed as coloured bands from A-G, A being the best and G being the worst.

External noise will be measured in decibels and split into three categories represented by black sound waves – with one sound-wave representing the quietest tyres and three representing the noisiest.

The tyre label will apply to car and sports utility vehicle (SUV) tyres, van tyres and truck tyres but not to re-treaded tyres, off-road tyres, spare tyres or vintage car tyres.

For fuel efficiency, the difference between each grade means a reduction or increase in fuel consumption of between 2.5%-4.5%.

For wet grip, the difference between each grade is a stopping distance of between 3-6 meters when travelling at 50mph.

For noise, one sound-wave means that the tyre is 3db quieter than the new, tighter future European limit. Two sound-waves mean that it is already compliant with the future European limit and three sound-waves mean it is only compliant with the current limits.