Tire Label Comparison (EU, Japan, Taiwan) | Wet Grip, Fuel Efficiency Ratings & Pressure Conversion
Taiwan’s sudden afternoon thunderstorms frequently cause severe highway hydroplaning incidents. Many drivers focus solely on price and treadwear, overlooking the tire performance label that directly determines wet braking distance. Global testing protocols trace back to the UN ECE R117 regulation, requiring tires to meet strict Stage 2 entry thresholds to be sold legally.
Starting July 1, 2026, Taiwan’s BSMI officially mandates CNS 1431 energy efficiency and wet grip labeling for passenger (C1) and commercial (C2) tires! Taiwanese consumers now have access to standardized, locally audited ratings for Wet Grip (A–E), Rolling Resistance (A–E), and External Rolling Noise (A/B), complete with QR code lookups on physical labels.
Lookup Tire Labels
1. Taiwan Official Lookup (2026 Mandatory CNS 1431)
- Tire Energy Efficiency Information Platform (ARTC / BSMI): https://tire.artc.org.tw/
(Search verified tire models, wet grip, rolling resistance, and noise ratings; physical labels feature a direct QR code scan) - Taiwan ARTC RRC Fuel Savings Calculator: https://energy.artc.org.tw/Tire/rrCalculate
2. International Tire Databases
- EU Standard (EPREL Database): https://eprel.ec.europa.eu/screen/product/tyres
- Japan Standard (Kakaku Tire Database): https://kakaku.com/car_goods/tire/
Before replacing your tires, always verify these ratings. As long as the size, speed rating, and load index are identical, specifications are globally consistent. Avoid tires lacking Taiwan CNS 1431 certification, those missing from EU/Japan markets, or any tire with a Wet Grip rating below Grade A.
Unless fuel prices are exceptionally high, there is no need to sacrifice wet safety for minor rolling resistance gains, as the fuel savings over a tire’s lifespan rarely offset premium price gaps.
Recommended Priority: Wet Grip > Noise > Fuel Efficiency.
Wet Grip Ratings
| Wet Grip (G-value) | EU Grade | Japan Grade | Taiwan Grade (2026 CNS 1431) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.55 ≤ G | A | a | A |
| 1.40 ≤ G ≤ 1.54 | B | b | B |
| 1.25 ≤ G ≤ 1.39 | C | c | C |
| 1.10 ≤ G ≤ 1.24 | D | d | D |
| G ≤ 1.09 | E | - | E |
Note: Taiwan officially enforced the A–E wet grip grading under CNS 1431 on July 1, 2026, aligned with UN ECE R117 (the previous voluntary energy tire mark did not classify wet grip).
Fuel Efficiency (Rolling Resistance) Ratings
| Rolling Resistance (RRC) | EU Grade | Japan Grade | Taiwan Grade (2026 New) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RRC ≤ 6.5 | A | AAA | A |
| 6.6 ≤ RRC ≤ 7.7 | B | AA | B |
| 7.8 ≤ RRC ≤ 9.0 | C | A | C |
| 9.1 ≤ RRC ≤ 10.5 | D | B | D |
| RRC ≥ 10.6 | E | C | E |
Note: Taiwan’s early voluntary mark only had Grades A, B, and C (RRC ≤ 9.0). The 2026 mandatory CNS 1431 standard aligns with EU regulations by adopting the full A–E grading scale.
External Rolling Noise Ratings
| Noise Grade | Taiwan CNS 1431 (2026) | EU Regulation (2020/740) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A | ≥ 3 dB(A) below limit | ≥ 3 dB(A) below limit | Superior quietness, lowest external noise |
| Grade B | 0 – 2 dB(A) below limit | 0 – 2 dB(A) below limit | Compliant with current statutory limits |
| Grade C | - (Not permitted) | Exceeds current limit | Phased out for new road tires |
Note: Physical labels also display the exact measured external noise level in dB (decibels); lower numbers indicate quieter operation.
Tire Pressure Conversion
Mercedes-Benz Pressure Chart (Source: Label A205 584 70 11)
Note: Bar values have been fine-tuned to 0.05 increments, making them applicable for manual air pumps without digital PSI displays.
| PSI | kPa | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | 210 | 2.10 |
| 32 | 220 | 2.20 |
| 33 | 230 | 2.30 |
| 34 | - | 2.35 |
| 35 | 240 | 2.40 |
| 36 | 250 | 2.50 |
| 37 | - | 2.55 |
| 38 | 260 | 2.60 |
| 39 | 270 | 2.70 |
| 40 | - | 2.75 |
| 41 | 280 | 2.80 |
| 42 | 290 | 2.90 |
Official Regulation Documents & Resources
- Taiwan CNS 1431 Tire Inspection Regulations: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) (Mandatory energy efficiency & wet grip testing effective July 1, 2026)
- Taiwan Tire Energy Efficiency Information Platform: https://tire.artc.org.tw/ (Official certified database)
- EU Regulation (PDF): Regulation (EU) 2020/740
- JATMA (Japan) Guidelines: JATMA Labeling Outline