The exact dimensions of a tyre can be found on the sidewall printed mark. The graphic shows how to read properties and dimensions of the tyre:
Stock Level
limited stock
Type of Tyre
Winter tyres
M+S marking
with snow flake symbol
Winter tires
with snowflake symbol
Speed Index
T:Approved up to190 mph
Ply Rate
6
1. Overall tire width in mm
2. Ratio of tire height to tire width in%
3. Tire design: 'R' = radial tires (widely used), 'D' or '-' = diagonal tires (rare)
4. Required rim diameter for this tire in inches
5. Key figure for tire load capacity
6. Key figure for the permissible maximum speed (speed index)
7. Motorcycle tire identification, tires only approved for motorcycles
8. DOT labeling
9. Date of manufacture of the tire (week of production / year of production)
PR is an abbreviation of "ply rating". This label originally indicated the number of layers of cotton fishing line in the shell. A large number of bearings means a higher load capacity. When stronger materials were introduced for bearings, this term was removed from the actual number of bearings. Currently, a tire with 8 PR can only have four nylon linear bearings. Today, the stability of a controlled tire is expressed in terms of load capacity and speed capacity, and not in terms of the ply rating.
# Imperial Snowdragon Van – Premium Winter Tyre for Vans Designed for reliable winter performance, the Imperial Snowdragon Van delivers confident handling on snow, ice, and wet surfaces. Ideal for van owners who need dependable traction during harsh winter conditions, this tyre combines advanced tread technology with durable construction to ensure consistent performance throughout the season. Whether you're navigating city streets or rural roads, the Snowdragon Van offers stable braking and improved grip, helping you stay in control when temperatures drop. Its optimized snow traction pattern enhances bite on slippery surfaces, while the robust sidewall supports heavy loads—perfect for commercial and passenger vans alike. Trusted by drivers across Europe, this winter tyre balances comfort and safety without compromise.
The Tire Labeling Ordinance specifies the information requirements on fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise from tires. In addition, reference is made to the winter properties of the product.
The EU 1222/2009 regulation that has been in force since November 1st, 2012 has been revised and will be replaced by regulation EU 2020/740 from May 1st, 2021; From this point on, new requirements apply. The rating classes for fuel efficiency, wet grip and exterior noise have been changed and the layout of the EU label has been adjusted. The manufacturer's product data sheets stored in the EU database can be downloaded via a QR code integrated into the label. Information on snow grip and ice grip is also newly included for tires that meet these criteria.
The following tires are exempt from the regulation: - tires that are designed exclusively for installation on vehicles that were first registered before October 1, 1990 - retreaded tires (until a corresponding extension of EU VO 2020/740 has taken place) - professional off - Road tires - Racing tires - Tires with additional devices to improve traction, eg studded tires - T-type emergency tires - Tires with a permissible speed below 80 km/h - Tires for rims with a nominal diameter ≤ 254 mm or ≥ 635 mm
The criteria and evaluation classes at a glance
fuel efficiency
The fuel consumption depends on the rolling resistance of the tyres, the vehicle itself, the driving conditions and the driving style of the driver. The measured rolling resistance (rolling resistance coefficient) of the tire is divided into classes A (highest efficiency) to E (lowest efficiency).
If a vehicle is completely equipped with class A tires, a consumption reduction of up to 7.5%* is possible compared to class E tyres. In the case of commercial vehicles, it can even be higher. (Source: European Commission Impact Assessment * when measured according to the test methods set out in Regulation (EU) 2020/740)
Please note: Fuel consumption depends to a large extent on your own driving style and can be significantly reduced by driving in an environmentally friendly manner. Tire pressure should be checked regularly to improve fuel efficiency.
wet grip
Wet grip is divided into classes A (shortest braking distance) - E (longest braking distance).
If a car is equipped with class A tires, compared to class E tires, a braking distance of up to 18 m can be reduced when braking from 80 km/h (on a road surface with average grip).* *Source: wdk Economic Association of the German Rubber Industry eV
Please note: Traffic safety depends to a large extent on your own driving style. The stopping distances must always be observed. Tire pressure should be checked regularly to improve wet grip.
External rolling noise
The noise emitted by a tire affects the overall volume of the vehicle and affects not only your own driving comfort, but also the noise pollution of the environment. In the EU tire label, the external rolling noise is divided into 3 classes from A (lowest rolling noise) - C (highest rolling noise), measured in decibels (dB) and compared with the European noise emission limit values for external tire rolling noise.
A The pictogram with the classification "A" indicates that the tire's external rolling noise is more than 3 dB below the EU limit value in force until 2016. B The "B" classification means that the tyre's external rolling noise is up to 3 dB below or equal to the EU limit value in force until 2016. C The classification "C" indicates that the specified limit value is exceeded.
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