The National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), with the Brazilian Labeling Program (PBE), plays a fundamental role in the regulation and certification of products in Brazil. When it comes to tires, Inmetro determines the classification criteria to ensure the quality and safety of these essential items for vehicles.
Although the label exists for tire quality parameters, in Brazil, having a tire with the highest score in all aspects is rare. In this article, let's explore the reasons why Inmetro's classification is so specific and how the label works and can be read!
See what you will read in this content:
What you need to know about the Inmetro rating for tires
Evaluation by tire regulatory bodies is a way of classifying and approving the sale of tires in countries. For each country, there is a specific type of seal/approval. In Brazil, the method used is the label from the National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro), which contains the main criteria to ensure whether a tire is safe or not and also what its indexes are in relation to other tires.< /p>
But, after all, are tires with low ratings really bad? Of course not!
The absence of a maximum rating on tires does not mean that it is not a good tire. It arises from the fact that the technologies and materials used by each manufacturer continue to evolve, making it difficult to define an absolute reference point and leaving the tires that match the label indexes more select. As the tire industry constantly advances in search of improvements and the use of new technologies, Inmetro's labeling criteria are being shaped and are being considered better and better evaluated.
Therefore, when choosing tires based on the Inmetro rating, consider factors such as the type of vehicle you have, the weather conditions in which you drive most frequently and your budget. With these considerations, it is possible to choose a tire that suits your needs and conditions at the moment, an example of this, saving money by buying a tire with a higher noise index, but which has an excellent index on wet roads, ensuring focus on the drivability of the vehicle. than in acoustic comfort.
But to do this, you need to understand the criteria present on the labels, see below!
Tire classification criteria at Inmetro
Inmetro's tire classification criteria are three: energy efficiency, performance on wet roads and external noise. They take into account a series of factors for each tire, each of these criteria is evaluated in rigorous tests to determine the tire's final classification and approve it for commercialization in the Brazilian tire market.
See the three main points of the Inmetro label:
1. Energy Efficiency (Fuel Consumption)
The energy efficiency rating is indicated by a letter, which varies from "A" (most efficient) to "G" (least efficient). The letter is accompanied by a color scale, where "A" is usually green and "G" is red.
2. Grip on wet roads
Grip on wet roads is indicated by another letter, which also varies from "A" (best grip) to "G" (least grip). Tires with ratings closer to "A" offer better grip on wet surfaces.
3. External noise
The external noise level is presented in decibels (dB) and is accompanied by one or more sound wave symbols. The fewer sound waves filled (up to three), the quieter the tire compared to established standards.
How to read the Inmetro tire label
When choosing a tire, many people have doubts about the Inmetro evaluation on the labels, which is common, after all, changing tires is not something constant for drivers! However, it is important to understand how this label works and know which points are being evaluated on the tires.
We've already brought exclusive content here on the blog so you can understand how to read the indexes and numbers on the Inmetro tire label, check it out!
Tyre and safety: what the Inmetro classification means
Inmetro's tire rating plays an important role in helping drivers purchase. Each aspect evaluated on the label has a direct impact on the tire's performance in different road conditions.
For example, wet grip influences the tire's ability to stop in a braking situation on wet roads, while rolling resistance affects fuel consumption and vehicle efficiency. Therefore, although there is no maximum rating, it is essential that drivers understand how to interpret the label data to choose the right tire.
It is worth highlighting that, just because the tire has a low index in any of the aspects mentioned above does not mean that it is not a good choice or that it is not safe . If there is an Inmetro label on the tire, it is because it has been approved by the inspection body and is ready for sale.
The importance of tire classification
The constant search for new technologies and improvements in tires by manufacturers leads to classifications that vary over time. Consumers should consider not only the rating itself, but also how the tires meet their specific driving needs.
Depending on your driving style, the characteristics of a tire may be more important than others. Therefore, the key to choosing the right tires lies in understanding your own individual priorities and needs.
It is also important to know that there are tires that will not have the best ratings, as they are made for different performances. An example of this is an off-road tire, which does not have noise levels, as its performance is not linked to acoustic comfort for drivers. It also does not have “A” ratings in energy efficiency, as it is a robust tire, its technologies are efficient for drivability on different types of terrain and do not save fuel.
Why are there tires with exempt indexes on the Inmetro label?
According to item 1.1.2 of Inmetro Ordinance nº. 544/2012 explained by the National Association of the Tire Industry (ANIP), are not required to have the Inmetro label: retread tires, bicycle tires, tires for exclusive use in vehicles agricultural, intended for competition, military, industrial vehicles and forklift tires.
The association further explains: “The following categories were excluded from the performance tests and also do not require the label: tires for motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, collector vehicles, bias tires, tires for exclusively temporary use and tires for professional use in 'off road' conditions and for use on driving axles of trucks and buses, in 'on/off road' conditions, both with specific characteristics defined in the regulations.”
In short, tires in these conditions are not evaluated with the criteria established by the Brazilian Labeling Program, as the indexes presented on these tires would be classified as “bad”. Since the tests are carried out on asphalt tracks (not favorable to off-road tires, for example) and with the objective being to “focus on safety and performance, through the certification mechanism, aiming to prevent accidents and increase energy efficiency” according to Ordinance No. 544 itself. Therefore, the tests are not favorable to all tires, thus allowing the exemption of some categories.
But, after all, which tire has an AA rating in Brazil?
Few tires carry the Inmetro label. The Pirelli PZero (PZ4) in size 235/50R20 is an example. The tire is an ultra-high performance product from the manufacturer, developed with all of Pirelli's motorsport technological knowledge in conjunction with market-leading car manufacturers.
Factors to consider in addition to the Inmetro tire label
Safety and economy are closely linked to the indices present on the Inmetro label, but, although these indices are in fact classified to help drivers, a tire may not perform correctly as shown on the label if the driver does not maintain good driving conditions with it.
A tire with an “A” index in energy efficiency, for example, will only actually present a positive and fuel-efficient performance if the tire is correctly calibrated, balanced and running within the limits established on the roads, since the tests carried out for this classification, these conditions are respected.
In the same way, a tire will only be efficient on wet roads if the driver is driving correctly on the roads, since safety is also linked to the vehicle as a whole and, mainly, to the driver's direction.
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Each tire has an interpretation when it is evaluated, so if you need help, our experts are available to help you with any questions you may have about tire labels.
