UK drivers risk expensive car repair costs as motorists don't know about EU tyre rules - 'Worrying'

The data discovered that two-thirds of survey participants failed to correctly recognise safety indicator symbols on the labels, which have been mandatory in Britain since 2012.

Experts warned that the findings highlight a concerning gap in driver knowledge about these tyre labels.

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They display vital information including fuel efficiency ratings, wet grip performance, road noise levels and suitability for snow and ice conditions.

The research uncovered that more than three-in-five British motorists never examine tyre labels when making purchases, potentially overlooking critical safety details.

When tested on their ability to recognise specific label symbols, participants struggled most with the icy conditions indicator, misinterpreting it in 92 per cent of cases.

The wet grip classification, marked by a rain cloud symbol, proved easier to identify, with two-thirds of respondents recognising it correctly.

Additionally, the same proportion of those surveyed were unaware of the labels' purpose entirely, despite their presence on all tyres sold in the UK for over a decade.

Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts and Accessories at eBay, called on motorists to familiarise themselves with the labels.

He said: "Despite existing in the UK for more than a decade, knowledge around EU tyre labels among UK motorists is still sparse.

"It is worrying that proper knowledge could make maintaining vital vehicle parts safer and cheaper."

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The study exposed a heavy dependence on professional advice, with 74 per cent of British drivers typically accepting garage recommendations without conducting independent research on tyres.

More than half of consumers admitted to minimal preparation before tyre purchases, while one in three admitted to doing very little research and one in four conducting none whatsoever.

Older drivers emerged as particularly unprepared, with 36 per cent of those aged over 65 undertaking no research before buying tyres.

This reliance on external guidance rather than personal knowledge contributes to poor tyre maintenance practices across the UK, the research suggests.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reported that tyre defects caused more than two million MOT test failures between 2023 and 2024.

eBay highlighted how this demonstrated that British drivers seriously misunderstood the importance of tyre knowledge and maintenance.

Mr Tewari added: "Using eBay's tyre fitment service, customers can see EU tyre labels clearly indicated in listings before deciding on a purchase, helping to identify exactly what they need and safely preparing them for any season."

The online marketplace has responded by enhancing its tyre fitment service, which clearly displays EU tyre label information in listings and connects customers with thousands of installation centres across Britain.