Safe snow and winter tires are crucial for driving in demanding winter conditions. Do you know what the 3PMSF and M+S symbols say about tires?
Demanding driving conditions call for car tires that perform safely, even on snowy roads or muddy terrain. Luckily, tire manufacturers use markings that help car owners find the right tires that can withstand demanding driving conditions. Two markings that drivers should look for in their tires are the 3PMSF and M+S symbols. Here’s what they mean and when you should get tires with these extra qualities.
What is the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol?
As its name suggests, the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol pictures a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake inside it. The 3PMSF symbol indicates that a tire has been designed for severe snow conditions requiring extra traction for safe driving. A tire manufacturer can include the 3PMSF symbol on the tire sidewall once the tire has passed winter traction performance tests required for using the symbol. Therefore, tires with the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol can be called winter tires.
What is the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol?
For less demanding driving conditions, find tires with the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking on the sidewall. M+S tires provide better starting, stopping and driving performance in snowy conditions than non-M+S tires. The tire provides better traction than regular all season tires or summer tires in difficult winter driving conditions, but is outmatched by tires with the 3PMSF symbol. M+S tires do not meet the same standards as winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol on their sidewall. Therefore, M+S tires are suitable for occasional snowfall and for driving on wet and muddy roads.
Should you use winter or all season tires?
Dedicated winter tires are optional for car owners driving in snowless and warm conditions. However, they should still choose premium all-season tires that perform in a variety of weather conditions, such as strong rainfall. For driving in the snow, always choose a dedicated winter or all-season tire with the 3PMSF symbol. For the most demanding of winter driving conditions you should however choose studded winter tires. Remember to always refer to local regulations for specific requirements about using winter tires.
Not all tires offer the same level of safety in challenging winter driving conditions as tires are produced with different characteristic to tackle different driving needs. Make sure to check that your winter or all-season tires are equipped with the 3PMSF or M+S marking to ensure they are fit for driving in demanding winter conditions and provide great snow traction. Find your local Nokian Tyres dealer and choose high-quality tires for safe driving in every weather.
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
