Learn why the 3PMSF snowflake on your tire guarantees safe winter performance and how it differs from M+S. Choose the right tires today!
Not every tire handles icy roads the same way. While all‑season tires are engineered for a broad range of conditions, they often fall short when faced with deep snow or a frozen pavement.
All‑Season vs. All‑Weather: Where Does 3PMSF Fit?
The next step up from standard all‑season rubber is the all‑weather tire. Positioned between a regular all‑season model and a dedicated winter tire, all‑weather tires carry a distinct badge: the Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol—a stylised three‑peak mountain topped with a snowflake.
What Is the 3PMSF Symbol?
Unlike the generic M+S (Mud and Snow) marking that appears on many all‑season tires, the 3PMSF is not a self‑declaration by the manufacturer. It is a certified label that proves the tyre has passed a rigorous performance test set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
How the Certification Test Works
To earn the 3PMSF, a tyre must demonstrate at least a 12% improvement in snow‑acceleration compared with a Standard Reference Test Tire (SRTT). The tyre is then mounted on a test vehicle and subjected to a controlled traction test on packed snow. Results are measured against the SRTT to calculate a traction coefficient and acceleration performance.
Ice Grip – The Next Level of Winter Certification
Some winter‑specific tyres also display an additional badge: the Ice Grip symbol, which looks like a mountain made of ice. This mark confirms the tyre’s ability to stop safely on icy surfaces, based on the ISO 19447:2021 braking test administered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Why the Difference Matters
The presence of the 3PMSF helps shoppers instantly identify tyres that have been objectively verified for snow traction, rather than relying on the more ambiguous M+S label, which mainly reflects tread pattern design.
However, it’s important to note that 3PMSF only certifies snow‑traction capability. It does not guarantee braking performance on ice. That’s where the Ice Grip symbol adds value, separating true winter‑performance tyres from those that merely meet the snow‑traction standard.
When choosing tyres for cold‑weather driving, look for the 3PMSF badge for reliable snow handling, and consider Ice Grip if you frequently encounter icy roads.