Tires are the only surface of the vehicle in contact with the cold road, and our safety depends on them. That’s why, if you’re planning a winter trip, it’s essential to know the difference between the 3PMSF and M+S markings.

We invite you to discover the importance of these symbols and how they influence safety on your next trip to the snow.

3PMSF: the mark that guarantees safety on snow

To be sure that a tire is safe and certified for snow, simply look at its profile. If it bears the 3PMSF ( Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) mark, you can be sure that your tire has passed the most stringent tests for driving on surfaces such as snow and ice.

El símbolo 3PMSF es una montaña de tres picos y un copo de nieve en su interior
The 3PMSF symbol indicates that the tire is officially certified for safe driving on snow.

The 3PMSF marking is represented by a snowflake on a background of three peaked mountains.

The 3PMSF mark is a guarantee of safety for your winter tires.

This symbol identifies winter tires and certifies that the tire meets specific snow grip requirements. In addition, the 3PMSF marking is the one that will be imposed to identify winter tires, as the M+S marking is old and will be progressively replaced.

Although European legislation has already updated its regulations with the 3PMSF symbol, Spain is lagging behind. Tire manufacturers are pressing for the pictogram to be adopted in all local legislation.

Tires bearing the 3PMSF symbol guarantee safety on snow-covered roads

Winter tires or snow tires bearing the 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol offer verified safety in difficult snow conditions.

The definition of a winter tire is set out in European standard ECE 117.02.

Section 2.11 of European standard ECE 117 states that a “snow tire is a tire whose tread, tread compound or structure is specifically designed to provide, in snow conditions, better performance than normal tires in terms of its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion”.

The 3PMSF symbol is standardized and controlled by EU authorities, ensuring that the product meets rigorous test conditions and is suitable for use in severe weather conditions. In fact, you can be fined on French mountain roads if you don’t carry 3PMSF-marked snow tires or snow chains.

Differences between 3PMSF and M+S markings

It’s common to see different symbols and numbers on tire profiles, providing relevant information to users. When looking for a high-performance snow tire, it’s important to know the differences between the 3PMSF and M+S markings.

The 3PMSF mark

The 3PMSF symbol is a certification and means that the tire has optimal characteristics for driving on snow. Thanks to its composition, structure and grooves, your tire will deliver excellent performance in winter conditions and on snow-covered roads.

3PSMF
The approved snow tire bears the 3PMSF mark and can be used on snow-covered roads at temperatures below 7°C. Image by I LOVE SKI®

If you see tires with an isolated raised snowflake, “snow” or other similar markings that refer to cold, ice or snow, you should know that these markings are not official and do not certify that your tire is safe to drive on snow.

The 3PMSF marking is the only one to guarantee the homologation of a winter or snow tire.

Consequently, only the 3PMSF marking offers a guarantee for driving on snow-covered roads, because the only marking that confirms that a tire is suitable for driving on snow is the 3PMSF. Do you know why? Here’s why:

  • 3PMSF tires have to pass an extensive regulated test, which guarantees effective performance when driving on icy or snow-covered roads.
  • A tire’s rubber hardens and loses its grip when the ambient temperature falls below 7°C. However, tires bearing the 3PMSF mark remain exactly the same and maintain optimum grip at low temperatures.
The use of approved snow tires bearing the 3PMSF marking helps avoid problems on the road.
  • 3PMSF tires offer better grip and optimal braking distances in snow. Their treads act like studs on slippery surfaces, reinforcing the rubber’s traction capacity.
  • This type of tire has a special profile that facilitates water evacuation, considerably reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

The M+S mark

The M+S label is not a certification and stands for Mood and Snow. The symbol offers no guarantee to the consumer, as it is not subject to any specific standard. It appears on the tire profile as M+S, M&S or M/S.

In the past, the M+S marking was the appropriate indicator to inform the consumer that a tire could be used on snow-covered roads, but today this marking is considered a simple self-certification that requires no inspection or performance test.

Currently, the 3PMSF marking is the only one that complies with European regulations, and the only one that certifies that the tire has passed a regulated test guaranteeing good performance in winter conditions.

This marking is found on many types of tire, whether 3PMSF snow tires or other types of tire.

Some tires can bear both symbols: 3PMSF and M+S. The first (3PMSF) is the only one that certifies that the tire can be driven safely on snow. The second (M+S) is a self-certification that each brand awards itself, and indicates only that it is effective in mud and snow situations.

The M+S symbol appears on the profiles of 4×4 tires, all-season tires and even some camper tires. The symbol tells the user that the tire performs well on muddy and slippery terrain, but it does not mean that a tire bearing the M+S marking performs well on snow.

So, if you’re wondering whether a tire bearing the M+S mark is exclusively a winter tire, the answer is no. The answer is no.

On a snow-covered road, what’s the difference between a certified snow tire and an M+S tire?

There are some key parameters that make the difference between tires that are optimal for snow and those that are not. As mentioned above, M+S tires are not guaranteed for snow. As mentioned above, M+S tires offer no guarantee for driving on snow. You may encounter problems when driving on snow-covered slopes and in curves. You’ll notice that the tires start to lose grip and you risk losing control of the vehicle.

With 3PMSF-approved winter tires, you can start on slopes, take corners and brake without losing grip or control. One of the easiest ways to test the effectiveness of 3PMSF-marked tires on snow is to brake. You’ll find that with these tires, you can stop effectively without losing grip or steering control.

The braking distance in snow is shown below, comparing winter tires and standard tires. This excellent response on snow is mainly due to their composition and the fact that winter tires tend to have more tread grooves and a denser siping system.

The blocks are closely spaced and separated by circumferential grooves. Winter tires are also characterized by a softer rubber compound (usually obtained by adding silica). So if you have to drive in the snow and are looking for the best possible guarantees, don’t hesitate to opt for 3PMSF-certified snow tires.