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The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol (3PMS for short) is a six-pointed snowflake inside a three-peak mountain, found on tires that meet specific standards. They signify the tire has been tested for acceleration on medium-packed snow. Tires with the 3PMS symbol have scored at least 110 on the traction index.
What tires have 3-peak snowflakes?
WHERE TO BUY TIRES WITH THE THREE-PEAK MOUNTAIN SNOWFLAKE SYMBOL. 3PMSF tires can be found in any tire or auto shop. Discount Tire carries quite a few of them but a few very popular ones are the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and the Michelin X-ICE XI3.
What does the mountain snowflake symbol mean?
Indicated by a pictograph showing a peaked mountain with a snowflake in the middle, the severe service symbol indicates a winter tire can handle snowy and slippery roads, as well as low temperatures, and meets the minimum requirements for providing snow traction.
What is 3-peak tire rating?
A 3-peak mountain snowflake rating indicates that the tire is approved by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association as meeting the minimum requirements for performance in severe snow conditions. You can find the 3PMSF rating on both all-season and all-terrain tires, as long as they meet the testing criteria.
What does the snowflake on my tire mean?
You don’t need an anthropologist to tell you that this mystery figure is called a mountain/snowflake symbol. It’s commonly seen on the sidewalls of winter (snow) tires designed for cars and light-duty trucks. It tells you that the tires provide superior traction on snow and ice in severe winter conditions.
What does 3 Peak mountain mean?
A three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol branded on a tire’s sidewall indicates the tire meets required performance criteria in snow testing to be considered severe snow service-rated. Tires branded with the 3PMSF symbol are expected to provide improved snow traction beyond a standard M+S branded all-season tire.
What all season tires have the mountain snowflake symbol?
One “all-weather” tire with the Mountain/Snowflake symbol is the Nokian WR G3 tire. The Nokian WR G3 are tires that you can leave on the vehicle all-year round, and still be assured of good traction in winter conditions other than just light snow.
What does M’s mean on tires?
M+S stands for Mud+Snow, indicating that the tires are suitable for use in the winter (studded or non-studded winter tires). The official winter tire marking is the snowflake symbol, also known as the 3PMSF marking.
How do you tell if tires are all-season?
M+S stands for mud and snow, indicating that this is an all-season tire. It’s not the clearest of the specs, because there aren’t other designations for summer and winter tires: Summer tires simply lack the M+S, and winter tires are labeled M+S and add an icon of a mountain plastered with a giant snowflake.
Are BFGoodrich all terrain good in snow?
The BFG tires were a good representative of all-terrain tires that have exceeded the Rubber Manufacturers of America’s severe snow traction performance requirements to achieve a “three-snowflake” rating; as a result, according to TireRack.com surveys, consumers like its all-season performance.
What does the mountain mean on tires?
What does the mountain snowflake symbol on tires mean? If this symbol is on the sidewall of the winter tires you’re shopping for, it denotes that they have been tested and proven under extreme winter driving conditions.
Which all-terrain tire is best for snow?
The 12 Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow Available in 2022 Hankook Dynapro AT-M. Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar. Toyo Open Country AT III. Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Michelin LTX A/T 2. BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. General Grabber AT2. Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT.
Do all weather tires have a snowflake?
Where all-weather tires are a compromise. All-weather tires carry the mountain and snowflake symbol, which means that when new they are able to pass the traction test applicable to a dedicated snow tire. That does not mean all tires with the symbol can be trusted in winter.
Which is better winter tires or all weather tires?
All-weather tires are stiffer than winter tires, which reduces their grip on ice. As for their tread pattern, it is less aggressive, which provides less traction in snow. Simply put, all-weather tires provide decent performance year-long, but definitely fall short in certain winter conditions.
Do all terrain tires count as snow tires?
Most all-terrain tires have an M + S rating – which means they are suitable for driving in mud and snow. Some come with a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, which means that it has been tested for driving in severe winter conditions.
Are all-season tires good in snow?
All-season tires are designed for a smooth, quiet ride in most conditions. While a set of all-season tires can offer some traction in light snow and the occasional winter storm, they’re not designed for deep snow, ice, and cold weather (when temperatures stay below ~45º F).
Is 3PMSF better than m s?
Tyres with “M+S” marking are intended for different use than models produced typically for winter. Only 3PMSF guarantees the suitability of tyres for demanding winter conditions.
Are 3PMSF tires worth it?
Traditional winter tires, with their temperature-optimized rubber compounds and open-block tread designs, do a couple of things that 3PMSF all-seasons can’t. They’re particularly good for clearing slush or mixed-condition snow at higher speeds. They’re better at low-temperature braking and cornering.
Is blizzak a 3PMSF?
Blizzak WS90 Studless Ice & Snow tires meet the industry’s severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
What does XL mean on a tire?
XL tyres have been especially developed for use with heavy loads. Generally speaking, the tyre name XL is used for heavy duty tyres. However, the labelling varies between tyre manufacturers. Sometimes you might have XL tyres that are also labelled “reinforced” (RF or RFD), or models labelled EL (Extra Load).
