M+S winter tyres

M+S is short for  mud and snow. This marking indicates that the tyre is better suited to snowy or muddy roads than standard models (summer tyres). This marking does not require passing a certified test and is entirely up to the manufacturer. It’s a declaration from the tyre manufacturer that the product can operate in mud and snow better than their regular models. However, there is no performance standard or traction/stopping tests to pass as the M+S designation refers only to the tread pattern. Marking indicating that the tyre is, according to European rulings, a “snow” tyre but performances under winter conditions have not been subject to testing. Regulations are evolving, and it is the 3PMSF marking that is becoming the norm in Europe today. You will find the M+S symbol on off-road, All-Terrain (AT) tyres and on many ‘summer’ all season tyres. Even some high speed rated (Y) summer tyres may have this designation. It says nothing about the tyres rubber compound and how it will perform on snow, slush and ice. Tyres with M+S marking are not associated with any mandatory performance test and there is no performance guarantee associated with M+S marked tyres. The M+S marking are based on a tyre’s geometry and not how well it does on tests actually driving in mud or snow.

3PMSF winter tyres

The 3PMSF symbol indicates that the tyres are both reliable and safe for driving in snow.This symbol is increasingly becoming the norm for recognising a good winter tyre. The 3PMSF marking is awarded by a certified laboratory. The definition of a winter tyre is stated in the European ECE regulation 117.02. It states that the tyre’s tread pattern, tread material or structure must be primarily designed in order to provide better characteristics than ordinary tyres in terms of acceleration, traction and stopping under demanding winter conditions, and that it must be verified. The 3PMSF symbol is standardised and controlled by EU authorities, guaranteeing that the product meets the conditions of rigorous testing and is suitable for operation in difficult weather conditions. 3PMSF marked tyres have been approved through regulation tests to guarantee a higher level of performance under winter conditions stated in the European ECE regulation 117.02. 3PMSF winter tyres are designed to stay flexible in temperatures below 7°C and provide excellent grip on snow, slush, wet roads and bare asphalt. The aggressive tread design and siping provides grip and stability in snow and will disperse away water and wet snow slush. Compared to M+S tyres, 3PMSF winter tyres offer superior braking and cornering performance on wet and rough ice, soft and hard-packed snow, and slush. A tyre without the 3MPSF marking cannot be marketed as a snow tyre or a winter tyre.