Snow and ice symbols on tyres

Tyres can carry three different winter markings. Only two of them are on the EU tyre label, and only those two are based on a test.

3PMSF: the three-peak mountain snowflake

The 3PMSF symbol means the tyre passed a standard test on packed snow and performed clearly better than a reference tyre. It is shown on the EU label and moulded on the sidewall. In many countries, winter tyre rules require it.

In EPREL, 93% of registrations of all-season patterns carry it; for winter patterns it is nearly all of them. A few summer-type patterns have it too (142 registrations).

M+S: mud and snow

M+S is a marking on the sidewall only. It is a manufacturer’s statement about the tread design, with no performance test behind it, and it does not appear on the EU label. Many all-season and SUV tyres carry M+S without 3PMSF.

The ice grip symbol

The ice symbol (a mountain with an ice crystal) means the tyre passed the EU ice test. It is meant for Nordic winter conditions: 6,062 registrations carry it. Ice tyres are usually softer and may brake less well on wet or warm roads, so they are not a general winter choice for central or southern Europe.

All-season tyres

An all-season tyre with 3PMSF is legal as a winter tyre where 3PMSF is required, but it is a compromise in both seasons. Compare its wet grip and noise with summer and winter tyres of the same size; our size pages show each season separately, for example 205/55 R16.

Rules on winter tyres differ by country and change over time. Check your national rules before you travel.