3-Peak Mountain Snowflake: The Ultimate Seal of Confidence for Winter Driving

Red Jeep SUV parked on a snowy field, showcasing winter driving capability cover photo for 3-peak mountain snowflake article

What does 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake mean?

3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol is a certification mark found on the sidewalls of certain tires, indicating that they meet specific performance standards for severe snow conditions.

3-peak mountain snowflake symbol

It consists of a snowflake inside a three-peaked mountain outline and signifies that the tire has passed a standardized test for snow traction.

Why is 3-Peak Mountain Snow Flake important for drivers?

Selecting tires with the 3PMSF symbol offers several benefits:

  • Safety Assurance: Tires bearing the 3PMSF symbol have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they provide adequate traction in severe snow conditions, thereby enhancing driver safety.
  • Performance Reliability: These tires are designed to maintain flexibility and grip at temperatures below 7°C, offering superior braking and cornering performance on snow, slush, wet roads, and bare asphalt.
  • Legal Compliance: In certain regions, the use of 3PMSF-certified tires is mandated during winter months, making them essential for legal compliance.

Who regulates the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification?

The 3PMSF (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certification for tires is regulated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) under Regulation No. 117 (UN/ECE R117).

Additionally, in North America, the certification is recognized by Transport Canada and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The testing standard follows ISO 18106, which ensures that tires meet the necessary snow traction performance requirements.

Relevant Documents

  • UNECE Regulation No. 117: This regulation outlines the uniform provisions concerning the approval of tires with regard to rolling sound emissions, adhesion on wet surfaces, and rolling resistance. You can access the full text here:
  • ISO 18106:2016: This international standard specifies the method for measuring the relative snow grip performance index of a candidate tire compared to a reference, under loaded conditions. More details are available at:
UNECE Reg. #117
ISO 18106 /2016

3PMSF vs. M+S (Mud and Snow) Ratings: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to distinguish between the 3PMSF symbol and the M+S (Mud and Snow) rating:

  • M+S Rating: This designation indicates that a tire’s tread pattern is suitable for mud and light snow. However, it doesn’t require standardized testing, meaning performance can vary significantly between tires.
  • 3PMSF Certification: Tires with the 3PMSF symbol have passed standardized tests to ensure a minimum level of snow traction, providing a more reliable indicator of winter performance.

While all 3PMSF tires also carry the M+S rating, not all M+S-rated tires meet the stringent requirements of the 3PMSF certification.

3PMSF vs. Studded Tires, which are better?

Normally, all pure winter tires (studded or studdable) are 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake compliant. However, the contrary is not true as 3PMSF tires divide themselves between All-Season tires and Winter Tires.

It is undeniable that studded tires provide the ultimate winter traction, especially on ice. On the other hand, you won’t enjoy the feeling of using studded tires on the tarmack. So if you live in areas which you get ice and snow more than half of the year, you should probably consider studded winter tires. Otherwise, you will probably be just fine with 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake tires.

Factors to Consider When Choosing 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Tires

To select the most suitable 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified tires, consider the following factors:

  • Driving Conditions: Assess the typical winter weather in your area. For regions with heavy snowfall and icy roads, specialized winter tires may be necessary. In milder climates, all-season tires with the 3PMSF symbol could suffice.
  • Vehicle Type: Ensure the tires are compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, including size, load capacity, and speed rating.
  • Budget Considerations: While premium tires often offer superior performance, there are budget-friendly options that still provide reliable winter traction.
  • Tread Life: Consider the expected lifespan of the tires and any warranties offered by the manufacturer. Longer tread life can provide better value over time.

Check out the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake tires for your size (we mark them with ❄):

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