AUTONEWS

The only legal tire type that never requires snow chains

Storm Kristin is covering much of the central and northern Iberian Peninsula with a layer of snow, causing chaos in cities and on roads and putting many drivers at risk. In response, the Civil Guard's Traffic Group is already working at full speed to ensure road safety. In some cases, only vehicles with metal chains, spider-type wheel locks, or fabric covers installed are allowed to proceed. However, there is another type of tire allowed in extreme conditions, and it is not the M+S tire, which many drivers mistakenly believe allows them to continue driving in these circumstances.

This type of tire is called 3PMSF. M+S stands for Mud and Snow. If you see that your tires have the M+S marking, you can forget about permission to drive in snow, as the M+S designation is just a statement from the manufacturer about the capabilities of the tire's tread pattern. What you need to check (and what the officers will check before allowing you to proceed) is whether the tires have the 3PMSF seal on the sidewall, which certifies that the tire has passed objective traction tests in extreme winter conditions, according to European standards.

Locating this symbol is easy: just look for the drawing of a three-peaked mountain with a small snowflake inside. This marking is usually found on the outer sidewall of the tire, making it easy for authorities to quickly identify. Although the price is usually a little higher than that of conventional tires, the investment is worthwhile due to the added safety, as you avoid having to buy chains, which are also often complicated to install.

The snowflake symbol inside the tri-peaked mountain certifies tires approved for use in snow(image above)  Michelin

Driving on sections marked as requiring the use of snow chains without them or 3PMSF tires can have unpleasant consequences for your wallet: a fine of €200, although at least you won't lose points on your driving license. Furthermore, keep in mind that if you do not have snow chains (whether metal, plastic, or even fabric covers) or 3PMSF tires, traffic officers have the authority to impound your vehicle in order to avoid unnecessary risks on the road.

The 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) marking on a tire means that it is officially certified for winter use, having undergone rigorous testing in severe snow conditions. This differentiates it from tires with only the M+S marking, which do not have the same performance certification.

What is 3PMSF certification? The 3PMSF certification is indicated by a symbol of a three-peaked mountain with a snowflake on the sidewall of the tire.

Winter Performance: Tires with this symbol are designed to offer greater safety and shorter braking distances in temperatures below 7°C, on wet, snowy, or icy surfaces, compared to summer tires.

Legal Requirement: In some European countries, the use of tires with 3PMSF certification is mandatory during the winter months.

M+S Difference: The M+S (Mud + Snow) marking only indicates a tread pattern optimized for these conditions, but does not guarantee a minimum performance tested in severe snow, unlike 3PMSF.

Popular 3PMSF tire models...Many manufacturers offer tires with this certification, including all-season options that also have the 3PMSF seal, providing versatility.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5...Winner of winter tire tests, rated "Exemplary" by Auto Bild Sportscars experts, praised for its performance in winter conditions.

Tires with the 3PMSF marking (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) are certified for safe use in severe winter and snow conditions. Unlike the simple "M+S", the 3PMSF symbol guarantees that the tire has passed rigorous braking and traction tests in snow, being the legal standard in many European countries.

Characteristics of 3PMSF tires:

Winter Safety: Designed to maintain flexibility and traction in temperatures below 7°C, soft snow, ice, and mud.

Certification: The marking is awarded after regulatory tests, guaranteeing superior performance to the "M+S" (Mud + Snow) marking.

Versatility: Applied to true winter tires and some high-performance "All Season" tires.

Mandatory: Required for driving in areas with strict winter legislation, such as the "Mountain Law" in Europe.

All 3PMSF tires also carry the M+S marking, but not all M+S tires have 3PMSF certification.

by Autonews