What is 3PMSF marking?
3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) is a symbol on the tyre sidewall depicting a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake inside. It is the official winter tyre certification.
3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol
Why is 3PMSF important?
The 3PMSF marking guarantees that the tyre:
- Has been laboratory tested according to strict standards (ASTM E1136-14)
- Provides at least 10% better traction on snow than a standard all-season tyre
- Maintains flexibility at low temperatures (below +7°C / 45°F)
- Ensures safe braking on snow and ice
3PMSF vs M+S – what's the difference?
| Feature | M+S | 3PMSF |
|---|
| Testing | No mandatory testing | Laboratory certified |
| Snow traction guarantee | No | Yes (+10% vs standard) |
| Rubber flexibility in cold | Not guaranteed | Guaranteed |
| European standard | Old, becoming insufficient | New standard |
Why M+S is no longer enough?
M+S (Mud and Snow) is an old marking from the 1970s, based only on tread pattern design. It doesn't guarantee actual winter performance – manufacturers can apply this mark without any testing.
⚠️ Baltic countries requirements
Lithuania: During winter season (November 10 – April 1), both M+S and 3PMSF tyres are accepted, but 3PMSF is recommended.
Latvia: SINCE OCTOBER 2024 – ONLY 3PMSF!
In Latvia, M+S marking is NO LONGER SUFFICIENT. Only tyres with the 3PMSF symbol are mandatory!
Estonia: SINCE DECEMBER 2022 – STUDLESS TIRES REQUIRE 3PMSF!
In Estonia, during winter season (December 1 – March 1), studless winter tyres MUST have the 3PMSF marking (since 2022). Studded tyres do not require 3PMSF marking.
Recommendation
When buying new winter tyres, always choose ones with 3PMSF marking. This guarantees true winter protection and compliance with all European countries' requirements.
Recommended tyres
Find tyres with the 3PMSF marking
Choose your tyre size to see matching products.
Recommended tyres — size examples
Examples from this selection. Choose your size to see matching tyres.
STARMAXX
Incurro Winter W870
265/60 R18 114H
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RP
RP (Rim Protector)
RP (Rim Protector) — generic rim-guard marking.
B
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|71dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
125.98 EUR
(503.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
245/45 R17 99V
Manufacturing year: 2023 - 2024
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RG
Homologation (OE)
Manufacturer homologation — tire specifically approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Read more →
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
95.98 EUR
(383.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
225/50 R17 98V
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
RP
RP (Rim Protector)
RP (Rim Protector) — generic rim-guard marking.
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
80.98 EUR
(323.92 EUR set)
STARMAXX
POLARMAXX SPORT
215/55 R17 98V
Manufacturing year: 2024 - 2026
XL
XL (Extra Load)
XL (Extra Load) — reinforced for ~11% higher load than standard.
Read more →
C
Fuel efficiency (A–E)
Rolling resistance class A (best) to E. Difference between classes — up to 9% in fuel consumption.
B
Wet grip (A–E)
Wet braking distance. Class A — shortest, E — longest. The difference can reach 30%.
B|72dB
Noise level (dB)
External rolling noise in decibels. Lower number means quieter tire.
3PMSF (Snow grip)
3PMSF — certified winter marking. Tire passed EU tests in deep snow.
Read more →
M+S
M+S (Mud & Snow)
M+S (Mud & Snow) — for light snow and mud. Not certified; weaker than 3PMSF.
Read more →
Delivery:
September 11-14
88.48 EUR
(353.92 EUR set)
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