Winter markings
A tire is a technically complex product, so it's essential to pay attention to the markings applied to them. Some markings are crucial to understand and interpret correctly. A good example is the automaker's homologation, while markings like SUV, for instance, carry no information, and the Treadwear marking is downright misleading.
Winter markings are more related to those that lose their relevance over time. However, it's crucial to know some nuances about them.
From a legal standpoint, winter markings include 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) and M+S. The presence of either of these markings, according to the technical regulations of the Customs Union, indicates that the tire is suitable for use during the winter period. Therefore, despite the presence of studs, commercial names on the sidewall, the tire is considered winter. Thus, no fines or ban on operation threaten with these markings.
Rule 117 of the UNECE: "2.11.1 Winter tire for use in severe snow conditions" means a tire whose tread pattern, tread material, or construction is specially designed for use in severe snow conditions and meets the requirements of point 6.4 of these Rules. The "3MPSF" and M+S markings are on the sidewall.
The presence of 3PMSF and M+S markings does not mean that the tires are safe.
This is an important nuance that everyone should clearly understand. First and foremost, the M+S marking is applied at the discretion of the tire manufacturer and indicates that the tire is suitable for operation in muddy and snowy conditions. This means that the tread is adapted for this purpose. That's why all AT and MT segment tires have this marking by default.
The 3PMSF marking is a bit more complicated. It can be obtained by passing a certain snow test. But what is this test?
A series of braking tests is performed on the tested tire on compacted snow at a speed of at least 28 km/h, and the average value of the full deceleration is calculated. The tire must meet the standard. Unfortunately, it's hard to say that the standard tire "Uniroyal Tiger paw Plus" looks like a strong winter tire. Rather, it's a very weak all-season or A/T. With such a standard, even a summer tire can get a winter marking.