What is the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake tire rating, and do I need it?
Published on February 19, 2025
When shopping for new tires for your car or truck that is driven in winter conditions, tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating might be something to consider. There is ongoing debate about the importance of the 3PMSF rating, and online tire reviews indicate that this rating is certainly not a replacement for dedicated snow tires. Not all tire manufacturers test their tires for the 3PMSF rating, but that doesn't mean they are bad in winter conditions.
To earn the 3PMSF rating, tires must pass the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1805 test, which measures accelerative traction on medium-packed snow. The tire must perform at least 10% better than a standard reference test tire. Most 3PMSF ratings are applied to tires used on trucks and SUVs, but more passenger car tires are receiving this rating every year.
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How Well Do "3-Peak Mountain Snowflake" Tires ACTUALLY Work in Snow?