Did you know that if you don’t have the M+S mark on your winter tyres, you risk a fine? It’s true, but what does this symbol consist of? Let’s find out everything about this acronym and why you risk a fine if it’s not printed on your winter tyres!
You have definitely happened to see on the tires of the abbreviations, but maybe you didn’t notice what they meant. However, there is one important code to pay attention to when buying winter tyres, because it ensures that you are making the right choice.
As you well know, when winter comes you have to drive safely, especially if the asphalt is wet or snowing and therefore becomes dangerous. The winter tires are therefore indispensable because they are made with a compound that makes them adhere better to the ground and avoid slipping. Let’s find out what the acronym M+S is and what other acronyms you can find around the world!
The M+S symbol on winter tyres
There M+S logo imprinted on the tyres emphasize that yes it’s about winter tyres. The acronym M+S means “Mud+Snow”, that translated means “Mud and Snow”, and therefore certifies that the tires, as well as being able to be used on snow, are also suitable for other contexts.
There is also another symbol, 3PMSN, acronym of Three peaks mountain+snowflake, that you can find stamped on winter tyresand which is depicted with the three peaks mountain with a snowflake.
Finally, there is also the snowflake only symbol, which however serves to have approval on the American market. To avoid confusion, it is fair to say that the acronym M+S and the mountain symbol are equivalent, however there are differences that you need to know.
Differences between the abbreviation M+S and the mountain symbol
The differences between the abbreviation M+S and the mountain or snowflake symbol that can be found on winter tyres are established by the various laws in force in the various parts of the world:
- Italy – The Highway Code in our country establishes the M+S as the appropriate acronym for winter tyres, also shown in 4-season tyres.
- Europe – Since 2014, the European directive has introduced the mountain with snowflake symbol for winter tyres.
- USA and Canada – Since 1999, the producers’ association has adopted the snowflake symbol instead of the initials M+S. In fact, the symbol can be applied after tests on ice and snow.
Now that you know the abbreviations of winter tires well, you won’t have difficulty recognizing them!
