![]() Recognizing a need for a more up-to-date and helpful measurement of true winter performance, as well as a way to differentiate all-season tires from winter tires. It does not measure traction on ice, slush, or traction on cold dry roads.įor that reason, the M + S symbol falls short in helping fully evaluate winter tire performance expectations in severe winter driving conditions. Unfortunately, it is a very one-dimensional test in that it only measures traction in packed snow and mud. Over time, the M + S became a standard marking to show the tire had some all seasoned capability compared to summer tires. That M + S tire marking system was first introduced to differentiate Knobby bias-ply tires from the more common rib treads on early radial cars and light truck tires. This is particularly important when deciding on which tires to purchase for your crossover SUV or light truck in colder climates. While both symbols are helpful indicators of what you can expect from the tire it is important to understand the difference between the two. The extent of testing and the traction levels required to qualify for each symbol are very different. And they came up with a new test that now provides us, consumers, with a way to know for sure if the tire should be severe winter driving rated or mud and snow rated. Both are based on standardized tire industry testing by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, along with the American Society for Testing and Materials. One is the M + S or mud and snow symbol, and the second is the three-peak mountain snowflake rated symbol. But first, there are two common grading systems for tires to help identify winter tire traction capabilities, all tires that pass certain winter tire traction tests can be marked with a symbol molded onto the side of the tire. When searching for a really good winter-rated tire there are two different choices to choose from depending on your needs and we'll get into that in a minute. If we all had unlimited amounts of money to spend on tires most of us would have about three or four different sets of different types of tires for the varying types of terrains and climates throughout the year. In today's blog we break down the differences between regular all-terrain tires, mud plus snow rated tires, three-peak mountain severe winter rated tires and dedicated or designated winter tires.
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