Buying tires is a responsible process on which your safety on the road depends. But what if you find a good deal on used tires or inherited wheels from the previous owner of the car? It is not always possible to determine the seasonality of tires by appearance., especially if the tread is worn out or the model is universal. Fortunately, manufacturers put all the necessary information on the sidewall of the tire - you just need to know where and what to look for.
In this article we will look at all official seasonality markings, we will learn to distinguish winter tires from summer and all-season tires, and also reveal the secrets of decoding type designations M+S, 3PMSF and others. We will pay special attention to the nuances of checking used tires and typical mistakes that even experienced car owners make.
According to traffic police statistics, up to 15% of accidents in the off-season occur due to incorrectly selected tires. At the same time, 30% of drivers do not know how to read the markings on the sidewall of the wheel, relying on a visual assessment or advice from salespeople. This article will help you avoid dangerous mistakes and save money on purchasing suitable tires.
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1. Main types of tire seasonality markings
All tires are divided into three categories according to seasonality: summer, winter and all-season. Manufacturers are required to label according to ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) standards. and Technical Regulation TPMS (for Russia). Let's figure out which designations are guaranteed to indicate seasonality, and which ones can be misleading.
The most reliable indicators:
- 🌨️ Winter tires: pictogram three-pointed snowflakes (3PMSF) + inscription M+S (Mud + Snow). Without a snowflake, tires are not considered winter tires by law!
- ☀️ Summer tires: absence of any seasonal designations (except speed/load indices). Sometimes there is a marker "Summer" or sun, but this is not necessary.
- 🌍 All-season tires: inscriptions "All Season", "Any Weather" or "4Season" + availability required M+S. There may be no 3PMSF snowflakes!
Important: starting from 2021, winter tires without the 3PMSF marking will not be certified in Russia and the EU. If there is only M+S without a snowflake on the sidewall, this is all-season tires, not winter tires!
Example of winter tire markings Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3:
205/55 R16 91T M+S 3PMSF (snowflake pictogram)
Made in Finland
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2. Where to look for markings on the tire?
All designations are applied to tire sidewall (outside). You need to look for them in the following areas:
- 🔍 Next to the model name (for example, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 - winter model).
- 📏 Near dimension (for example,
195/65 R15 91T M+S). - ⚠️ On the inside (less often, but happens with brands Goodyear or Dunlop).
If the tires are already mounted on the rim, jack up the car or look inside the wheel. On some models (for example, Bridgestone Blizzak) markings are duplicated on both sides.
What to do if the marking is erased?
⚠️ Attention: If nothing is visible on the tire M+S, no 3PMSF, no inscriptions "Summer" — these are guaranteed summer tires. Winter and all-season tires always have at least one of these designations.
Use a flashlight or flash photography - sometimes the markings are light in color and difficult to see in daylight.
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3. Decoding key symbols
In order not to get confused in abbreviations, we have collected all possible markings in a table:
| Designation | Decoding | Seasonality | Example models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3PMSF (snowflake) | Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake | Winter | Continental WinterContact, Pirelli Ice Zero |
| M+S (Mud + Snow) | Mud + snow | Winter or all-season | Nokian WR Snowproof, Toyo Observe |
| All Season / 4Season | All-season | All-season | Michelin CrossClimate, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons |
| AT/MT | Off-road tires | Can be all-season | BFGoodrich KO2, Yokohama Geolandar |
| Lack of markings | — | Summer | Bridgestone Turanza, Hankook Ventus |
Please note: All-season tires may not have a snowflake 3PMSF, but it will definitely be M+S. This is important when checking used tires - many sellers pass off all-season tires as winter tires if they see them on the sidewall M+S.
Example of deception: tires Nokian WR D4 (all season) are often sold as winter ones even though they don't have a snowflake. Always check both symbols!
☑️ Checklist for checking tire seasonality
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4. How to distinguish winter tires from all-season tires?
This is the most difficult moment, because all-season tires are often marked M+S, like winter ones. Here are the key differences:
- ❄️ Winter tires:
- Have obligatory snowflake 3PMSF.
- Soft rubber compound (remains flexible at -20°C).
- Deep tread (usually 8–10 mm for a new tire).
- 🌤️ All-season tires:
- May have only M+S without a snowflake.
- The rubber composition is of medium hardness (loses its properties at -15°C and below).
- The tread is less deep (6–8 mm).
Practice test: if the tires are hard to the touch at +10°C, it is all-season or summer. Winter tires will then be slightly sticky.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia from 2021 all-season tires without snowflake 3PMSF are not considered winter by law. They cannot be used from December to February unless they are marked 3PMSF!
What happens if you drive an all-season car in winter?
All-season tires without 3PMSF are equivalent to summer tires according to traffic regulations. In the event of an accident or stop by a traffic police inspector, you may be fined 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
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5. Features of brand labeling
Some manufacturers use unique designations that can be confusing. Let's look at the most popular brands:
- 🔵 Nokian:
- Winter: Hakkapeliitta, Nordman 7/8 (snowflake + M+S).
- All-season: WR in the title (for example, WR Snowproof).
- 🟢 Michelin:
- Winter: Pilot Alpin, X-Ice (required 3PMSF).
- All-season: CrossClimate (snowflake is only available on new models).
- 🔴 Bridgestone:
- Winter: Blizzak (snowflake + blue logo).
- All-season: WeatherControl (M+S only).
Lifehack: if the model name contains the words Winter, Snow, Ice, Alpin or Blizzak — these are 100% winter tires. Characteristic for all-season All Season, 4S, Cross.
Example: tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 — winter, despite the absence of a snowflake in the photo in the ad. Always check the model with the official website of the manufacturer!
If there is a 3PMSF snowflake on the tire, it is winter tires, even if the seller claims otherwise. If there is no snowflake, but there is M+S, it is all-season.
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6. Checking used tires: what to pay attention to?
When buying used tires markings may be erased or tampered with. Here's how to avoid being scammed:
- Check the production date (4 digits in an oval, for example
2523= 25th week of 2023). It is not recommended to buy tires older than 5 years. - Assess tread wear:
- Winter tires: remaining depth less than 4 mm - dangerous!
- Summer tires: remainder less than 1.6 mm (by law) or 2–3 mm (recommended).
⚠️ Attention: Fraudsters often erase markings from used tires or apply fake 3PMSF stickers. If the seller refuses to provide a close-up photo of the sidewall, this is a reason to be wary.
Example of a fake: on a tire Kama Euro 519 (summer) can be painted with snowflake paint. Always ask for a video of the marking inspection!
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7. Typical mistakes when determining seasonality
Even experienced car owners make these mistakes:
- ❌ Trust only the tread pattern. A directional pattern with sipes can also be found on all-season tires (for example, Michelin CrossClimate 2).
- ❌ Ignore production date. Tires older than 5 years lose their properties even with good tread.
- ❌ M+S and 3PMSF are confused. Remember: M+S without snowflake = all-season!
- ❌ They don't check the tires on the axles. One car may have wheels that differ depending on the season (for example, winter wheels in the front and summer wheels in the back).
How to avoid mistakes?
- Always take photos of the markings before purchasing.
- Use tire scanning apps (such as TireCheck or TireGuide).
- Check the model in the manufacturer's catalog (on the brand's website).
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about tire markings
Is it possible to drive all-season tires without 3PMSF in winter?
No, from 2021 in Russia this is equivalent to summer tires. Fine - 500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). Exception: regions where winter tires are not required (for example, Krasnodar region).
What does the "AT" or "MT" marking on a tire mean?
These are the designations for off-road tires:
- AT (All Terrain) - universal for asphalt and off-road (often all-season).
- MT (Mud Terrain) - for extreme off-road (usually summer or all-season).
Only models with 3PMSF are suitable for winter.
How to check tires if the markings are erased?
Contact the seller for documents (receipt, warranty card) or find a model by:
- Dimensions (for example,
205/55 R16). - Unique DOT code (serial number on the side).
- Photo of the tread (upload to Google Lens or specialized services).
Is it possible to install winter tires on only one axle?
No! According to the traffic regulations (clause 5.5 "List of faults"), tires must be mounted on one axle one model, size and seasonality. Different tires on the axles impair handling and can cause skidding.
What to do if you bought tires for the wrong season?
If the tires are new:
- Contact the seller with a request for an exchange (according to the law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights”).
- Check to see if the 14-day return period has expired.
If the tires are used:
- Try to return the money through the payment system (if the payment was made online).
- Write a complaint to the seller with a photo of the marking and a mention of Art. 18 ZPPP.