WHAT IS THE ICE GRIP SYMBOL?
The Ice Grip Symbol is a symbol that appears on the sidewall of tires that have successfully met the required performance for a standardized ice braking test. Unlike other severe weather designations, this symbol specifically relates to ice performance.
This certification was established in 2021 as an industry standard developed in coordination with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
WHAT DOES THE ICE GRIP SYMBOL LOOK LIKE?
The Ice Grip Symbol appears on a tire’s sidewall and depicts a mountain profile with raised edges and capped with snow. Unlike the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, it only has one peak.
This designation is sometimes shortened to IGS for Ice Grip Symbol.
WHY WAS THE ICE GRIP SYMBOL CREATED?
The Ice Grip symbol was created by the tire industry to address the need to designate tires capable specifically of ice traction.
Since the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake’s entry into the market in 1999, an increasing number of tires have earned this severe winter designation but do not address ice braking particularly or are not dedicated winter tires. Increasingly, it’s the industry expectation that all all-season tires include severe weather capability.
However, the Ice Grip Symbol can only be earned by dedicated winter tires. Drivers who require ice performance need a reliable system to help them easily shop for the best tires possible instead of sifting through a large volume of non-winter and ice-designed tires.
HOW DOES A TIRE EARN THE ICE GRIP SYMBOL?
A tire can earn the Ice Grip Symbol (sometimes abbreviated as IGS) by completing a standardized test against a reference tire for ice braking capability. The tire must score 18% better at braking on ice than the reference tire, an internationally agreed upon standard approved in 2021.
Key Certification Requirements
- Tire must score 18% better ice braking than reference tire
- Requires independent testing
- Testing conditions must not include adverse weather
- Testing conditions must be at appropriate temperatures
- Minimum of nine rounds of testing
The test consists of a flat surface of polished ice that has been wetted at least an hour before the first tests are completed. The test cannot be completed during snow or rain, in direct sunlight, or in windy conditions. Air temperatures must be between 5 and 39F and the ice surface temperature should be between 5 and 23F.
Test cars are passenger cars with ABS that have a wide range of tire sizes. A vehicle equipped with tires not included in the test (standard all-seasons) ensures the surface is properly prepared. The test is completed at 12-15mph.
Then, a reference tire and testing tire complete the course and are compared to each other. A minimum of nine total tests establish a rating with highest and lowest metrics.
Note: The adoption of this new standard means that it can take years for a tire to earn this designation, but there are many existing tires that meet or exceed them already but are not currently branded.
ICE GRIP SYMBOL VS THREE-PEAK MOUNTAIN SNOWFLAKE
Many drivers are already familiar with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol (3PMSF) which is commonly found on winter and severe snow-service tires.
However, it and the Ice Grip Symbol evaluate different aspects of winter performance.
| Ice Grip Symbol vs Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Certification | Tire Type(s) | Indicates | Description |
| Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (Est. 1999) |
| Tire has met a minimum threshold of light snow acceleration traction | Three peaked mountain profile with six pointed snowflake in the middle |
| Ice Grip Symbol (Est. 2021) |
| Winter tire has met required braking in icy conditions | Single peak mountain profile with snowcap |
All Ice Grip Symbol tires also include a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol because winter tires require that designation.
According to Wes Boling from Nokian Tyre, a leading winter tire manufacturer, Ice Grip Symbol tires work better in extremely cold temperatures than a typical winter tire due to the rubber and resins used in their construction.
Does the Ice Grip Symbol replace the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol?
No, the Ice Grip Symbol specifically measures ice braking capability while the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol designates that a tire has met a standard level of light snow traction.
Is the M+S Symbol the same as the Ice Grip Symbol or Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol?
No, the M+S branding is only based on your tire’s tread pattern geometry and makes no guarantee of any performance capability. The 3PSMF and Ice Grip Symbol have earned the certification due to standardized testing.
Compare the M+S and Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol here.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER TIRES WITH THE ICE GRIP SYMBOL?
Ice Grip Symbol tires are an excellent option for drivers who live in cold, icy winter regions.
Drivers who encounter the following should consider Ice Grip Symbol tires:
- Long, harsh winters
- Frequently iced over roads
- Rural roads (they remain slick longer)
- Mountainous regions with persistent winter conditions
FAQ
The Ice Grip Symbol indicates a tire has met a strict international standard for braking on ice.
No, the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol indicates a tire has met a minimum requirement of general winter performance while the Ice Grip Symbol specifically addresses ice braking capability.
The Ice Grip Symbol was introduced in 2021 and has only recently begun gaining traction in terms of demand and use in winter tire production.
A tire must stop 18% shorter than the reference tire used in an internationally designed independent standardized test.
No, not all winter tires have met the standards set by the Ice Grip Symbol test.
Yes, a tire with the Ice Grip Symbol could also be good for snow. All Snow Grip Tires also include the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating indicating it meets a minimum standard for winter performance. However, the level of snow performance will heavily depend upon other features of a tire’s design such as tread pattern.
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