Snow tire

Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are tires designed for use on snow and ice. Snow tires have a tread design with larger gaps than those on conventional tires, increasing traction on snow and ice and are often optimized to drive at temperatures below 7 °C (45 °F). Tires that meet specific standards and or tests are entitled to display M+S, a Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF), and or an Ice Grip Symbol (IGS) on their sidewalls. Studded tires are a type of snow tires which have metal or ceramic studs that protrude from the tire to increase traction on hard-packed snow or ice and have parallel standards including the use of the 3PMSF symbol with a Ш (the Cyrillic letter "Sha") along with "STUDDED" and the IGS. Studs abrade dry pavement, causing dust and creating wear in the wheel path. Regulations that require the use of snow tires or permit the use of studs vary by jurisdiction.

All-season tires have tread gaps that are smaller than snow tires and larger than conventional tires. They are quieter than winter tires on clear roads, but less capable on snow or ice.