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North American Tire Manufacturers Develop Tires For Snow Conditions

2 February 1999

North American Tire Manufacturers Develop Performance-Based Definition For Passenger and Light Truck Tires Used in Severe Snow Conditions

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 -- North American tire manufacturers who
are members of the Rubber Manufacturers Association and/or the Rubber
Association of Canada announced today a voluntary industry definition for
passenger and light-truck tires for use in severe snow conditions. Tires that
meet the performance-based criteria of this new definition will feature tread
patterns, construction elements, and materials that provide superior snow
performance over tires meeting the existing RMA snow tire definition.
    The new performance definition for tires designed for use in severe snow
conditions will not replace but complement the North American
industry-accepted RMA snow tire definition, which uses the symbols "M" and "S"
on the tire sidewall. Together, the two definitions will make it easier for
consumers to distinguish between all-season "M&S" snow tires and tires
designed for use in severe snow conditions.
    During the next two years, tire manufacturers will test their winter-tire
lines to determine which tires will meet the new industry-developed, voluntary
standard.
    Tires that meet the new severe snow condition criteria will be marked on
at least one sidewall with the letters "M" and "S" (e.g., MS, M/S, M&S, M+S,
etc.) plus a pictograph of a mountain with a snowflake inside it.
    Full implementation of the mountain/snowflake pictograph on tire sidewalls
is not expected before the winter of 2000/01. However, consumers may begin to
see the pictograph on tires later this year, once manufacturers have the test
data available, and are able to modify molds, and begin to add these tires to
their inventory pipelines. It is expected to take two full manufacturing
seasons to complete the switch to the new marking.
    Founded in 1915, the Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national
trade association of the US rubber industry. Its members include over 100
member companies and affiliated organizations that produce thousands of rubber
or rubber-related products.