Do you know about the new certification revolutionizing ice driving?
The Ice Grip Symbol gives Canadian drivers a clearer way to identify winter tires tested for enhanced braking on ice. Here’s how this newer certification differs from 3PMSF, what the 18% performance threshold means, and which Ice Grip-certified winter tires deserve a closer look.
Ice Grip Symbol: The New Winter Tire Certification for Better Performance on Ice
Most Canadian drivers shopping for winter tires know to look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. It is an important certification indicating that a tire meets defined performance requirements for traction in severe snow conditions.
But snow is only part of the Canadian winter driving challenge. Freezing rain, packed ice, black ice and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can create surfaces where snow traction alone does not tell the whole story.
That is where the Ice Grip Symbol comes in.
This newer tire marking identifies tires that meet a standardized performance threshold specifically for braking on ice. Under the ISO 19447 test method, ice performance is measured relative to a standardized reference tire. To meet the Ice Grip performance threshold, a qualifying passenger tire must achieve an ice grip index of at least 1.18 — in practical terms, at least 18% better performance than the standard reference tire in the specified ice braking test.
What Is the Ice Grip Symbol?
The Ice Grip Symbol identifies a tire that has met a defined international performance threshold in standardized ice testing. Instead of relying only on manufacturer descriptions such as “excellent ice traction,” drivers can look for a recognized marking tied to measurable performance.
The underlying passenger-car tire test method is ISO 19447:2021, an International Organization for Standardization standard for measuring the relative ice grip performance of a candidate tire against a standardized reference tire. The ISO standard applies to new passenger-car tires tested under loaded conditions on ice.
The test uses braking performance to calculate an Ice Grip Index. A tire meeting the applicable 1.18 threshold performs at least 18% better than the standardized reference tire under the specified ice braking test conditions.
TireWarehouse Expert Tip: Think of Ice Grip as an additional piece of useful winter-tire information. The 3PMSF symbol tells you about certified severe-snow performance, while Ice Grip adds a standardized measure focused specifically on braking performance on ice.
Ice Grip vs. 3PMSF: What Is the Difference?
3PMSF and Ice Grip measure different aspects of winter performance, so the symbols should not be treated as interchangeable. A tire carrying both gives shoppers useful information about its tested performance in severe snow and on ice.
| Marking | What It Indicates | Primary Focus | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| M+S | Mud and Snow designation | Tread design/category | Common on many tires, but it does not provide the same severe-winter performance certification as 3PMSF |
| 3PMSF | Meets defined severe-snow performance requirements | Snow traction | Helps identify tires tested for severe snow service |
| Ice Grip | Meets a defined standardized ice-performance threshold | Braking on ice | Provides additional information for drivers concerned about severe icy conditions |
Michelin Canada, for example, distinguishes the markings in its winter tire guidance: 3PMSF represents certified snow traction, while the Ice Grip symbol indicates enhanced ice braking performance.
Why 3PMSF Is Still Important
The arrival of Ice Grip does not make 3PMSF obsolete. Snow and ice present different traction challenges.
Loose or compacted snow requires a tread pattern capable of generating traction through biting edges, tread blocks and snow-to-snow interaction. Ice can demand different characteristics, including rubber flexibility, effective siping and the ability to manage the thin film of moisture that can form between the tire and frozen surface.
For Canadian drivers facing a true winter mix, a tire carrying both 3PMSF and Ice Grip markings can therefore provide more specific performance information than looking at M+S alone.
What Does “18% Better on Ice” Actually Mean?
The 18% figure refers to performance against a standardized reference tire under controlled testing; it does not mean your vehicle will always stop 18% sooner in real-world driving.
This distinction matters.
The ISO method compares a candidate tire with a standardized reference tire. To meet the Ice Grip threshold, the candidate must reach the required Ice Grip Index. Testing is conducted under defined conditions so tires can be evaluated against a consistent benchmark.
Real-world stopping distance can still change dramatically according to:
- Vehicle speed
- Type and temperature of the ice
- Black ice or freezing rain conditions
- Tire pressure
- Remaining tread depth
- Vehicle weight and load
- ABS and other vehicle systems
- Road gradient
- Driver inputs
- Tire age and condition
That is why Ice Grip certification should be viewed as a useful standardized performance benchmark, not a guarantee that ice is safe to drive on.
Why Ice Grip Matters for Canadian Winters
For Canadian drivers, dedicated ice performance matters because winter frequently involves much more than fresh snowfall. Temperatures moving above and below 0°C can transform wet pavement and melting snow into highly slippery frozen surfaces.
Consider a typical Canadian winter week: snow falls overnight, traffic packs it down, daytime temperatures rise, snow partially melts, and the road freezes again after sunset. Add freezing rain or shaded sections of highway and the result can be polished ice or black ice with very little available traction.
These conditions can appear in Ontario and Quebec, across the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, in northern communities, and on colder or higher-elevation routes in British Columbia.
Winter tires are engineered with compounds designed to remain flexible as temperatures fall. Michelin Canada recommends winter tires for cold conditions and notes that they are designed to retain flexibility below approximately 7°C, helping maintain traction in cold, wet, snowy and icy conditions.
Ice Grip Is Especially Relevant If You Regularly Encounter:
- Freezing rain
- Black ice
- Hard-packed snow that becomes polished
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Icy intersections and hills
- Unplowed or partially maintained roads
- Very cold morning commutes
- Rural highways where winter conditions can change quickly
How to Identify an Ice Grip-Certified Tire
Look for the Ice Grip pictogram on the tire sidewall or confirm the certification in the tire manufacturer’s current specifications. Do not assume every winter tire automatically carries the certification.
When comparing winter tires, use this checklist:
- Confirm that the tire size, load rating and speed rating are appropriate for your vehicle.
- Look for the 3PMSF symbol for severe-snow performance.
- Check for the Ice Grip Symbol if ice braking is a priority.
- Evaluate the tire’s tread design, compound and intended winter use.
- Consider your local climate and typical routes rather than choosing on one specification alone.
- Install four compatible winter tires rather than mixing seasonal tire types.
Three Ice Grip Winter Tires to Know for Canadian Driving
Continental VikingContact 8, Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak and Michelin X-Ice Snow+ are three notable options that combine serious winter engineering with Ice Grip certification. Each approaches severe winter performance differently, making the best choice dependent on your vehicle, driving conditions and priorities.
| Winter Tire | Ice Grip | 3PMSF | Key Strength | Worth Considering For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental VikingContact 8 | Yes | Yes | Cold-temperature flexibility and balanced winter control | Drivers encountering mixed ice, snow, slush and cold pavement |
| Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak | Yes | Yes | Stopping power and traction on icy surfaces | Drivers who place a high priority on severe ice performance |
| Michelin X-Ice Snow+ | Yes | Yes | Ice performance combined with long tread life | High-kilometre drivers wanting durable winter performance |
Continental VikingContact 8: Flexible Grip in Extreme Cold
The Continental VikingContact 8 is a premium winter tire designed for passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs and light trucks. It carries both the Ice Grip and 3PMSF symbols.
One of its important technologies is Continental’s PolarPlus Technology. According to Continental, it is engineered to keep the tread flexible in cold temperatures, improve winter grip and support shorter stopping distances on snow- and ice-covered roads.
That flexibility is important because winter traction depends partly on the tread’s ability to conform to the road surface instead of becoming excessively rigid as temperatures fall.
The VikingContact 8 is particularly appealing for drivers who want a balanced winter tire rather than focusing exclusively on one type of condition. Continental positions it for reliable braking on wet, snowy and icy surfaces, along with confident winter traction and handling.
Best fit: Canadian drivers dealing with a changing combination of extreme cold, ice, packed snow, slush and cleared winter pavement.
Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak: Built Around Severe Ice Performance
The Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak puts icy-road stopping power at the centre of its design. It carries both Ice Grip and 3PMSF certification and is Bridgestone’s premium studless winter tire for sedans, CUVs, SUVs, minivans and trucks.
Its Multi-Cell Compound Technology is engineered to help the tread grip icy surfaces and provide controlled stopping power. Bridgestone also uses optimized tread blocks and full-depth 3D sipes to create additional biting edges for snow traction.
For ice specifically, the tread design incorporates features intended to help manage the thin layer of water that can develop between a tire and an icy surface. Bridgestone says micro-grooves and other tread features are designed to improve grip in these conditions.
Bridgestone explicitly states that the IcePeak achieved the Ice Grip certification by meeting the standardized requirement of at least 18% better performance than the standard reference tire in the applicable ice braking test.
Best fit: Drivers who regularly encounter frozen roads, freezing rain and severe winter conditions and who place a particularly strong emphasis on braking performance on ice.
Michelin X-Ice Snow+: Long-Lasting Winter Grip
The Michelin X-Ice Snow+ combines Ice Grip certification with a strong focus on maintaining winter performance over many kilometres. Michelin lists the tire with both Ice Grip and 3PMSF designations and positions it for Canadian conditions including ice, snow, slush and cold wet roads.
Its MICHELIN FLEX-ICE 3.0 tread compound is designed to support braking across ice, snow, wet and dry winter conditions. Michelin also highlights strong lateral ice grip for stability on slippery curves.
Longevity is another major focus. Michelin states that the X-Ice Snow+ delivers more than 33% longer tread life than three leading competitors in its referenced testing and backs the tire with a 70,000-kilometre treadwear limited warranty.
Michelin’s MaxTouch Technology is intended to distribute acceleration, braking and cornering forces across the contact patch to promote more even wear. That combination can be attractive to drivers who accumulate substantial winter kilometres and want ice capability that is designed to remain consistent as the tire ages.
Best fit: Drivers seeking strong packed-ice and severe-winter capability while also prioritizing tread life and performance over multiple winter seasons.
Which Ice Grip Tire Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on where, how far and under what conditions you drive. Certification is a valuable starting point, but it should be combined with vehicle compatibility and your real-world winter environment.
- Choose the Continental VikingContact 8 if you want balanced winter behaviour across ice, snow, slush and very cold temperatures.
- Consider the Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak if severe ice and frozen-road stopping performance are especially important to your winter driving.
- Consider the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ if you want strong ice capability combined with an emphasis on tread longevity and consistent winter performance over many kilometres.
Availability varies by tire size and vehicle application, so always confirm the correct fitment before purchasing.
Does Ice Grip Certification Mean You Cannot Slide?
No tire can eliminate the risk of losing traction on ice. Ice Grip certification demonstrates that a tire met a specific standardized performance threshold; it does not change the fundamental physics of driving on a low-friction surface.
Even with premium Ice Grip-certified winter tires, drivers should:
- Reduce speed when conditions deteriorate.
- Increase following distance substantially.
- Brake and accelerate progressively.
- Avoid abrupt steering inputs.
- Check tire pressure regularly during major temperature changes.
- Monitor tread depth and overall tire condition.
- Clear snow and ice from the vehicle before driving.
- Expect bridges, shaded areas, ramps and intersections to become icy before surrounding pavement.
Remember: AWD and 4WD can help a vehicle accelerate, but they cannot create additional tire grip during braking. Your four contact patches are what connect the vehicle to the road.
Is Ice Grip the New Standard Canadian Drivers Should Look For?
For drivers facing frequent ice, the Ice Grip Symbol is becoming an important additional winter-tire credential — but it works alongside 3PMSF rather than replacing it.
The easiest way to remember the distinction is:
- 3PMSF = tested severe-snow performance.
- Ice Grip = tested ice-braking performance.
- Both symbols = useful evidence that the tire has been evaluated for two major Canadian winter challenges.
This makes winter tire shopping more informative. Instead of treating every tire labelled “winter” as equivalent, drivers can identify certifications relevant to the conditions they actually face.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ice Grip Symbol
What does the Ice Grip Symbol mean on a tire?
The Ice Grip Symbol indicates that the tire meets a defined performance threshold for ice grip using a standardized test methodology. For passenger tires, ISO 19447:2021 specifies a method for comparing a candidate tire’s ice performance with a standardized reference tire.
How much better does a tire need to perform to earn Ice Grip certification?
The applicable threshold is an Ice Grip Index of at least 1.18, corresponding to at least 18% better performance than the standard reference tire in the specified ice braking test. This is a laboratory/controlled-test comparison and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed 18% reduction in every real-world stopping distance.
Is the Ice Grip Symbol the same as 3PMSF?
No. The 3PMSF symbol relates to severe-snow performance, while Ice Grip addresses performance on ice. They provide different information about a tire’s winter capabilities.
Does Ice Grip replace the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol?
No. Ice Grip complements 3PMSF. For Canadian winter driving, a tire carrying both markings can provide useful evidence of tested performance across both severe snow and icy conditions.
Is M+S the same as Ice Grip?
No. M+S means Mud and Snow and is not equivalent to Ice Grip certification. Drivers shopping for severe Canadian winter conditions should understand the difference between M+S, 3PMSF and Ice Grip markings.
Are all winter tires Ice Grip certified?
No. Not every winter tire carries the Ice Grip Symbol. Certification should be confirmed on the tire sidewall or through current manufacturer specifications for the exact product.
Does the Continental VikingContact 8 have Ice Grip certification?
Yes. Continental lists the VikingContact 8 with both Ice Grip and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake markings. Its PolarPlus Technology is designed to maintain tread flexibility at low temperatures and improve winter grip.
Does the Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak have the Ice Grip Symbol?
Yes. Bridgestone states that the Blizzak IcePeak is Ice Grip certified and also carries 3PMSF certification. Its design places particular emphasis on controlled stopping power on icy roads.
Does the Michelin X-Ice Snow+ have Ice Grip certification?
Yes. Michelin confirms that the X-Ice Snow+ meets the requirements of the internationally accepted ice braking test and carries the Ice Grip symbol, along with 3PMSF and M+S markings.
Are Ice Grip tires useful for black ice?
An Ice Grip-certified tire is specifically designed and tested with ice performance in mind, making the certification particularly relevant for drivers concerned about icy roads. However, black ice remains extremely hazardous, and no tire can guarantee traction. Reduced speed, increased following distance and smooth inputs remain essential.
Do I still need four winter tires if my vehicle has AWD?
Yes. Using four compatible winter tires helps provide balanced braking, cornering and acceleration. AWD can distribute driving force among more wheels, but it does not eliminate the need for tire grip when braking or turning.
When should Canadians install winter tires?
A commonly used guideline is to install winter tires as temperatures consistently approach or fall below approximately 7°C rather than waiting for the first major snowfall. Winter compounds are designed to remain more flexible in colder conditions.
Does Ice Grip certification guarantee safe driving on ice?
No. The certification confirms performance against a standardized benchmark under specified test conditions. Actual traction depends on road conditions, temperature, speed, vehicle condition, tire pressure, tread depth and driver behaviour.
Final Recommendation: Look Beyond the Snowflake
The Ice Grip Symbol gives Canadian drivers another meaningful piece of information when choosing winter tires. The familiar 3PMSF symbol remains essential for understanding severe-snow capability, while Ice Grip helps distinguish tires that have also met a demanding standardized threshold for braking on ice.
For drivers facing freezing rain, black ice, packed snow and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, that additional information can make it easier to choose a winter tire suited to real Canadian conditions.
Models such as the Continental VikingContact 8, Bridgestone Blizzak IcePeak and Michelin X-Ice Snow+ demonstrate where premium winter tire development is heading: beyond simply handling snow and toward measurable performance across a wider range of severe winter surfaces.
Is your vehicle ready for real ice? Explore TireWarehouse.ca’s catalog of certified ice tires and choose the right winter tire for your vehicle, driving habits and local conditions. Drive with confidence this winter — while always adjusting your speed and following distance to the road ahead.
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