Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific issue?

We recently learned that there has been an issue pertaining to all non-mud terrain AMP tires, specifically related to the Alpine snow tire marking, also called the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, on the sidewall. These tires meet the TUV SUD UNECE R-117 testing standard necessary to designate the tires as all-weather tires and display the 3PMSF symbol in the European Union. However, they do not meet the snow traction testing standards required by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Transport Canada and, therefore, cannot display the 3PMSF symbol in U.S. and Canadian markets. The AMP Terrain Attack M/T tires are exempt from this action as they are not marked with the 3PMSF symbol.

 

Is this a safety-defect?

This is not a safety defect. The Company is not aware of any safety incidents in the field related to performance in snow, and the subject tires display the 3PMSF symbol in accordance with the UNECE R-117 protocol to demonstrate acceptable performance in snow. AMP Tires takes our responsibility to provide high quality, safe, and reliable tires seriously, and we are taking this pause out of an abundance of caution as we work to rectify the issue.

 

When do you expect to resume shipment?

We are currently working on a proven process to remedy similar issues and ensure that new tires are not sold with an improper 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall. We expect to resume shipment in the coming days.

 

When were the tires affected sold?

The tires in question were sold between 2019 and Q1 2024.

 

What are the sizes, fitments, and models affected by the issue?

The tire models in question include AMP Terrain Attack R/T, Terrain Attack A/T, and Terrain Pro A/T in all sizes and fitments.

 

How many tires have been sold that are affected by the issue?

Approximately 600,000 tires were manufactured and sold in the U.S. and Canada since 2019 with the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall.

 

Were the tires tested to any standard?

All AMP tires are designed, built, and tested in accordance with FMVSS 139. This standard applies to new pneumatic radial tires for use on motor vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or less and that were manufactured after 1975. For snow traction, FMVSS 139 provides manufacturers with the option of designating the tire as a “snow tire” and affix the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall if the tire is tested in accordance with the ASTM F1805 standard.  The subject AMP tires with the 3PMSF symbol on the sidewall were not tested in accordance with the ASTM F1805 standard, but instead to the TUV SUD UNECE R-117 testing standard, which enables the tires to display the same 3PMSF symbol in the European Union.  However, the TUV SUD UNECE R-117 testing standard is not the same as the ASTM F1805 standard, and compliance with the former does not necessarily ensure compliance with the latter.

 

What does the snowflake symbol on tires mean?

The 3PMSF symbol – a snowflake inside a three peak mountain – went into use in 1999 to help consumers easily identify tires that are designed to handle snow. NHTSA and Transport Canada require tires sold in both markets to undergo private third party lab testing using a procedure designed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) that determines traction by measuring acceleration in medium-packed snow. Tires with the 3PMSF symbol must undergo and pass that test.

 

Have there been any accidents or known serious issues as a result of the labeling issue?

The Company is not aware of any safety incidents in the field related to performance in snow, and the subject tires display the 3PMSF symbol in accordance with the UNECE R-117 protocol to demonstrate acceptable performance in snow. AMP Tires takes our responsibility to provide high quality, safe, and reliable tires seriously, and we are taking this pause out of an abundance of caution as we work to rectify the issue.

 

I own or bought a set of these tires. Should I be concerned?

We take pride and care to manufacture high-quality, well-engineered tires that provide safety, performance, and value. With over 600,000 tires sold and no known accidents related to this issue, we believe AMP Tires are safe and reliable. With our current knowledge of snow tire testing and labeling we cannot define them as a “snow tire” or “winter tire” in the United States and Canada but otherwise they remain a popular and safe all-season tire.

 

How is TWG/AMP Tires handling this situation and how will it prevent this from occurring again?

As we grow and remain focused on our goal of becoming a top tier tire manufacturer, we are dedicated to transparency and openness during this process. After identifying this issue we voluntarily suspended sales on all affected products, worked to address the situation, educate our team members and customers, and notify regulatory agencies. We are committed to finding a solution for tires already on the road and on dealer shelves.

 

What is the difference between the M+S and snowflake markings?

The “M+S” marking indicates general suitability for mud and snow conditions based on tread design whereas the snowflake symbol represents meeting specific industry standards for traction during acceleration in severe snow conditions.

 

Is there a customer remedy on these tires?

We have notified and expect to be in discussions with NHTSA and Transport Canada regarding this issue and will post updates as we work towards a solution for the consumer, the dealer and the regulatory bodies.

 

Whom can I speak with to get more information? My local dealer or AMP Tires directly?

For further inquiries and information, please contact AMPQuestions@thewheelgroup.com.