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PirelliWinter Sottozero 3
  • PirelliWinter Sottozero 3
  • PirelliWinter Sottozero 3
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The Winter Sottozero 3 is Pirelli's third generation Sottozero (Italian for below zero) Performance Winter / Snow tire developed for the drivers of premium, high performance vehicles who will face challenging wintertime road conditions as they drive their cars year-round. The Winter Sottozero 3 was developed with the philosophy that winter / snow tires must perform in a variety of unpredictable weather conditions. Designed to provide traction and handling in cool, cold, dry, wet and wintry conditions, Winter Sottozero 3 tires are designed not just as snow tires, but as seasonal tires suitable for the cold weather and freezing road conditions.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3Winter Sottozero 3 tires use an innovative compound with specialized polymers that improve the tread rubber compound's mechanical, thermal and dynamic properties. The compound is molded into a directional pattern that features an enlarged contact patch comprised of arrow-shaped center blocks and more rounded shoulders to expel water and slush. High-density 3D sipe technology improves braking performance and snow-to-snow traction. The tire's internal structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by spirally wrapped polyamide that enhances thermal stability and makes the tires less sensitive to road and air temperature changes.

Winter Sottozero 3 winter / snow tires meet the industry's severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

Install Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires in sets of four only.

Due to the traction capabilities of Winter Sottozero 3 tires, Pirelli recommends using them only in sets of four to provide the best handling characteristics and tire performance.

Related Information: What is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)?

Tire Rack Test Results Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Performance Winter Tires with the Right Balance of Performance(04:52)

Performance Winter / Snow tires, for sports car drivers in the lower snow belt, are designed to strike a more even balance between traction in winter's snow, slush and ice vs. handling/traction on clear roads.

Can the new Dunlop and Pirelli tires in the category go head-to-head with the favorites from Bridgestone and Michelin? We found out.

Read the Full Test Report

Ratings Charts & Reviews Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Tire Category: Performance Winter / Snow

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Good
94%
1.9M
8.0 - Good
9.0 - Excellent
9.0 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.0 Wet Traction
8.8 - Excellent
8.8 Corner Stability
8.9 Dry Traction
8.7 Steering Response
8.5 - Good
9.0 Light Snow Traction
8.4 Deep Snow Traction
8.0 Ice Traction
8.4 - Good
8.7 Ride Quality
8.0 Noise
7.7 - Good

Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Reviews

Feedback patterns show the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus excels in comfort, with many ratings in the 8-10 range for a smooth, quiet ride. Treadwear receives strong praise, with scores often reaching 9-10, highlighting long-term durability. Winter traction is generally reliable in snow (8-9), though a few note reduced confidence on ice (scores as low as 5). Wet traction scores 7-10, with most users reporting secure handling, while dry traction consistently earns top marks (9-10) for responsive cornering and stability. The tire's all-season reliability and run-flat capability resonate well with grand touring drivers prioritizing comfort and performance.

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Customers Like:

212 reviews mention "Wet Traction"

  • 201 positive
  • 11 negative

Most customers rate wet traction 9s and 10s, highlighting confident grip and reliable hydroplaning resistance. Scores between 7-8 still show strong wet performance for all-season driving needs.

March 18, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

better ride overall - especially wet traction - than the OE tires

better ride overall - especially wet traction - than the OE tires

Vehicle: 2023 Acura Integra A-Spec
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GWYNEDD VALLEY, PA
Driving Style: Spirited

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85 reviews mention "Winter Traction"

  • 71 positive
  • 14 negative

Winter Traction receives strong ratings, with most customers scoring 9s and 10s in snow and deep snow performance. Ice traction shows variability, with many 7-8s and a few lower scores. Overall, the DriveGuard Plus delivers confident grip in winter conditions, aligning well with its all-season design.

January 14, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Quiet during the entire tire life, even wear, and great traction in snow...

After years of replacing Continental GS SSR O.E. run flat tires with more of the same, I decided to try Bridgestone Drive Guard tires. What a difference! Quiet during the entire tire life, even wear, and great traction in snow. I cannot speak to tire life as run flat tires on a Mercedes is not much more than 20K miles and I sold the car with only 10K miles on the tires. Will replace the O.E. Continental run flat tires on my new Mercedes C300 with Bridgestone Drive Guard tires when the Continental’s wear out.

Vehicle: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC Sedan Luxury Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MERTZTOWN, PA
Driving Style: Spirited

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August 21, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...But other than that the tires feel really good in all weather types. They are effective in the snow, up to about 4 inches and slush and heavy rain.

In a staggered set up, the front tires will create a warping sound due to the outter edges of the tread wearing. The fix was to move them back and forth from left to right. But other than that the tires feel really good in all weather types. They are effective in the snow, up to about 4 inches and slush and heavy rain.

Vehicle: 2017 BMW 340i xDrive Sedan M Sport Pkg Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: BRIDGEPORT, WV
Driving Style: Spirited

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245 reviews mention "Dry Traction"

  • 239 positive
  • 6 negative

Customers consistently rate dry traction highly, with most scores between 9-10. The DriveGuard Plus delivers responsive handling and confident grip, excelling in dry conditions as expected for a Grand Touring All-Season tire.

March 12, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

Seems to handle wet, snow, and dry conditions really well...

Seems like really good set of tires. Seems to handle wet, snow, and dry conditions really well.
Seems to be a good, smooth, and long lasting tire. Still have lots of tread left.

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GREENWICH, OH
Driving Style: Average

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October 09, 2025
(Verified Purchase)
5 out of 5 Star Rating
5 out of 5

...Dry weather traction is better especially under acceleration. Overall ride is smoother and quieter in town and on the highway...

Over the last 10 years I have had 2 sets of the original Driveguard tires in addition to the OEM Michelins. This time I went with the Driveguard Plus tires and they are a huge improvement. Turn in and overall steering response are greatly improved as is high speed cornering. Dry weather traction is better especially under acceleration. Overall ride is smoother and quieter in town and on the highway. I have never had a set of tires that were such a noticeable improvement over previous ones.They make my Cadillac ATS feel new again, riding and handling as well or better than when I first got the car. I am impressed.

Vehicle: 2014 Cadillac ATS 2.0L Turbo AWD Luxury
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GRAND JCT, CO
Driving Style: Spirited

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241 reviews mention "Ride Quality"

  • 213 positive
  • 28 negative

Most customers rate comfort highly with scores 8-10, praising the smooth ride and low noise levels. While a few lower scores exist, the DriveGuard Plus excels in delivering refined comfort for all-season touring.

February 08, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

Immediately noticed how much quieter and smoother these tires were from my previous ones...

Immediately noticed how much quieter and smoother these tires were from my previous ones. These were recommended by others in my Roadster FB group and definitely happy I went with them.

Vehicle: 2015 MINI Roadster John Cooper Works
Miles Driven on Tires: 50
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: ISLE OF PALMS, SC
Driving Style: Average

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March 10, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...I don't remember what run flats I had before through my dealership, but they were hard and made the car stiff. I love driving my car now...

This is the only All Weather Run Flat option on the market for my car and size. That being said, I LOVE these tires. I don't remember what run flats I had before through my dealership, but they were hard and made the car stiff. I love driving my car now, and I will keep buying these till I get a different car or until they stop making these tires (which will make me sad.)

Vehicle: 2012 BMW 328i Sedan M Sport Pkg Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: PORTSMOUTH, RI
Driving Style: Spirited

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168 reviews mention "Treadwear"

  • 140 positive
  • 28 negative

Most customers rate treadwear 9s and 10s, highlighting excellent durability for Grand Touring All-Season use. While some lower scores exist, high marks emphasize long-lasting performance in varied conditions.

January 07, 2026
4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

...No other run-flat tire I've found comes with any tread life warrantee! Compared to the OEM Pirelli tires these are quieter, handle as good (or better), and come with a 60K mile tread-life warranty...

An excellent run-flat tire for a luxury SUV. Compared to the OEM Pirelli tires these are quieter, handle as good (or better), and come with a 60K mile tread-life warranty. No other run-flat tire I've found comes with any tread life warrantee! In addition, the included Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty has made me a Tire Rack customer for life! My area of Pennsylvania has terrible roads so I have had 2 Bridgestone run-flat tires get punctured in the past 1.5 years. The Bridgestone fund-flats performed as expected even when low on air after a puncture, got me home, then to the tire store for replacement. Reimbursement from the Road Hazard insurance provider was prompt and effortless.

Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4MATIC SUV Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 11,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: POTTSTOWN, PA
Driving Style: Average

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March 12, 2026
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...Still have lots of tread left.

Seems like really good set of tires. Seems to handle wet, snow, and dry conditions really well.
Seems to be a good, smooth, and long lasting tire. Still have lots of tread left.

Vehicle: 2018 Infiniti Q50 3.0t AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 15,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: GREENWICH, OH
Driving Style: Average

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Consumer Reviews

Media Gallery

A Closer Look: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3(00:34)

Designed not just as snow tires, but as seasonal tires suitable for the cold weather and freezing road conditions. Find out what makes the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 do what it does for the drivers of high performance vehicles.

View All Winter Test Results

Performance Winter Tires with the Right Balance of Performance(04:52)

Performance Winter / Snow tires, for sports car drivers in the lower snow belt, are designed to strike a more even balance between traction in winter's snow, slush and ice vs. handling/traction on clear roads.

Can the new Dunlop and Pirelli tires in the category go head-to-head with the favorites from Bridgestone and Michelin? We found out.

Read the Full Test Report

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