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  • PirelliWinter Sottozero 3 Run Flat
  • PirelliWinter Sottozero 3 Run Flat

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Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat tires are Pirelli's third generation of Sottozero (Italian for below zero) Performance Winter / Snow run-flat tires developed for the drivers of premium, high performance vehicles facing challenging wintertime road conditions as they drive their cars year-round. Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat tires feature Pirelli's Self-Supporting Run Flat Technology that enhances safety and convenience by providing temporary extended mobility in the event a puncture allows complete loss of air pressure. Pirelli's Self-Supporting Run Flat Technology allows tires to literally "run flat" for up to 50 miles at 50 mph (80 km at 80 km/h) unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer for Original Equipment tires.

The Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat 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 Run Flat tires are designed not just as snow tires, but as seasonal tires suitable for the cold weather and freezing road conditions.

Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat 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 changes in road and air temperatures. Pirelli's extended mobility solution is made possible by their MIRS computer-controlled robotized manufacturing system, a production process that assures consistency in the application of the additional sidewall reinforcements that provide the self-supporting run-flat capability.

Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat 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 Run Flat tires in sets of four only.

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

Though they cannot be labeled as run-flat tires, tires branded with MOExtended or MOE on their sidewalls offer run-flat-like characteristics by delivering limited temporary extended mobility after a puncture results in complete loss of air pressure. Because MOExtended or MOE tires do not have the same speed and distance endurance of conventional run-flat tires, they should not be substituted in any situation where a conventional run-flat tire is required. To confirm what your vehicle needs, check our Original Equipment tire listing for your year, make and model or see your vehicle owner's manual.

Related Information: What is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF)? | Learn more about MOExtended/MOE tires here.

Ratings Charts & Reviews PirelliWinter Sottozero 3 Run Flat

Tire Category: Performance Winter / Snow

Consumer Surveys

 
Best in Category
Miles Reported
Recommended
Treadwear
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat
Excellent
100%
666K
8.4 - Good
8.9 - Excellent
8.8 Hydroplaning Resistance
9.0 Wet Traction
8.9 - Excellent
8.9 Corner Stability
9.1 Dry Traction
8.9 Steering Response
8.7 - Excellent
9.1 Light Snow Traction
8.7 Deep Snow Traction
8.3 Ice Traction
8.4 - Good
8.6 Ride Quality
8.3 Noise
8.6 - Excellent

Pirelli Reviews

Customers think the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Run Flat delivers excellent winter traction, with standout scores (9-10) in snow and ice grip, plus confident handling in deep snow. Wet performance is praised for reliable hydroplaning resistance (8-10), while dry traction (7-10) and responsive steering suit colder conditions. Ride comfort earns consistent praise (7-10) for smoothness, though a few note minor noise trade-offs. Treadwear (7-10) is seen as durable for a winter tire, aligning with seasonal use expectations. Drivers highlight its balanced winter-focused performance, making it a trusted choice for harsh weather without compromising everyday drivability.

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Customers Like:

69 reviews mention "Wet Traction"

  • 65 positive
  • 4 negative

Customers consistently rate the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3's wet traction with strong 8-10 scores, emphasizing reliable grip and hydroplaning resistance in winter conditions. High marks highlight confident handling on wet surfaces, aligning with its winter-focused design.

December 16, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
4.8 out of 5 Star Rating
4.8 out of 5

...Handles light snow and rain, no issue... No hydro-plaining...

These tires have been outstanding to date. Handles light snow and rain, no issue. Very little road noise. No hydro-plaining. Just no problems. I expect no issue with deep snow as the JCW sits low to the ground and has all-wheel drive. We are very very happy with this tire purchase.

Vehicle: 2020 MINI Countryman Cooper
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,300
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MULLICA HILL, NJ
Driving Style: Easy Going

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January 19, 2017
(Verified Purchase)
4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...I also feel that dry and wet traction is superior to the WinterSports as well...

Overall, I am pleased with these. This is my second type of performance tire on my 335, the first being Dunlop WinterSport 3D (non-runflat). Compared to the WinterSports, snow and ice traction is improved. I also feel that dry and wet traction is superior to the WinterSports as well. Feedback/steering responsiveness is slightly better than the WinterSports, but that is most likely due to the stiffer sidewall construction on the Sottozeros since they are the Run Flat versions. On the negative side, the ride is stiffer due to the run flat nature of the tire and road noise is noticeable louder (but not terrible) than the WinterSports.

When these wear out I think I'll try the non-runflat version of this tire as it has been really good as a performance Winter tire here in NJ. I've got more confidence when the weather turns bad with these and wear seems to be very good so far (about 5,000 miles and maybe 1/32" of treadwear).

Vehicle: 2008 BMW 335i Sedan Base Model
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: WHITEHOUSE STATION, NJ
Driving Style: Spirited

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November 11, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
N/A out of 5 Star Rating
Not Yet Rated

This tire is much better all around, ride, resistance to hydroplaning, snow traction light and heavy...

This is my second set (First were series II) and I have to say that the 3's are far better than the 2 series was. That said, I'm a high mileage driver and got 3 seasons out of the first set (roughly Thanksgiving to end of March). around 30-35K mi total?. This tire is much better all around, ride, resistance to hydroplaning, snow traction light and heavy. Choices are very limited in run flats in this size, handling is a little different because I go from the standard stagger with 245/40's in the rear to 225/45's all around with the winter tires, but still comfortable and sure footed in a wide variety of weather conditions and temperatures. With previous set, as temp increased (steady mid 40's & above) seemed wear increased rapidly. Have only had this set on 1 season & took them off early because I had to put new summer all seasons on this year, but would suspect the cold/wet weather compound would wear equally as fast in warmer temperatures.

Vehicle: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C300 4MATIC Sedan Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 10,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, OH
Driving Style: Spirited

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67 reviews mention "Winter Traction"

  • 66 positive
  • 1 negative

Winter Sottozero 3 delivers outstanding snow and ice traction, with most scores 9-10. Deep snow performance impresses, though a few note slightly lower grip in extreme winter conditions.

March 19, 2015
(Verified Purchase)
4.4 out of 5 Star Rating
4.4 out of 5

...These tires got me through when others were in trouble, including climbing icy hills. The steering responsiveness was better than with these winter tires than it was with the all-season Pirelli P-7's that came on the car...

In Massachusetts the 9 feet of snow this winter set a record. These tires got me through when others were in trouble, including climbing icy hills. The steering responsiveness was better than with these winter tires than it was with the all-season Pirelli P-7's that came on the car.

Consumer Reports regards these tires as inferior to the Michelin Xice Xi3's that we put on my wife's Tiguan on ice and snow but superior on wet and dry surfaces. If there is a difference between these two brands, it was not significant enough for me to notice. My car was never in trouble with the Pirellis on ice or snow and her car was never in trouble on wet or dry surfaces. I bought the Pirellis for my car because they came as run-flats. I can recommend them most highly.

Vehicle: 2014 BMW 328i Wagon Sport Line Built On Or Before 2/2014
Miles Driven on Tires: 6,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LUNENBURG, MA
Driving Style: Spirited

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January 11, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...These are very impressive in almost any winter condition. This is my second winter season with a mix of city and highway driving in central to northern Minnesota including up to 10" of snow and temps of -40 (yes, actual air temp!). They've never skipped a beat...

I rate tires subjectively based on expectations for the type and conditions, i.e. a winter tire would never objectively get a 10/10 in the dry but it can when you consider what it's intended for. These are very impressive tires in almost any winter condition. This is my second winter season with a mix of city and highway driving in central to northern Minnesota including up to 10" of snow and temps of -40 (yes, actual air temp!). They've never skipped a beat. On the highway there's basically no discernible difference in tire noise from the OEM all seasons (yes that's partly due to the car itself) and even during an emergency braking event due to an accident ahead they never felt unstable in terms of braking. Cornering is only slightly off the pace of the all seasons, an interchange ramp marked at 40mph that I can easily take without slowing from highway speed on regular tires I only need to slow about 5mph with these.

In terms of snow/slush/wet conditions, you'd think they're a dedicated wet weather tire in the rain but that's what I expect from a high end winter tire with the extra sipes and tread blocks. Slush is similar to hydroplaning conditions and that's the only chink in the armor, I have definitely noticed a need to slow a bit more than my Wrangler with Blizzak DM-V2 tires, but again this is expected because the Pirelli blocks aren't nearly as high (which is why they blow the Blizzaks away for cornering & stability as the counterpoint). Mixed conditions are where they really shine, highway or city driving with partially cleared roads, changing from dry to ice or light snow, again partially due to the AWD system but the tires also handle it with ESP very rarely kicking in.

Deep snow I'm limited to the car itself which can handle about 10" before the bodywork starts to be the limiting factor. Again, based on realistic expectations, the tires chewed through that much snow at a slow consistent speed with reasonable inputs.
Very impressed and will buy again!

Vehicle: 2020 Volvo V90 Cross Country T6 AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 8,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Driving Style: Spirited

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January 14, 2024
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...The first set pulled me up through the Canadian Rockies during a heavy snowfall three years ago. This new set just took me through blizzard conditions on the Interstate and on county roads for a day of cross state driving in Iowa. These tires stick well in light snow and grind through the heavy snow...

This is the second set of these winter Pirellis I've had on my Maxima. They perform great! The first set pulled me up through the Canadian Rockies during a heavy snowfall three years ago. This new set just took me through blizzard conditions on the Interstate and on county roads for a day of cross state driving in Iowa. These tires stick well in light snow and grind through the heavy snow. They provide a level of confidence even on packed snow and ice. They also perform very well at high speed and make winter driving fun.

Vehicle: 2011 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV with Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 1,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CEDAR FALLS, IA
Driving Style: Spirited

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73 reviews mention "Dry Traction"

  • 71 positive
  • 2 negative

Most ratings for dry traction are 9s and 10s, showcasing confident grip and precise handling. The Winter Sottozero 3 excels in dry conditions while maintaining its winter-ready capabilities, with many customers praising its responsive performance.

February 23, 2015
(Verified Purchase)
4.5 out of 5 Star Rating
4.5 out of 5

...They truly feel like summer tires on dry pavement...

Excellent all round performance. Where I live we get cold temperatures and occasional light snow, with the odd heavy snowfall thrown in, so I bias my selection of winter tires to dry pavement. I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised by these tires. They truly feel like summer tires on dry pavement, and are way ahead of my old Blizzak OEM runflats for noise, comfort and handling in the snow.

Vehicle: 2009 BMW 335d Sedan Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: LETHBRIDGE, AB
Driving Style: Easy Going

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March 22, 2019
(Verified Purchase)
4.1 out of 5 Star Rating
4.1 out of 5

...Secondly, these tires feel as though they handle as well as the stock summer tires that came with the car. I'm truly serious here. These handle so much better than any previous winter tire I've used, that I almost look forward to driving these again next winter...

I have run another major manufacturers winter tires on my Honda S2000 and a previous 370Z (almost 2 decades). There simply is no comparison. Firstly, if no one had told me, I'd never know these were run-flats. Secondly, these tires feel as though they handle as well as the stock summer tires that came with the car. I'm truly serious here. These handle so much better than any previous winter tire I've used, that I almost look forward to driving these again next winter. I have very good tread depth left and based the wear this year, I see no reason why I couldn't get 5 or 6 seasons out of these.

Vehicle: 2015 Nissan 370Z Roadster Touring Sport
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,906
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: MC CORDSVILLE, IN
Driving Style: Spirited

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April 20, 2020
4 out of 5 Star Rating
4 out of 5

...Steering response and dry/wet grip are very good...

More sporting than the OEM Conti Pro Contacts (touring/ All Seasons) that were the OEM tire on the TourX, but Pirelli's are some what noisier and rougher ride with greater rolling resistance. (Not terrible ) These are good performance snow tires, not ultimate snow/ice grip tires, but way better than all seasons in snow, slush, and ice. Steering response and dry/wet grip are very good. I like they are speed rated. I hope they wear well.

I got them at a great price, Buick does not have a spare, so run flat feature is nice to have.

Vehicle: 2018 Buick Regal TourX AWD
Miles Driven on Tires: 5,000
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: NORTHFIELD, NH
Driving Style: Spirited

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76 reviews mention "Ride Quality"

  • 69 positive
  • 7 negative

Customers consistently praise the Winter Sottozero 3's comfort, with most ride comfort scores between 8-10 and noise levels often rated 8 or higher. Excellent ride quality and low noise make it a top winter choice.

April 05, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
3.8 out of 5 Star Rating
3.8 out of 5

...They are comfortable and fairly quiet...

Hard to say much about them since we got no snow this winter. In general, they handle very well in the dry and in the rain when it is cold. They are comfortable and fairly quiet. Steering response is good. Only put 2500 miles on them before swapping back to summers so cannot say anything about tread life.

Vehicle: 2020 BMW 440i Coupe Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 2,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: CENTREVILLE, VA
Driving Style: Spirited

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August 19, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
4.6 out of 5 Star Rating
4.6 out of 5

...Road noice very low, smooth tire, would keep on all year round except no point to wearing them down in summer.

First year ownership had no snow or ice to test them in. Road noice very low, smooth tire, would keep on all year round except no point to wearing them down in summer.

Vehicle: 2009 MINI Cooper S Clubman JCW Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,500
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: SEVERNA PARK, MD
Driving Style: Average

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December 24, 2022
(Verified Purchase)
4.9 out of 5 Star Rating
4.9 out of 5

...These are my first Run Flat tires, I can tell the sidewalls contribute to a bit of a stiff ride, especially when the car first gets rolling in the morning, but the ride in a 740I is oh so good, so no complaint really...

This is my second set of SotoZero's, my first set was on my Audi S7 and used them for an entire year and they were excellent winter tires and good every other season. I just put a set on my BMW 740I xdrive for a drive from Alaska to Tennessee. Leaving tomorrow on Christmas Day! So far I've driven about 600 miles on them between Anchorage (where I bought the car) and Homer where I live. I just drove back to Anchorage in sub zero temps both ways and the tires are very inspiring. These are my first Run Flat tires, I can tell the sidewalls contribute to a bit of a stiff ride, especially when the car first gets rolling in the morning, but the ride in a 740I is oh so good, so no complaint really. On Ice the car senses slip and corrects which gives a bit of a jerky motion especially when driving on a partially ice covered road. The tires track straight and chew through snow like a hot knife. Front tires will even throw up a bit of rooster tail if turning and accelerating in any kind of wet snow. Braking is really good too both on ice and on snow. I try to brake hard to see when the ABS kicks in and on the slippery stuff things in the car still manage to get thrown around. One of the reasons I bought the SotoZero's was because I wanted brand new winter tires instead of the All Season tires the car came with, I also have experience with them and didn't see the need to tempt fate by changing to any other brand. I also want to mention that ordering tires from TireRack is the way to go, especially living in Alaska. I called most every tire store in the state looking for tires for my Audi and had no luck, TireRack always comes through. BMW of Anchorage did not have the tires in stock and TireRack shipped the tires right to the dealership for me.

Vehicle: 2019 BMW 740i xDrive Sedan Without Staggered Tires
Miles Driven on Tires: 500
Driving Conditions: Mostly Highway
Location: NANWALEK, AK
Driving Style: Average

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54 reviews mention "Treadwear"

  • 50 positive
  • 4 negative

Customers praise the Winter Sottozero 3's treadwear, with most scoring 8-10. High marks highlight excellent durability in winter conditions, maintaining reliable performance throughout the season.

December 23, 2019
(Verified Purchase)
3.6 out of 5 Star Rating
3.6 out of 5

...On one set (the front) I have over 20k miles. The rear set lasted about 12-13k miles. Since my car is rear wheel drive and has more torque than your dads diesel truck. I'm happy those numbers...

12,500 miles in one season. These tires have been incredibly durable, long-lasting and perform great.

At the end of last season I noticed a screw in one of my tires unfortunately. Not sure how long it had been there since it still had pressure. No big deal.. Now just today while driving 70 mph on the interstate the cars Tire Pressure Monitor told me I had a flat and sure enough. The valve stem came loose and leaked out all the air. Luckily their was a tire shop on the next exit. I'd driven on the flat for about 3 miles at highway speed. No problem. When I got there they were able to just tighten the valve stem and fill the tire. Their was no tire damage at all.

Run flats really are worth it in my opinion. And these tires lasted too. On one set (the front) I have over 20k miles. The rear set lasted about 12-13k miles. Since my car is rear wheel drive and has more torque than your dads diesel truck. I'm happy those numbers.

The performance of these tires is what makes them so well rounded. The traction in snow is great and they handle winter conditions with ease. Even on dry surfaces these snow tires will give you lots of confidence on the road.

Vehicle: 2011 BMW 335d Sedan Sport Package
Miles Driven on Tires: 12,500
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: BOUNTIFUL, UT
Driving Style: Spirited

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November 18, 2023
(Verified Purchase)
3.7 out of 5 Star Rating
3.7 out of 5

...36000+ miles and that includes me being too lazy to switch them over and driving on them for the past three summers as well. Didn't even rotate them front to back to the back set is significantly more worn...

Some reviewers really dislike this tire, but I can’t say I have any complaints. 36000+ miles and that includes me being too lazy to switch them over and driving on them for the past three summers as well. Didn’t even rotate them front to back to the back set is significantly more worn. Ran them in a winter car control clinic with over 26K miles on them last winter and they did the job - any snow banks hit and spin-outs were the fault of the driver! Wet traction was good as was hydroplaning resistance. These definitely get squirmy on hot days taking fast clover leafs, but what do I expect from a winter tire? Some reviewers have said these bubble easily, but that hasn’t been my experience. Still have tread left, but replacing because I want more tread for this winter and one finally developed a bubble on one of the inner sidewalls. I’ve hit many holes that I could have sworn would kill the sidewall, and didn’t - till recently. Retiring these for some run-flat Blizzaks and hopefully I’ll get serious about a winter/summer rotation again, but I will have no reservations putting the 225/40R17 version of these on my E92.

Vehicle: 2016 BMW 428i xDrive Gran Coupe M Sport Pkg
Miles Driven on Tires: 36,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: EDINA, MN
Driving Style: Spirited

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December 19, 2020
(Verified Purchase)
4.7 out of 5 Star Rating
4.7 out of 5

I was a little concerned about wear and blows out but had these for a year now and no issues. I've blow out 2 of my pirelli all season tires in just 6000 miles...

I have an awd car but still needed a snow tire due to my spirited driving, particularly cornering. My previous car was rwd bmw so I had blizzacs which were great but way more money then these. I love these just as much and they are still a RFT. I was a little concerned about wear and blows out but had these for a year now and no issues. I’ve blow out 2 of my pirelli all season tires in just 6000 miles. Those were the one that came with the car. I would buy these again for sure.

Vehicle: 2020 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe
Miles Driven on Tires: 3,000
Driving Conditions: Combined Highway/City
Location: DOWNERS GROVE, IL
Driving Style: Spirited

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