Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT vs Winter Tire?

When I was shopping for winter tires for my wife's vehicle. I came across a video from Canadian Tire, doing a tire comparison on winter tires, vs M+T vs AT. AT was the worst in winter condition. I was hoping that I do not have to get a dedicated set for winter since I have AT Tires.

Now, with that said. Do I need a dedicated winter tires if I have the AT3 XLT?

 

I would say it probably depends on where you live (rural vs urban), how much you drive in winter, how decent a job of snow removal they do in your area (which you probably won't know yet), how much snow you get, etc.

However, all that being said, my brother has decided to run Toyo AT2s year round, based on his experience with AT tires on his work truck. He lives up North and works in the bush so I suspect you'll be fine, though he does have 4auto on his Sierra.

 

Also, I bought myself dedicated winter tires (Blizzaks) but that's because I don't off road. I like the highway fuel economy of my stock Bridgestone Dueller H/Ts in the summer but they're terrible in the winter so I needed something else.

 

PEI is such a small island that you can be on rural roads off and on just going to a store or job site.

I might consider getting one for my Factory wheels. Maybe 255.60.20 vs 275.55.20.

 

Everything I've read about the Cooper AT3 XLT has been they perform great in the snow. Which is why I plan to go with them as my next set of tires. I'm in the lake effect snow belt of Western NY.

 

I will keep that in mind. I now live in the Maritime and everyone here run on studded tires as well during the winter.

 

IME, a good winter tire is far better across most winter conditions than any AT I’ve ever owned. It’s not even close.

That said, a guy really has to evaluate his requirements, uses and budget, because sometimes the AT is the correct answer.

As a for instance- all of our cars have dedicated winters, some studded, but I chose studded ATs for my truck. It sees quite a bit of backroads, trails and off-roading, and winter tires are gravel slinging devices. Also poor in mud and rocky terrain. ATs are just better all around for my uses.

Good luck in your search!

 

This. If it’s highway only, go snow tire. If you do any off-road in the winter go AT that is severe snow rated (3 Mountain Peak).

 

The XLTs are 3 peak rated, great all around tire and are what I chose when I purchased tires earlier this year.

Snow review of these tires- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGTKpJBsplI

 

The AT3 XLT tires are not 3 peak severe weather rated. Not sure why though because they do just as good (if not better) than a lot of the 3 peak rated tires. The Cooper AT3 4S tires on the other hand are 3 peak rated.

 

4wd/Awd vehicles just need a good *EDIT* "all terrain" tire in my opinion. My bfg ko2 do great in the snow. I do lots of winter driving, if it's bad enough you put on chains. Really nice not having to swap tires, wheels and tpms twice a year.

2wd I like a good studless snow tire. Ran a couple sets of blizzaks on wife's Camry over the years, great tire. Again if it's bad you put on cable chains, which we occasionally do some years.

In my opinion studs are awful and should rarely be used. Lots of research out there to back up that statement. But it's all personal choice.

 

That is incorrect. I have them on my truck and they have the 3 peak symbol and M+S rating stamped on the side. I am running 275/70-18 size. They are 3 peak, mud and snow rated.

 

Top left, starting under the "R" is the 3 peak symbol and right next to that is the M + S stamp

 

At3 xlt’s on my tundra and they go everywhere no issues. Been up in the mountains hunting since September almost everyday lots of snow,steep trails,mud you name it. Best tires I’ve owned to date. I’m in north idaho.

 

It wouldn't have the 3 peak symbol and the M+S. its one or the other. The XLT has a M+S rating, but not 3 peak. If you can prove me wrong I would happy accept it, because I think this tire should be 3 peak rating. However, I don't believe that is the case.

 

Well, look at the pic I posted. 3 peak mountain stamp and the M+S stamp right there.

 

AT

AT3 XLT are indeed 3 peak rated. I can confirm as I have them in 275/70-18 on my truck.

 

Here is a cleaner picture

 

Upper right corner by the valve stem.

 

That's awesome! Thank you for posting the pics guys! I wonder if it depends on the size if it meets the 3 peak rating or not? Or did the tire not have the rating when they first came out?

 

I think it does depend on the size because I just got 295/70/18 and I don't have the 3 peak rating symbol anywhere I can see.

 

BFG KO2 have alternate compound options that aren't 3PMS. Believe they call it "DT' for different tread. they are harder compound for longer life (with mileage warranty) but perform worse in cold. So other brands might do something similar with different options. Be sure what you are buying ahead of time.

 

I wonder if there is a comprehensive list of all tire models (and sizes) that meet the 3PMSF rating? Did a little searching and couldn't find anything.

 

My XLT's manufactured date is 2219 and all I have is M+S no 3SP. I knew that at that time, XLT's does not have a 3SP cert, even though they are designed for it. I just read a few weeks ago from Tirerack that the XLT's are being advertised as a 3SP tire. I do not know if the new XLT's have a different compound that it can be certified for 3SP or they just finally got their tires certified to be up to par with the completion. I was originally shopping for 3SP, but getting a lighter weighing tires are more of a priority. Until I moved to Canada, not I need a 3SP, or just get a dedicated set of snow tires. Hercules is manufactured by Cooper. I will be going that route when the time comes.

 

I wonder if it has to do with the width of the tire? I know a skinnier does between in snow/ice. Seems like the 275's have the 3 peak rating but the 295's do not?

 

@frichco228 do you have any other pics of your truck with these tires? I'm looking to put the same size (275/70r18) on the stock OR 18" wheels. Do you have stock suspension?

 

Yes, stock suspension and they fit perfect. Let me see what I can find and I will post here.

 

Here are a few, not great pics but gives you some understanding. There is no issue with fitment with these tires in 275/70-18 on stock suspension.


And for reference, here is one with the stock Michelins that came with the truck.

 

Looks awesome man! What a difference tires make! I can’t wait to get these tires on. Before I was against having the white lettering facing out but I think these pics may have changed my mind.

 

I run my XLT’s year round up here in Alaska and they perform great. Just be sure to air them down a bit, as it has made a noticeable improvement on their performance since I had mine aired up fairly high last winter (done at time of install, I didn’t check).

Yes, a dedicated snow tire will outperform an AT tire in winter conditions. But in my experience, a good winter rated AT tire in conjunction with using 4x4 when needed performs more than adequately.

BTW... mine are 285/55R20’s and do NOT have winter rating stamp.