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By Perry Mack
I previously tested the Cooper Discoverer AT3 and found it to be a solid all terrain tire that worked well in mud, wet pavement and snow (for an all season tire). Unfortunately without the snow rating, you won’t actually be allowed on the road in the winter in many parts of the country – which makes it a three season tire, not an all season tire for Canadians.
To be released in September of 2014, the Cooper Discoverer AT W is Cooper’s answer to the all terrain, all season (including winter) tire for Canadians, as it comes with the snowflake designation that most of us demand for winter driving.
Cooper sent me a set of LT265/70R17 to test drive in the spring of 2014, but I had to pinky-swear that I wouldn’t tell anyone about them until the fall. They actually use the word ‘embargo’ but who says that in everyday conversation.
I drove up into the mountains above the snow line along the forest service roads in two-wheel drive under normal tire pressures (as aired down racing slicks in four wheel drive will provide traction on snow and I don’t see anyone pulling over in a snowstorm to air down their tires).
With 100 kg in the bed of my Ram 1500 the tires were fairly quiet on the paved roads and the normal air pressure just about rattled the fillings out of my teeth over the washboard forest service road. The only upside was I got a snack from the flesh I bit out of the inside of my cheek, if that’s an upside.
The tires performed well in the snow on level surfaces, not losing any traction and accelerating confidently from a stop. I had good control steering through corners at safe driving speeds. Climbing uphill from a stop in 2WD was disappointing and the tires lost traction. Average for a pick-up truck, but one always has hope. In 4WD I climbed the snowy road without any grief.
Overall the tire provided solid but not stellar performance on gravel, pavement, and wet roads and good performance in wet spring snow. The tire will work for best for drivers of SUV’s and for smaller pick-ups with a load in the bed (or in 4WD).