Mathieu Godin
Exploring the Cape Spencer trail.
Words and photos by Mathieu Godin
Instagram @math_godin
Cooper Tires are known to offer some of the best tires for many off-road applications. The Discoverer AT3’s new lineup caught my attention and one model in particular – the Discoverer AT3 4S – seemed like a viable choice for my needs.
For starters, this P-metric-only tire is severe-weather rated and as a bonus, it features the company’s Adaptive-Traction Technology, which is designed to provide a better grip in hot and cold weather conditions.
It’s constructed with an innovative silica-based tread compound and a specially designed five-rib, all-terrain pattern for better off-road capabilities with improved wet/dry traction. Other attention-grabbers are micro-gauge zigzag sipes for greater stability and grip, deep centre grooves to improve resistance from hydroplaning, and Cooper’s patented saw-tooth technology for reliable traction in the snow.
The AT3 4S is advertised as an all-weather, all-terrain tire for pickup trucks and SUVs and is just as appropriate for daily commutes as it is for weekend off-road trips. To gain a bit more ground clearance, I ordered a set of 245/70R17 (30.5”) over the stock 245/65R17 (29.5-inch), which was the largest size I could use without a lift.
During a short trip to Nova Scotia, the Cooper’s performed surprisingly well in mud for an all-terrain tire. The only time I was stopped in my tracks was on the Cape Spencer trail near Saint John, New Brunswick when I was climbing a clay-covered hill, but in their defense, my Jeep’s lower control arms and belly were dragging. Following the tracks left by a JK on 37” mud tires added to the challenge. Ironically, I discovered that JK was sitting on Cooper Discoverer STT Pro’s, a mud tire more suitable for these conditions. Nonetheless, the AT3 4S’s bit right into my set of MAXTRAX’s and I was able to get out of the sticky situation with a few other recovery ramps from my trail partners.
Mathieu Godin
A new tread compound and innovative design earn it a severe weather rating.
I also had a chance to test these Coopers on snow-covered mountain roads after visiting Quebec’s Laurentides. Nothing beats a real dedicated tire for driving on snowy and icy conditions, and the AT3 4S performed well in these situations.
In addition to these travels, I completed a two-and-a-half week overland trip in southern New Brunswick through some very rocky conditions. Had I experienced a puncture, I would have considered it to be normal for a P-metric tire. Yet, the AT3 4S managed the terrain flawlessly. At one point, I was driving at full road pressure on a rocky ATV trail while on Grand Manan Island; it was practically a river of sharp rocks. That was a nerve-racking experience.
I have pushed my Jeep near its limit with these Coopers and the scars on my skid plates and rock sliders prove it. I haven’t experienced any tread block chipping. I usually run them at 35 psi (street pressure) but had them between 25-20 psi when off-roading. After driving 12,368 km (7,685 mi), I can say that the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a perfect match for my Cherokee and that they have exceeded my expectations.
Looking at the tread wear (done scientifically using a toonie), it was touching the bear’s paws when new. Now, it looks like the tread is still reaching the bear’s paws. Also note that these tires come with Cooper’s impressive 105,000 km (65,000 mi) Tread Wear Protection.
Off the lot, new 4WD vehicles are rarely equipped with off-road-worthy tires. They usually sit on rubbers bought in bulk and designed to improve fuel economy at the expense of true off-road performance. With Cooper’s new AT3 lineup, you can correct this. If you drive a heavy 4WD vehicle, I suggest looking at the new Discoverer AT3 LT or XLT versions.
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Mathieu Godin
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Mathieu Godin
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Mathieu Godin