The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an all-terrain tire designed for drivers who demand versatile performance on and off the road. This tire combines the ruggedness of an off-road tire with the comfort and handling of a highway tire, making it a popular choice for pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers.
What sets the Discoverer AT3 4S apart is its innovative four-season tread compound and advanced tread design. The silica-enhanced tread compound remains pliable in cold weather, providing reliable traction on snow and ice, while the deep, interlocking tread blocks and aggressive shoulder lugs offer superior grip on loose or muddy surfaces. At the same time, the tire’s computer-optimized tread pattern and noise-reducing technology ensure a comfortable, quiet ride on paved roads.
With its balanced on-road and off-road capabilities, the Discoverer AT3 4S is an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter varying terrain and weather conditions. Whether you’re commuting to work, embarking on a family road trip, or tackling a challenging off-road adventure, this tire promises to deliver reliable performance and peace of mind.
Table of Contents
Price Check
Check the price of this tire at the following retailers:
TireRack SimpleTire.com DiscountTire.com PriorityTire.com Amazon.comDon’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!
Design and Construction
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to be an all-terrain tire that can handle both on-road and off-road conditions. The tire features an aggressive tread pattern with large tread blocks and deep grooves, which provide excellent traction and grip on various surfaces, including mud, gravel, and rocky terrain.
The tread pattern is designed with a unique combination of lateral and center grooves, which help to evacuate water, mud, and debris from the tread area, ensuring optimal traction and hydroplaning resistance. The tire’s shoulder lugs are specially designed to provide additional grip and traction in off-road conditions, while the center rib enhances stability and handling on paved roads.
The Discoverer AT3 4S is constructed with a two-ply polyester casing, which provides strength and durability, while the reinforced bead area ensures a secure fit on the wheel rim. The tire also features a two-ply steel belt package, which enhances the tire’s overall strength and resistance to punctures and impacts.
Cooper has incorporated its proprietary Armor-Tek3 construction technology into the Discoverer AT3 4S, which includes a unique blend of high-strength polymers and a special reinforced compound. This technology helps to improve the tire’s cut and chip resistance, making it more durable and longer-lasting, especially in demanding off-road conditions.
Overall, the design and construction of the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S reflect its intended use as a versatile all-terrain tire capable of handling a wide range of driving conditions, both on and off the beaten path.
Sizing and Fitment Options
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. Sizes range from 15-inch wheel diameters all the way up to 22 inches. Load range options include standard LT (light truck) and XL (extra load) ratings for heavier duty applications.
In terms of widths, the AT3 4S starts at relatively narrow 215mm tread widths and goes up to a maximum 305mm width for the largest diameters. This broad sizing allows the tire to be fitted on everything from compact crossovers to full-size heavy duty pickups and SUVs.
Cooper has engineered the internal construction of the AT3 4S to provide proper load capacity, sidewall strength, and ride characteristics for the intended vehicle application. Owners can reference the tire’s load index and speed rating to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for their specific make and model.
With such a comprehensive array of sizing choices, the Discoverer AT3 4S is a versatile all-terrain tire that can be an ideal fit for a vast range of light trucks and SUVs straight from the factory.
On-Road Performance
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to deliver exceptional on-road performance, combining the capabilities of an all-terrain tire with the comfort and handling of a highway tire. On dry pavement, the tire’s optimized tread pattern and advanced compound offer excellent grip and responsive steering, ensuring a confident and controlled driving experience.
In wet conditions, the Discoverer AT3 4S shines with its advanced siping and water evacuation channels. The deep, interlocking tread grooves effectively expel water from the contact patch, enhancing traction and reducing the risk of hydroplaning. This tire provides reliable braking performance on wet surfaces, instilling confidence in the driver.
Even on slippery roads, such as those covered in light snow or ice, the AT3 4S demonstrates impressive capabilities. The specialized tread compound and biting edges provide enhanced traction, allowing for better control and stability during acceleration, cornering, and braking maneuvers.
Handling is a strong suit for this tire, thanks to its optimized contact patch and responsive sidewall design. The AT3 4S delivers precise steering response and excellent cornering stability, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or during evasive maneuvers.
Braking performance is also noteworthy, with the tire’s tread design and compound providing reliable and consistent stopping power on various road surfaces. Whether you need to make an emergency stop or simply slow down for a turn, the AT3 4S delivers reassuring braking capabilities.
Comfort is not overlooked in the design of this tire. Cooper’s engineers have incorporated advanced noise-reducing technologies, resulting in a remarkably quiet and smooth ride, even at higher speeds on the highway. The tire’s construction also contributes to a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections and minimizing vibrations.
Off-Road Capability
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to tackle a wide range of off-road terrain with confidence. Its aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound provide excellent traction and grip on loose surfaces, making it a formidable choice for those who frequently venture off the beaten path.
In muddy conditions, the tire’s deep, open tread grooves and sturdy shoulder lugs work together to expel mud and maintain traction, preventing the tire from becoming caked and losing grip. Whether navigating through thick, sloppy mud or encountering unexpected puddles, the AT3 4S delivers reliable performance.
When it comes to rock crawling, the tire’s reinforced construction and rigid tread blocks help it maintain stability and grip on uneven, rocky surfaces. The tire’s ability to conform to the terrain and find traction on jagged rocks makes it a reliable companion for those who enjoy tackling challenging rocky trails.
Sand presents a unique challenge for off-road tires, but the AT3 4S excels in this environment as well. Its tread pattern and specialized sand-scooping design allow the tire to maintain forward momentum and avoid becoming bogged down in soft, loose sand. Whether exploring desert landscapes or navigating sandy beaches, this tire provides the necessary traction and control.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a versatile off-road tire that can handle a wide range of challenging terrains with ease. Its robust design and specialized tread pattern ensure that drivers can explore the great outdoors with confidence, knowing that their tires will provide the necessary grip and traction to conquer whatever lies ahead.
Treadwear and Durability
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to provide exceptional treadwear and durability, even in challenging off-road conditions. With its advanced tread compound and rugged construction, this tire can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures while maintaining excellent on-road performance.
Expected Tread Life: One of the standout features of the Discoverer AT3 4S is its impressive tread life. Cooper has engineered this tire with a high-density tread compound that resists excessive wear, ensuring that you can enjoy many miles of reliable performance. The tire’s tread depth and advanced siping patterns contribute to its longevity, allowing it to maintain traction and grip even as the tread wears down.
Resistance to Damage: Off-road driving can subject your tires to various hazards, such as sharp rocks, branches, and other debris. The Discoverer AT3 4S is built with a reinforced casing and sidewall design, providing excellent resistance to punctures, cuts, and impacts. This rugged construction helps protect the tire from potential damage, ensuring that you can tackle even the most challenging trails with confidence.
Overall Durability: In addition to its treadwear and damage resistance, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is engineered for overall durability. The tire’s internal structure is reinforced with high-strength steel belts, providing excellent stability and support, even when carrying heavy loads or traversing uneven terrain. This durability translates into a longer service life, ensuring that you can rely on these tires for many adventures to come.
Noise and Comfort
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S strikes an impressive balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort. On paved surfaces, these tires deliver a remarkably quiet and smooth ride, thanks to their advanced tread design and construction. The optimized tread pattern minimizes road noise, ensuring a serene driving experience even at higher speeds.
When venturing off the beaten path, the AT3 4S maintains a reasonable noise level, especially considering its aggressive tread pattern. While some noise is inevitable on loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, the tires do an admirable job of minimizing excessive roar or drone. This quieter operation enhances the overall comfort and enjoyment of your off-road adventures.
In terms of ride quality, the AT3 4S excels in providing a plush and well-damped ride, even on rougher terrain. The tires’ advanced construction and robust internal structure effectively absorb impacts and vibrations, translating to a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Whether you’re tackling rugged trails or navigating pothole-ridden city streets, these tires deliver a composed and controlled ride, minimizing harsh jolts and jarring sensations.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S demonstrates an impressive balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement, offering a quiet and comfortable ride across a wide range of driving conditions.
Fuel Efficiency
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is designed to strike a balance between off-road capability and on-road performance, including respectable fuel efficiency. This all-terrain tire features a tread compound and pattern that help reduce rolling resistance, which translates to better gas mileage.
The tire’s optimized tread design minimizes energy loss as the tire rolls, resulting in lower rolling resistance compared to some more aggressive all-terrain tires. The tread blocks are designed to provide good grip while still maintaining a relatively smooth surface that doesn’t create excessive drag.
Additionally, the tire’s internal construction utilizes lightweight materials and techniques that help reduce overall weight, further contributing to improved fuel economy. Every pound of weight saved on the tires can make a noticeable difference in a vehicle’s fuel consumption over time.
While the Discoverer AT3 4S may not match the low rolling resistance of dedicated highway tires, it performs admirably in this area for an all-terrain tire designed for both on and off-road use. Drivers can expect reasonable fuel efficiency without sacrificing the tire’s off-road capabilities or on-road handling and traction.
Warranty and Value
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S comes with an impressive warranty that instills confidence in the tire’s durability and longevity. Cooper Tire offers a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty on this model, which is among the best in its class. This warranty coverage ensures that you get your money’s worth, as the tires are designed to last for many miles without premature wear.
In terms of value, the Discoverer AT3 4S strikes a great balance between performance and affordability. While not the cheapest option on the market, these tires offer excellent value for the money, especially considering their versatile all-terrain capabilities. The combination of on-road comfort, off-road traction, and long treadlife makes the AT3 4S a smart investment for those seeking a reliable and capable tire for their SUV or pickup truck.
Cooper Tire’s reputation for quality construction and attention to detail further adds to the value proposition of the Discoverer AT3 4S. These tires are built to withstand the rigors of various driving conditions, ensuring a long service life and minimizing the need for premature replacements.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers exceptional value for its price point, backed by a strong warranty that gives you peace of mind and protects your investment. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or tackling daily commutes, these tires deliver reliable performance and longevity, making them a worthwhile choice for budget-conscious drivers seeking a capable all-terrain solution.
Comparisons
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S stands out among its competitors in the all-terrain tire category. When compared to popular options like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, the Falken Wildpeak AT3W, and the Goodyear Wrangler TrailRunner AT, the AT3 4S offers a compelling balance of on-road comfort, off-road traction, and long-lasting durability.
On the pavement, the AT3 4S delivers a smoother and quieter ride than many of its rivals, thanks to its advanced tread design and noise-reducing technology. It also provides better handling and steering responsiveness, making it a more enjoyable tire for daily driving.
Off the beaten path, the AT3 4S holds its own against the competition. Its aggressive tread pattern and specialized compound offer excellent traction on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and sand. While it may not match the extreme rock-crawling capabilities of the KO2, it outperforms many other all-terrain tires in challenging off-road conditions.
When it comes to treadwear and durability, the AT3 4S is a standout performer. Cooper’s proprietary Armor-Tek3 construction and cut-and-chip resistant tread compound help extend the tire’s lifespan, potentially saving you money in the long run compared to more frequently replaced tires.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S offers a well-rounded package that competes favorably with other top all-terrain tires on the market. Its blend of on-road comfort, off-road capability, and long-lasting durability make it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile tire for their truck or SUV.
Best Applications
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an excellent choice for a wide range of vehicles and driving conditions. Its versatile all-terrain design makes it well-suited for light trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that need to handle both on-road and off-road driving.
For those who frequently venture off the beaten path, the AT3 4S shines. Its aggressive tread pattern and robust construction provide excellent traction and durability on loose surfaces like mud, gravel, and dirt trails. The tire’s reinforced sidewalls and sturdy internal construction also offer resistance against cuts, punctures, and other types of damage that can occur when exploring remote areas.
At the same time, the AT3 4S is designed to deliver a comfortable and responsive on-road driving experience. Its silica-enhanced tread compound and optimized tread design help to provide good dry and wet road traction, while the tire’s noise-reducing features help to minimize road noise for a quieter ride.
For drivers who live in areas with varying weather conditions, the AT3 4S’s all-season capabilities make it a great choice. The tire’s specialized tread pattern and compound are engineered to provide reliable traction in light snow and icy conditions, allowing for confident driving during the winter months.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an excellent all-around tire for those who need a versatile and capable performer that can handle a wide range of driving conditions, both on and off the road.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent off-road traction and performance on various terrains, including mud, rocks, and loose surfaces
- Aggressive and durable tread design with sturdy construction for extended treadwear
- Reinforced sidewalls provide increased resistance against punctures and cuts
- Solid on-road handling and braking capabilities for a tire in its category
- Available in a wide range of sizes to fit various trucks, SUVs, and crossovers
Cons:
- Increased road noise compared to highway-terrain tires, especially at higher speeds
- Slightly reduced fuel efficiency due to the aggressive tread pattern
- Limited snow and ice traction compared to dedicated winter tires
- Potential for increased wear on paved surfaces if used extensively on-road
- Higher price point compared to some entry-level all-terrain tire options
Conclusion
The Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is an excellent all-terrain tire that delivers impressive performance both on and off the road. Its rugged construction and aggressive tread pattern provide exceptional traction and handling on various surfaces, from muddy trails to snowy conditions. The tire’s durability and treadwear resistance ensure a long-lasting investment, while its comfortable ride and reasonable noise levels contribute to an enjoyable driving experience.
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is a highly recommended choice for those seeking a versatile and capable tire for their SUVs, trucks, or off-road vehicles. Whether you’re an avid adventurer or simply need a reliable tire for daily commuting and occasional off-road excursions, this tire is sure to meet your needs. Its well-rounded performance, value for money, and Cooper’s reputation for quality make the Discoverer AT3 4S a top contender in the all-terrain tire market.
