Full review
This is a review of the Cooper Discoverer HT3, a light-duty commercial tire for pick-up trucks and vans.
We’ll discuss how the tire performs and how it compares to other commercial tires. In our research, we have used testing data from sources like TireRack.com and DiscountTireDirect.com. We also looked at user reviews to get a better idea of what to expect from this all-season commercial tire.
Don’t have time to read everything? Here’s a quick summary of our review as well as pros & cons listed.
Our Cooper Discoverer HT3 Review
We compiled testing data and user reviews from different sources to assess how the Cooper Discoverer HT3 performs. We found that it’s a great option in the entry-level range for light-duty commercial tires, but there are a few drawbacks to consider.
Keep reading to learn more about this affordable commercial tire.
Cooper Discoverer HT3 Overview
Cooper promises a well-performing and durable commercial tire for light-duty applications. The manufacturer highlights the tire’s performance on wet roads and a solid construction optimized for highway driving.
You can find sizes that fit 15 to 20” wheels, which makes this tire ideal for pickup trucks, delivery vans, and other light commercial vehicles.
The HT3 belongs to the Discoverer family. There are a total of nine products in this range, for trucks, SUVs, and vans. The HT3 belongs to a subgroup that focuses on highway driving while the other tires have features that make them ideal for off-road driving.
Performance
The Cooper Discoverer HT3 stands out thanks to its performance on wet and dry roads. It features biting edges that improve traction when it rains, and the four channels help you maintain control in wet conditions.
According to TireRack.com, it’s an excellent all-season tire that delivers unparalleled performance on highways.
Off-road performance is acceptable with the tire doing well on dirt roads thanks to a tread design that can repel debris and stones. However, driving on sand and mud will be an issue.
You’ll get a decent amount of traction in light snow conditions, but it’s not a snow tire, and traction on ice is less than optimal.
DiscountTireDirect.com performed a test to assess the braking distance of the tire. You can expect a braking distance of 148’ in dry conditions and 189’ on a wet road. These numbers are average.
Handling
The Cooper Discoverer HT3 handles well but it is not one of the standout features. The tire feels responsive, and the steering response is crisp on dry and wet roads.
Keep in mind that it’s a commercial tire and it’s not ideal for the kind of aggressive cornering you would expect from a sports tire.
Noise and Comfort
The ride quality is one of the best features of this tire. Users consistently praise the Cooper Discoverer HT3 for its low noise level and impressive ride quality.
We highly recommend this tire for commercial drivers who have to stay on the highway for long hours. The low noise level and overall ride experience can help with fatigue for these long hauls.
Durability
Some users are happy with the treadwear performance and praise the design of the tire that reduces wear and tear when starting and stopping frequently, which is a key feature for delivery vans.
However, several reviewers expressed disappointment with the durability of the tire. The manufacturer offers a 50,000 miles warranty that is standard for this type of tire.
Price
The price of the Cooper Discoverer HT3 makes it an entry-level commercial tire. Even though some users consider the durability to be a drawback, it’s difficult to hold this issue against the Cooper Discoverer HT3 due to the pricing.
The tire stands out in terms of quality in this entry-level price range, especially due to the praise it receives for its ride quality and low noise level.
The affordable price point is one of the main reasons to consider the HT3. There is a large selection of commercial tires in this price range, but it can be difficult to find the same level of quality, especially when it comes to noise and comfort.
Recommendations & Conclusion
Overall, the Cooper Discoverer HT3 is a good choice for light commercial applications. We highly recommend this tire for those who drive on the highway for long hours. It’s an area where the ride quality and noise level will make a significant difference.
There are a few drawbacks, such as the performance on snow and ice, the average braking distance, and the durability. Still, it’s hard to hold these flaws against this product given the entry-level price range.
Other Commercial Tires to Consider
Since commercial drivers have unique needs, we recommend comparing options to choose a light-duty tire that makes the most sense for your vehicle.
The Cooper Discoverer HT3 is an excellent budget option for delivery vans and highway driving. It’s also suitable for driving on some dirt roads, which makes it a good choice for a light-duty truck you would use to access job sites.
However, the Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S is preferable for off-road performance. It’s a rugged tire that will provide you with more traction, especially in muddy conditions.
The AT3 LT is another tire from the Discoverer family. It’s a commercial tire for light-duty trucks that stands out in terms of durability and traction. If you expect to do a lot of off-road driving, this tire is a better option than the HT3 since it will last longer in these conditions.
Even though the HT3 delivers reasonable traction in wet conditions, you can find better performance with the Michelin Defender LTX M/S. Plus, this tire exceeds it in terms of braking distance, which can potentially make it safer.
The Michelin Defender LTX M/S is available in a similar price range and would be a great option for delivery vans in busy cities where braking power and quick reflexes are crucial.
For those who expect better handling from a tire or who have a more sporty driving style, the Cooper Defender HT Plus is an alternative worth considering.
Conclusion
We recommend the Cooper Discoverer HT3 if you’re in the market for an affordable light-duty commercial tire. This tire stands out thanks to the overall value, the ride quality, and the low noise level. We find it’s one of the best tires for highway driving on long distances, and is a solid all-around tire for wet and dry performance.
However, this tire falls short in areas like performance in snowy or off-road conditions. As well, durability and braking distance are unremarkable, which is why you might want to compare it with other products to find a commercial tire that most reflects all your needs.
References:
TireRack.com | Cooper Discoverer HT3
DiscountTireDirect | Cooper Discoverer HT3
CooperTire | Discoverer HT3
DiscountTire | Cooper Discoverer Buyer’s Guide
