Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review: Your Ultimate Winter Driving Solution

In this personal Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review, I will share my experience with the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw, an innovative snow tire line engineered by Cooper Tire.

As a user of these tires, I can vouch for their optimal winter traction and performance. The Snow Claw is a proud member of the Discoverer family of tires and upholds the same standard of quality, durability, and safety that Cooper is known for.

First launched in 2019, the Snow Claw was designed with a specific purpose in mind – to expertly handle the demands of snowy and icy winter driving conditions.

In creating this tire, Cooper applied state-of-the-art technologies and advanced compounding techniques, resulting in a product that surpasses expectations in severe winter weather.

In my experience with the Discoverer Snow Claw, I can confidently say that it provides drivers like me with enhanced control, stability, and peace of mind when navigating snow-covered or icy roads.

I have found the aggressive directional tread pattern, combined with the 3D micro-gauge siping technology, to be particularly effective in gripping slippery surfaces.

One notable feature of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw, as outlined in this review, is the unique Extreme Armor Steel belt construction.

This innovative design significantly improves puncture resistance, adding yet another layer of durability.

In conclusion, as a Cooper Snow Claw user, I can wholeheartedly endorse this tire for its optimal performance in challenging winter roads, along with its smooth, quiet ride.

List of Other Cooper Tire Reviews

• Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Review
• Cooper Discoverer STT Pro Review
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT Review
• Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Review
• Cooper Endeavor Plus Review
• Cooper Discoverer True North Review
• Cooper Evolution Winter Review
• Cooper Endeavor Plus Review
• Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trek Review
• Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review

For whom is the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw most suitable?

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is designed for snow and ice conditions with an emphasis on winter driving.

This tire performs best in cold weather and excels in packed snow, unpacked snow, ice, and slushy conditions.

The aggressive tread pattern, multiple sipes, and specialized rubber compound give the Snow Claw exceptional traction and grip on icy, slippery roads.

The open shoulder tread blocks, independent tread blocks, and multi-angle sipes all work together to provide a tenacious bite in snowy terrain.

Even when accelerating, braking, or cornering on snow-covered roads, the Snow Claw maintains control.

This tire is ideal for drivers in northern climates who face long winters with frequent snow storms.

It provides the traction needed to confidently drive in blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall accumulation, freezing rain, and icy patches.

The Snow Claw enables safe winter driving and stable handling when roads are at their worst.

For SUV, crossover, and light truck drivers who want maximum traction in severe winter weather, the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is an excellent choice.

It’s engineered to excel in the most challenging cold weather and frozen precipitation conditions.

What Are The Features Of The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw?

In this user-generated Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review, I am detailing the salient features of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire equipped on my vehicle.

Designed expressly for intense winter driving conditions, the Snow Claw hosts various standout features:

Deep Tread Design

The Snow Claw has an aggressive open tread pattern that is designed to act like a snow paddle, ejecting snow and slush from the tire.

This helps maintain traction in heavy snow conditions.

The tread pattern features multiple rows of tightly-spaced biting edges that provide additional grip on snow and ice.

Siping

The tread blocks have numerous fine sipes cut into them. These sipes create extra biting edges to grip slippery surfaces.

As the tire flexes, the sipes open up to provide hundreds of extra edges for additional traction.

The sipes help create a large overall contact patch with snow and ice.

Studdable

The Snow Claw has holes molded into the tread blocks so that metal studs can be installed for even more traction.

Studs provide additional grip on extremely icy surfaces. The Snow Claw is designed to accommodate two rows of studs for maximum ice traction.

The combination of an aggressive snow paddle tread design, abundant siping, and studdable construction makes the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw well equipped to tackle brutal winter driving conditions where deep snow, ice, and slush are common hazards.

Its specialized features offer superior traction and control.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Pros and Cons

Here are the pros and cons of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire to help you make an informed decision when considering this tire for your vehicle:

Snow and Winter Performance of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire is designed to deliver exceptional performance on snow and ice.

It features an aggressive tread pattern and specialized rubber compound to provide enhanced traction and handling on slippery winter roads.

The tire utilizes Cooper’s unique Snow Groove technology that incorporates “claws” and special siping into the tread. This allows the tire to firmly grip slick surfaces, bite into snow and ice, and channel away slush for constant traction. Test drivers remark that the Snow Claw feels planted and secure, even when accelerating, braking, and cornering on snow-covered pavement.

Cooper also engineered the Snow Claw with ComfortRide Technology to improve ride quality without compromising snow traction.

The tires absorb bumps and vibrations effectively, resulting in a smooth and comfortable drive in wintry conditions.

Independent testers have put the Snow Claw through grueling evaluations in extreme winter environs like Snowflake, Arizona and Timmins, Ontario.

The tire consistently earns high marks for traction, stability, handling, and braking on packed snow and icy roads.

The deep tread lugs, staggered shoulder blocks, and 3D siping enable winter driving confidence by providing a tenacious grip throughout the life of the tire.

Overall, the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is engineered to deliver exceptional winter driving performance across various cold weather conditions.

The advanced tread design and construction provide drivers with enhanced traction and handling on snow and ice for a more controlled, stable, and comfortable winter driving experience.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review: Let’s Talk Wet and Slippery Road Performance

In this section, I would like to shed light on the wet and slippery road performance of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw, which has been engineered to provide increased traction and control specifically for winter driving conditions.

Wet Road Performance

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw exhibits excellent wet road handling capabilities.

The directional tread pattern and wide circumferential grooves offer proficient water evacuation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in wet and slushy conditions.

Additionally, the tire’s advanced rubber compound comprises silica, which helps maintain flexibility in both cold and wet weather, further enhancing traction on wet surfaces.

Slippery Road Performance

When it comes to icy and slippery roads, the Discoverer Snow Claw truly shines.

The abundant siping and numerous biting edges give the tire an improved grip on slippery surfaces like ice, packed snow, or slush.

The sipes open as the tire flexes, creating a large contact patch with the driving surface that enhances both acceleration and braking capabilities on icy terrain.

Furthermore, the Snow Claw is studdable, accommodating two rows of studs, resulting in augmented ice traction for times when maximum control and grip are required.

The studs provide an extra layer of security when navigating tricky, icy road conditions.

By combining an efficient deep tread design, abundant siping, sophisticated rubber compound, and studdable construction, the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw demonstrates a well-rounded wet and slippery road performance.

The tire’s ability to deliver exceptional traction and control in varying winter driving conditions is a testament to its pliability as well as the expertise of the engineers at Cooper Tire.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review: A Look at Muddy Road Performance

As a regular user of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw, I have found it to showcase impressive performance, not just on snowy or icy terrains, but also on muddy roads.

Here, I provide an overview of the tire’s attributes that hold its ground in muddy conditions.

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is designed with an aggressive, open and deep tread pattern, allowing it to maintain excellent traction even on muddy surfaces.

The tread blocks of the tire act like a claw, biting down deep into the mud to secure grip.

Moreover, the tire’s open tread design and robust self-cleaning features enable it to consistently eject mud and debris, hence reducing the chances of getting stuck in the mud.

The tire achieves a great balance of performances, providing not just enough grip on muddy surfaces, but also ensuring comfortable and quiet ride quality.

Its advanced rubber components afford it the flexibility needed to maneuver on sticky mud without compromising on the ride comfort.

It’s worth noting that while the Discoverer Snow Claw is primarily designed for harsh winter conditions, its ability to perform commendably on muddy roads makes it a versatile choice, well-suited for a variety of driving conditions.

However, for extensive off-road or mud terrain use, drivers may want to consider dedicated mud tires, which offer specific features for enhanced traction in such conditions.

Professional drivers or automotive enthusiasts engaged in off-roading activities may need more than what standard winter tires can provide.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Review: Chatting About Dry Performance

While the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is predominantly designed for handling harsh winter conditions, it’s still important to consider its performance on dry roads.

Its proficiency in negotiating ice, snow and wet conditions is commendable; however, the tire’s dry road performance is also worthy of acknowledgement.

The first element to highlight in its dry road performance is the tire’s stability and control.

With its unique steel belt construction, the Snow Claw maintains excellent and consistent contact with the road, ensuring enhanced control and stability during dry road conditions.

The advanced rubber compound used in the tire remains flexible across a wide range of temperatures, providing superior dry surface traction.

Moreover, the abundant siping and the detailed groove placements within the block tread pattern of the Snow Claw contribute to its braking capabilities.

Thus, even on the dry pavement, the vehicle equipped with these tires can maintain a strong grip, ensuring a secure stopping capability.

Furthermore, the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is highly responsive, making handling and maneuvering on dry roads smooth and hassle-free.

The tire’s robust construction ensures that steering remains accurate and precise, allowing for responsive feedback during rides on dry terrains.

Lastly, Cooper has taken care to ensure that the dry surface ride comfort is not compromised.

Thanks to the optimized tread pattern, the road noise remains minimal, making the ride quiet and comfortable.

In summary, while the Snow Claw is tailored for winter use, it handles dry road surfaces competently.

Its stability, responsive handling, and optimized road comfort make it a reliable tire year-round.

However, remember that different tires are tailored for different terrains and weather conditions offering specific benefits.

Depending on your needs and driving conditions, you may want to consider various options and consult with tire specialists to find the most suitable tire.

Off-Road Capabilities of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire is designed to provide excellent traction and performance in heavy snow conditions.

Its aggressive tread pattern and deep siping help to grip unplowed roads and plow through deep snow.

The tire features a directional tread design, which includes independent tread blocks that help provide grip and traction.

The blocks have multiple step downs which allow the tire to gain purchase and keep moving even in loose snow conditions up to 30 inches deep.

The Snow Claw has serrated shoulder lugs that cling to the surface for additional bite when driving over unpacked snow or slush.

It also features Cooper’s specialized Extreme Armor-Tek3 compound which remains flexible even in freezing temperatures for enhanced winter traction and braking.

Overall, the Snow Claw delivers formidable off-road snow performance thanks to its ability to self-clean and shed built-up snow.

Drivers praise the tire’s capability to power through unplowed and uncompacted snow without getting stuck.

Its deep tread lugs, biting edges, sipes and shoulder lugs make the Snow Claw one of the top tires for handling extreme winter conditions off-road.

Is the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw a Run-Flat Tire?

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is a highly capable winter tire that delivers exceptional traction in snow, slush, and icy conditions.

However, it is important to note that this tire does not fall into the category of run-flat tires.

Run-flat tires are specialized tires that possess a self-supporting feature allowing them to continue performing for a limited distance even after complete deflation or a puncture.

This trimmed-down functionality usually exists to provide the vehicle enough mobility to get to a safe location or a nearby garage for tire replacement.

While the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw offers a robust and durable construction built to handle harsh winter conditions, it is not designed with run-flat technology.

This means that if it is punctured or significantly loses air pressure, it needs immediate attention and cannot be driven for extended distances without risking further damage or safety concerns.

Therefore, the vehicle equipped with these tires should be equipped with a comprehensive roadside assistance plan or carry a spare tire for emergency changes on the road, to cope with any unexpected tire damage when in transit.

Always remember, the safety of the driver and passengers should be the utmost priority while handling such situations.

Road Noise and Comfort Performance of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is well-regarded for its ability to handle difficult winter road conditions, but another aspect that contributes to its popularity is the tire’s focus on minimizing road noise and maximizing ride comfort.

In this section, let’s explore the features that contribute to its low road noise and comfortable driving experience.

Road Noise Reduction

The Snow Claw boasts an optimized tread pattern design that effectively absorbs and dampens road noise.

This prevents the noise from being transmitted into the vehicle cabin, resulting in a quieter and more enjoyable ride.

The tire’s numerous biting edges and sipes not only provide excellent traction on snowy roads but also minimize air pockets and vibrations that can contribute to higher road noise levels.

The Discoverer Snow Claw’s ability to lower road noise during winter conditions makes it a preferred choice for many drivers.

Comfort Performance

Cooper has also invested in ensuring the Discoverer Snow Claw offers a comfortable driving experience.

Its resilient construction, featuring a steel belt design, maintains consistent and even road contact, which curtails vibrations and provides a smoother ride.

The tire’s flexible rubber compound performs well across varied temperatures, resulting in a constant and reliable ride whether it’s snowing or dry.

Additionally, the sidewall construction aids in absorbing road imperfections and impacts, thus softening any sudden jolts or jarring during the drive.

These incorporated features work together to ensure an overall pleasant ride experience that doesn’t compromise over the tire’s ability to tackle winter conditions.

In conclusion, Cooper’s Discoverer Snow Claw is proof that it’s possible to have a winter tire that outperforms on icy, snowy, and wet roads while maintaining a quiet and comfortable ride.

The incorporation of various noise-reducing and comfort-enhancing features makes it a popular choice for drivers seeking a comprehensive winter tire solution.

Fuel Efficiency of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

Fuel efficiency is a crucial attribute for many drivers when choosing a tire.

It’s important to note that winter tires like the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw often emphasize traction and control in harsh weather conditions.

However, Cooper has also taken into account the need for fuel economy while designing this particular model.

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw utilizes a specially formulated winter-grade rubber compound.

This compound is designed to retain its flexibility in cold temperatures, which can improve the tire’s rolling resistance—an essential factor in fuel efficiency.

By remaining flexible, the tire maintains better contact with the road, which means less energy (and less fuel) is necessary to keep the tire rolling.

Further adding to the fuel efficiency is the tire’s weight.

Lighter than many comparable winter tires, the Snow Claw’s reduced weight decreases the overall load on the vehicle, reducing the amount of fuel necessary to move it.

The tire’s design also includes an optimized tread pattern, which provides excellent traction and stability, but at the same time, contributes to lowering the rolling resistance.

Although it should be noted that winter tires in general may not provide the same level of fuel efficiency as their all-season counterparts.

As they are primarily designed to prioritize traction and control in severe conditions over fuel economy.

They may result in a slight decrease in fuel economy due to their more aggressive tread patterns and softer rubber compounds.

In conclusion, while the Discoverer Snow Claw has been engineered to deliver safety and performance in demanding winter conditions, Cooper has made worthwhile attempts to make it as fuel-efficient as possible for a winter tire specification.

As always, your driving habits also significantly impact fuel efficiency. So, it’s recommended to follow good driving practices like gradual acceleration and braking, maintaining optimal tire pressure and regular vehicle maintenance to enhance overall fuel economy.

Maintenance Indicators of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

Proper maintenance of the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tires is crucial for safety and performance. Here are some key maintenance tips:

Rotation

• Rotate tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to promote even treadwear. Front and rear tire rotations are recommended.
• Follow any rotation patterns recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
• Check tire inflation pressure and adjust to the recommended PSI when rotating.

Wheel Alignment

• Alignment should be checked if you notice uneven or rapid treadwear on the tires. Misalignment can cause tires to wear prematurely.
• Alignment should be performed by a qualified tire shop with the proper equipment. They will adjust various alignment angles on the wheels to the manufacturer specifications.

Tread Wear

• Inspect tread depth regularly. Tires should be replaced when tread depth is worn down to 2/32 of an inch.
• Check for abnormal or uneven treadwear, which may indicate necessary suspension repairs or wheel alignment issues.
• Treadwear warranties generally allow for replacement of tires worn down to a remaining depth of 2/32″ during the coverage period. Check warranty details for your tires.

Following proper maintenance and care procedures will maximize the lifespan and performance of your Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tires.

Consult your owner’s manual or tire retailer for any additional maintenance recommendations.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw: Warranty Unpacked

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw comes with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials.

The specifics of the warranty depend on when and where you purchased your tires:

• Tires purchased new in the United States come with a 6 year, 60,000 mile treadwear warranty. This means the tires are covered for 6 years or up to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• For tires purchased new in Canada, the treadwear warranty period is 6 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• The treadwear warranty covers premature wear under normal driving conditions. If the tread depth wears down to 2/32″ or less before the warranty period is over, the tire will be replaced on a pro-rated basis according to tread depth remaining.
• Tires purchased as replacement tires may have a treadwear warranty of 5 years or 50,000 miles. Check with the tire retailer for specifics.
• All Cooper tires also come with a materials and workmanship warranty of 6 years from the production date, regardless of miles driven. This covers any defects in materials or how the tire was manufactured.

To be eligible for the warranty, the tires must be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles and proof of rotation record should be kept.

The tires must also be used in accordance with Cooper’s load inflation tables and remain on the original vehicle.

Normal wear and tear or damage from accidents, road hazards, or improper maintenance are not covered.

See the detailed warranty guide or check with a Cooper tire retailer for full terms and conditions.

Sizes and Compatibility of Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is available in a wide range of sizes to fit most light truck and SUV applications.

From 15″ all the way up to 22″ wheel diameters, there is a Snow Claw tire to fit your vehicle.

Some of the most common sizes available include:

• P215/75R15
• P235/75R15
• P245/70R17
• P265/70R17
• LT245/75R16
• LT265/70R17
• P275/55R20
• P275/45R22

The aspect ratio and overall diameter will vary somewhat depending on the exact size, but most Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tires fall into the range of 28″ to 35″ overall diameter.

The tread width also varies based on size, but tends to range from about 8.7″ up to 11″ for most common light truck and SUV sizes.

With multiple rim diameter options from 15″ up to 22″, combined with a wide selection of aspect ratios and widths, drivers should have no problem finding the ideal Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw size to fit their vehicle.

Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Pricing Analysis

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is competitively priced compared to other premium snow tires. Prices will vary based on tire size:

• Standard tire sizes like P215/75R15 have a retail price around $130-150 per tire.
• Larger tire sizes like LT265/70R17 tend to retail between $180-220 per tire.
• High-end tire sizes for trucks and SUVs like P275/55R20 can retail between $200-250 per tire.

There are often discounts and rebates available on the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw:

• Cooper Tire sometimes offers a $70 mail-in rebate during the winter months. This can bring the price down to $100-130 per tire.
• Installation deals from tire shops and auto centers can bundle mounting, balancing, valve stems, and disposal for $15-30 per tire.
• Retailers like TireRack.com and DiscountTire.com periodically discount prices 10-15% and offer free shipping.
• Local tire shops may match or beat online pricing when you bundle purchase and installation.

So while retail list pricing looks fairly standard, there are opportunities to save money on the Cooper Snow Claw with seasonal sales, rebates, and bundled installation deals.

Paying $110-150 per installed tire is possible with good timing and shopping around.

Expert Opinions

Cooper Tire prides itself on making tires that perform well in a variety of conditions.

The Discoverer Snow Claw in particular has earned praise from industry experts for its excellent snow and winter driving capabilities.

Professional testers consistently remark on the tire’s grip and traction on snowy and icy roads.

Independent tire reviewers have tested the Snow Claw in harsh winter climates and found that it delivers confident acceleration, braking, and handling even in challenging conditions.

Automotive journalists favor the Snow Claw for its tough construction and durability. The aggressive tread pattern and winter compound enable safe driving through deep snow, without excessive wear and tear.

Professional test drivers say the tire feels stable at highway speeds in snowstorms.

Leading consumer magazines have recognized the Snow Claw as one of the best snow tires available today.

Its innovative features like zigzag sipes and multiple tread zones receive positive recommendations in winter tire buying guides.

These reviews highlight the tire’s balance of snow performance, ice traction, comfort, and longevity.

With consistently high ratings from the top industry sources, the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw stands out as a smart choice for winter driving.

Drivers looking for all-around excellent snow and ice traction can trust the recommendations of the experts.

What Are The Alternatives of The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw tire?

Consideration for other available options in the market is always a wise move before making the final purchasing decision.

Here, I provide a few alternatives to the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw that perform well in snowy conditions:

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a prominent winter tire that offers excellent snow and ice grip.

Its tread design and rubber compound are optimized for cold temperatures, delivering impressive winter performance.

The tread pattern drains water effectively to prevent hydroplaning, even in slushy conditions.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 provides superb winter traction and is known for its longevity.

This tire presents excellent performance on snowy and icy surfaces, quiet ride and impressive fuel efficiency.

Its tread compound maintains flexibility in cold temperatures, enhancing grip.

Continental WinterContact SI

The Continental WinterContact SI is known for its balanced snow, wet and dry performance.

The tire’s PolarPlus Technology ensures superb grip on various surfaces at low temperatures. It also features +Silane additives that improve braking on icy roads.

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

Generally more expensive, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 offers high-end winter performance.

Designed for sporty and high-performance vehicles, this tire has superior wet and dry handling capabilities along with good winter traction.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter

Something more budget-friendly, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter tire offers a strong performance in severe weather conditions.

Though not quite as sporty or performance-focused, for a winter tire at a lower price point, it delivers solid comfort and drive quality.

Each of these alternatives has its own unique strengths.

While the Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw provides excellent snow and ice traction, the alternatives mentioned above might offer specific advantages that cater to your unique driving needs.

I’d recommend consulting with a tire specialist to ensure you make the most suitable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw is a versatile tire that has been thoughtfully designed to tackle challenging winter conditions.

With a deep and aggressive tread pattern, an abundance of siping, and advanced rubber compound, it offers excellent grip and traction on snow-covered, icy, and wet roads.

In addition to its superior winter driving capabilities, it showcases commendable performance on muddy terrains and presents a dependable ride on dry pavements.

The Snow Claw’s robust construction and reliable features make it an exceptional performer, demonstrating strong handling and maintaining comfortable and quiet ride quality across varying conditions.

Yet, while it excels in many aspects, it’s essential to remember that it is not a run-flat tire.

Hence, immediate action needs to be taken in the event of a puncture or significant loss of air pressure to ensure safety and prevent further damage.

In conclusion, the Discoverer Snow Claw by Cooper tire is a highly dependable choice for those seeking a reliable tire to navigate snowy or icy conditions.

Its assurances of year-round stability, control, and comfort make it a worthy consideration for drivers facing challenging weather conditions.

As always, before making the final decision, take into consideration your unique driving needs, local climate, and vehicle specifications.

For the most informed decision, do discuss with a trusted tire specialist or consultant.