Cooper Discoverer M+S Review
UPDATE: The Cooper Discoverer M+S has been discontinued. For a suitable alternative, we recommend either the Discoverer True North or the Discoverer Snow Claw.
Despite what you might think, when you see M+S (mud and snow) on a tire, that means it’s not really designed for true winter performance. Unless, of course, the tire you’re looking at is the Cooper Discoverer M+S.
PROS
- True winter performance
- Large selection of sizes
CONS
- Mediocre performance
You see, for decades tire brands have been putting M+S badges on the sidewall of their tires, indicating that they are designed for mud and snow. Except they really aren’t. All that symbol means is that the tire is an all-season tire. And in case you don’t know, all-season tires are NOT really designed for all seasons.
A proper winter tires is designated as such by a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the side. And the Cooper Discoverer M+S has exactly that. But enough grandstanding: how is the tire?
We spend a lot of time at TruckTireReviews talking about the impressive off-road performance features of tires. This isn’t one of those times. However, if you do get caught on a road completely covered in snow, you’ll be glad to have these tires.
Every single tread block on this tire is just loaded with sipes, which help snow to stick to the tire and make for great grip by allowing the snow on the tire to get traction with the snow on the ground. In addition, there’s Cooper’s patented “snow groove” design on the outside of the tread blocks, which look ribbed to help grab snow, even on the edges of the tread blocks.
READ MORE: Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S Review
We should point out that unlike a lot of winter tires, the Discoverer M+S is studdable. While a great feature that provides the most extreme grip, we advise you to check with your local road rules to see if studded tires are legal there.
When it comes to cold weather driving on asphalt, one particularly unique feature of this tire is the “sawtooth center rib”. Looking like a saw blade, it helps give the tire greater stability (and comfort) as well as better grip and performance in acceleration, cornering and braking. None of those are really highlights of this tire, but they do help give it an edge over some competitors.
The general rule of thumb is, any winter tire is far better than not having winter tires. Is the Discoverer M+S a great option? Honestly, it’s decent. But that’s not a bad thing. It delivers grip on snow and when it’s cold – and that’s what counts.
Lots of folks think you don’t need winter tires if you have a truck or SUV. They’re wrong. The best AWD system in the world can’t do much without grip. Plus, don’t forget about braking. Your big truck is likely a heavy truck. And when there’s not a lot of grip on the road, inertia is the enemy.
Cooper Discoverer M+S Price
Discoverer M+S tires can be had from around $75 each.
Cooper Discoverer M+S Warranty
The Discoverer M+S does not come wth a mileage guarantee but is backed by Cooper’s standard warranty. Cooper will replace a tire deemed defective in workmanship or materials during the first 2/32nds of an inch of treadwear free of charge. Beyond that, Cooper will replace the tire at a pro-rated rate, and the owner will have to also cover the cost of any mounting or balancing.
Cooper Discoverer M+S Sizes
14-inch tires
225/70R14
15-inch tires
235/75R15
235/75R15
265/75R15
235/70R15
265/70R15
LT235/75R15
31X10.50R15LT
16-inch tires
225/75R16
235/75R16
245/75R16
265/75R16
215/70R16
225/70R16
235/70R16
245/70R16
255/70R16
265/70R16
255/65R16
LT215/85R16
LT235/85R16
LT225/75R16
LT245/75R16
LT245/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT265/75R16
LT285/75R16
17-inch tires
245/70R17
255/70R17
265/70R17
235/65R17
245/65R17
255/65R17
LT235/80R17
LT245/75R17
LT245/70R17
LT265/70R17
18-inch tires
255/70R18
275/65R18
255/55R18
LT265/70R18
LT275/70R18
LT275/65R18
20-inch tires
LT275/65R20
275/60R20
275/55R20