As a former Bridgestone engineer, I believe the Sumitomo Encounter AT provides dependable grip even in deep snow. So it can drive on both rainy and dry highways and in cities. Because of its fluffy compound and aggressive pattern, it has a shorter tread life than premium models. However, this is due to its traction capability. As a result, it functions flawlessly on dirt, gravel, and rock. Because of its deep tread, its mud performance is limited. Furthermore, such a characteristic reduces its responsiveness marginally. However, due to its sturdy sidewalls, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is an excellent choice for carrying and towing.
In this review, The Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire is the second model in the Encounter series, which already comprises the Sumitomo Encounter HT on-road tires and will shortly feature aggressive MT tires. Sumitomo of Japan hopes to strengthen its position in the American market as a result of the new line.
About Sumitomo Brand
Since 1919, the Sumitomo brand has provided the industry with inexpensive, high-quality tires. The Sumitomo name is well-known in Japan as one of the top five tire producers in the world.
Sumitomo, a well-known rubber industry magnet, offers a variety of tire styles. The Sumitomo Encounter AT is one among them. The Encounter AT is described by Sumitomo as “the go-anywhere, do-anything all-terrain tire for CUVs, SUVs, and Pickups.”
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Review
The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has received a lot of positive feedback from customers. The pricing is the most remarkable aspect of this tire. Sumitomo’s brand offers high-quality tires for under $160.
First-time purchasers believe that the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire’s cheap price disqualifies it from being a long-lasting product. Reviewers are eager to admit their errors.
Sumitomo Encounter AT tires are tough and durable despite their inexpensive price. Some customers claim to have purchased the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire exclusively for a given season, anticipating the need for new tires and being misled.
Customers have also shared their thoughts on their driving experience with the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire. Because the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire is designed for all terrains, many customers expect it to be a little noisy.
Customers who have driven with the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire have reported an unremarkable stillness when driving, even on rough roads.
The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire’s durability is an important factor in consumer feedback and satisfaction. Poor roads and harsh weather can cause any tire to blow out.
In this review, Customers have reported that the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has held up well. The tire itself is of high quality and does not easily deteriorate or wear down due to road conditions.
There are drawbacks to the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire for every benefit. In muddy situations, users have reported having more trouble with the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire.
However, all other situations, including rain, snow, sand, and trails, have been tested and proven to be effective.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Overview
The Sumitomo Encounter AT or A/T, is an all-terrain (AT) tire designed for light vehicles and SUVs. Because of its AT classification, the Sumitomo Encounter tire will execute all functions regardless of the road type or weather circumstances.
All-terrain tires are designed for on- and off-road driving in dry or wet conditions such as heavy rain, sleet, and light snow.
Sumitomo tires are noted for their distinctive tread and grip innovations, as well as their particular patterns. These characteristics distinguish the tire brand. They also contribute to the quality and value that Sumitomo customers expect.
Features of the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire
Sumitomo designed the Encounter AT with a tough all-terrain compound and a non-directional 5-rib tread design with independent blocks to provide better off-road traction and good on-road grip.
When designing its latest all-terrain tire, the Japanese tiremaker did nothing novel. The majority of its competitors have a stronger rubber compound to deal with abrasive surfaces such as dirt, gravel, and rocks.
However, Sumitomo did not duplicate the tire pattern from other models; the improved tread pattern is exclusive to the Encounter AT. Sure, the design isn’t revolutionary, but it doesn’t have to be at this price.
The Encounter AT, for example, includes the standard deep circumferential grooves to aid in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, as well as a 5-rib tread design that provides stability and protects against uneven wear.
Sumitomo inserted sipes within each block to offer extra biting edges for better traction on snow. As a result, the tire bears the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) sign, indicating that it has better longitudinal snow traction (acceleration and braking) than standard M+S tires. Furthermore, the tread has been intended to reduce noise and provide a more comfortable ride.
In this review, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has a jointless nylon cap ply to even out load distribution and wide, rigid steel belts to support the tread and improve steering response. Furthermore, the high-tension casing ply balances comfort and stability, while the firm bead apex reinforces the entire tire, making it appropriate for heavy-duty duties such as towing and carrying.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Specification
SPECIFICATIONS
MAX.LOAD: 3,860 lbs
MAX. INFLATION PRESSURE: 65 psi
TREAD DEPTH: 19/32″
TIRE WEIGHT: 78 lbs
RIM WIDTH RANGE: 9-12″
MEAS. RIM WIDTH: 9.5″
SECT. WIDTH: 13.2″
TREAD WIDTH: 11.1″
OVERALL DIAM: 34.7″
REVS. PER MILE: 604
Performance of the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire
We put the Sumitomo Encounter AT’s 265/70R17 tire size to the test on the 2022 Toyota 4Runner. This was part of our annual 2023 COR Wheels Tire Test, which also included various off-road all-terrain tires.
Dry Performance
On dry roads with minimal to no traction concerns, the Sumitomo Encounter shone.
Because of the robust yet flexible tread blocks uniformly distributed on both wall sides, the contact patch resonated nicely with our pavement. We had no qualms about grinding our steering wheel harder to get more traction, and our cabin had a very precise sense of direction because of the ongoing communication between the rubber and the contact points.
Acceleration to 65 MPH on well-paved highways was given, and the ride remained rather uneventful for an hour—hence our decision to rapidly detour into rocky off-road tracks to test the water.
Corner Strength
Sumitomo delivered an adequate performance on this terrain. The connecting ribs and variable-width shoulder lugs did an excellent job of keeping the traction-driven tire straight, allowing for smoother, bolder corner cuts without sacrificing safety.
At 30-35 MPH, our car bent smoothly into tight corners and maintained its grip admirably through increasing rpm up to 60 MPH. Accelerations that were faster and more abrupt did stagger the tire’s firm sidewalls, but not enough to give us a sense of uncontrol or danger. When we towed a 1200-pound compact camper, the rear tires swayed slightly when turning at intersections, but we could nail it if we slowed down and clutched the wheel hard.
Response to Steering
The steering response was largely satisfactory.
Sure, it lacked the aggressive, confident demeanor that is generally associated with maximum-traction off-road tires. However, given that this is simply a rating-standard all-terrain vehicle, it’s precision and timely delivery were more than adequate to deal with off-road catastrophes.
Our inputs were well received and were quickly followed up on, maneuvering over gentle and difficult curves alike with consistent, unshakable self-awareness.
The tire company’s handling of trapped debris at moderate speeds cost them a few points. To be more specific, simply increasing the driving speeds could solve the issue.
However, for harder road patterns like these, most of us preferred slower driving for better safety, thus the painfully numb feedback here irritated us.
Wet Performance
The Sumitomo Encounter AT’s wet-road grip was still among the finest in its class, but less so than on dry terrains.
The open tread depths folded snugly onto the wet roadways, shredding water in a smooth yet aggressive manner that left little space for criticism. Changes from 40 MPH to speed extreme did not pose a problem for our Toyota, though we did have to be extra cautious while diving through tougher off-camber curves.
However, when we approached deeper zones of 5 inches or more, the tires became increasingly distant, seemingly unable to whisk enormous volumes of rainwater off the weary sipes. Strong accelerations were not impossible (given excellent steering), but we returned to 35 MPH to keep a better eye on the car’s rolls and potential fishtailing.
Resistance to Hydroplaning
Given that the rain/storm had already stopped, Sumitomo Encounter AT’s water evacuation capacity performed admirably. Deeper standing water (more than 5 inches) admittedly made the grooves work harder, but the interlocking center lugs and open, deep treads fling the water off our Sumitomo tires quite quickly.
We had more issues traveling during downpours or storms. The water flow did not remain stationary and changed continually, requiring our grooves to work extra hard to protect the tread pattern area from external attacks. In such conditions, 25-30 MPH felt like the safest speed-rating range to go; from 35 to 40 MPH, hydroplaning problems became more prevalent, sending us back to square one.
Off-Road Performance
The symmetric tread patterns on Sumitomo Encounter AT tires contribute to enhanced traction for off-road driving. Wide tread blocks, deep grooves, and sipes give additional contact surfaces, which improves traction on muddy and sandy roads. These design elements help the tires drive in fairly muddy conditions.
Encounter A/T tires contain well-placed stone ejectors to evacuate material from the grooves of the tire, ensuring a sufficient footprint when driving on hard-packed or gravel roads.
Dirt Traction
In this sense, Sumitomo Encounter thrilled all of our members. The open, muscular bead edges plowed through thick dirt with delectable, aggressive confidence, tramping on bumps with increasing stability as we approached 75 MPH.
Jostles and panic reactions at corners were rare, happening largely when we twisted the steering wheel more sharply than necessary, startling the tires out of their continuous trance. Aside from that, the tire’s improved grip was a breeze for most of our journey.
Sand Traction
Our off-road sand adventures were a lot of fun, and we were practically on the same page as on-road wet traction. It sat well with the deep grooves/zigzag sipes and maintained good contact with the rubber’s contact patch, just like ordinary slippery surfaces.
We began slowly at 30 MPH so order to save time in emergencies, but that prudence proved unneeded.
Sure, the sticky thin layers of sand lingered a little longer than we had hoped, but Sumitomo’s deep circumferential, slick grooves ensured they couldn’t last forever. Surging to 60, 65, and finally 75 MPH experienced a few stutters and hitches, but they seemed tiny in comparison to the ride’s entire length.
Turns and curves on very deep dents, on the other hand, result in a lot of traction breaking off. Push-pull steering may get us out of these areas quickly, but only with frequent shocks, bumps, and stumbling.
Rock Traction
The Toyota 4Runner performed admirably over uneven pathways and even seemed to gain buffer as we descended further into the terrain. However, when compared to sand roads, our crew felt a little less energized.
The sidewall rigidity was exactly right for sand, but it felt considerably softer over jagged rocks now. As a result, while straight-line driving between 40-55 MPH remained competitive, any number below or above this range provided us with greater rolling resistance at turns than we preferred.
Mud Traction
Light dirt posed little difficulty. Jostles were irritating, but not to the point of seriously interfering with our steering efforts. At 40-55 MPH, the traction held on tightly and recovered swiftly when the texture/density changed.
The Sumitomo Encounter AT’s full weakness was shown when it entered more than 5 inches of deep mud. These tires were steady but not as aggressive as real off-road max traction tires, explaining why signs of struggle could still be seen at entry and near exits.
Winter/Snow Performance
Traction in Light Snow
Sumitomo outperformed every other low-cost tire model we evaluated, even reaching the level of dedicated winter tires.
Because of the low melting points of a robust tire like the Encounter AT, managing snow was easier than off-road dirt. As a result, our car’s strong bead grip on snow was as good as it was on dry terrains, and the dangers of traction loss were quite minimal; even unanticipated maneuvering around tree branches or rocks did not cause it to stutter.
Accelerations or decelerations from the extremes to the middle of the spectrum did not constitute a significant concern. The stiff compounds only hesitated somewhat in the first ten minutes or so due to the low temps, but they quickly settled in for the rest of the ride, embracing our 0-55 MPH and vice versa with minimal drama.
Deep Traction in Snow
Except for the increased skittishness caused by the increased snow volume, nothing changed from our earlier driving experience in light snow. The same stability and firm grip remained, allowing our car to confidently plow through various snow packs as any other competition.
We thought 12-inch blankets were the maximum since deeper snow caused more drag and sliding. Driving above 65 MPH required extra attention; In this review, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire suffered with fast acceleration and good hydroplaning. Other speeds, on the other hand, were a no-brainer; we could easily go between 25-55 MPH or vice versa.
Traction on Ice
In ice traction, the Sumitomo Encounter AT still outsold most other all-terrain and all-season tires, but the significant drop from its competitive performance on snow was extremely noticeable.
To be clear, these high-quality tires were safe for ice terrain and rarely put us in danger (save for sudden surges at extremely thin ice areas). Back-to-back skids and slippage, on the other hand, were frequent and borderline unpleasant at 30-50 MPH.
We also didn’t enjoy the noticeable hesitating response at tight turning turns. While the problem appeared minor in better weather, we would have lost most of our trust if we had to deal with rain or, worse, winter storms.
Sumitomo Encounter A/T Comfort
All-terrain tires have an aggressive appearance that limits noise management and ride comfort. Sumitomo Encounter A/T faces similar difficulties. Off-road capability has received a lot of attention.
Ride Quality
In this review, The Sumitomo Encounter AT was our best tire in this category; it provided excellent riding comfort in both on- and off-road situations. Accelerations and sudden corners certainly caused more stutters than usual; nonetheless, in the standard city driving range of 30 to 55 MPH, response delays and traction loss were under control and rarely became unpleasant.
Noise
Road sounds did appear at speeds of 65 MPH and higher, but they rarely got on our nerves and stayed low-key for the majority of our members. Any figure less than 60 MPH offered comfortable, silent rides from start to finish, solidifying Sumitomo Encounter’s status as the best noiseless tire available.
Durability and Treadwear
Unlike most rival brand tires, the Sumitomo Encounter AT did not have to sacrifice treadwear for riding comfort.
Despite the varied terrain textures and driving habits/styles, the lack of concentrated pressure on vital contact points alleviated our tire of the most severe steering forces. After the test, we were able to preserve the shoulder stiffness and outer tread edges untouched (save for faint scruffs).
Efficiency of Fuel of Sumitomo Encounter AT
Tire rolling resistance is connected to fuel efficiency. Edgeways, tire weight, sipe density, and compound stiffness are all factors to consider.
Regrettably, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is a heavy-weight tire with a fluffy material. Aside from that, because it is a winter tire, its sipe density is high.
If fuel efficiency is important to you, the Sumitomo Encounter AT is not a wise choice.
Handling
Sumitomo tires, on the whole, handle well, thanks to their technologically advanced approach to tire design and production.
Sumitomo manufactures a wide range of tires that are purpose-built to do the job. Their unique 5 rib pattern, biting edges, siping, and integrated tread design all work together to improve overall tire performance under various situations.
Range
This tire manufacturer offers a diverse selection of goods. Sumitomo has a model for everyone, whether you drive a tiny passenger car, a sports car, or an SUV. Sumitomo provides an excellent balance of quality and affordability across the board.
This extends to its sub-brands, and it will be tough to find another tire manufacturer with a comparable range of quality options.
Benefits of Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire
The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has a unique tire tread that is tough and open in form. A closer examination of the tread design reveals jagged center blocks and exposed shoulders. These characteristics enable the tire to gain better traction in a variety of terrains and to generate quality stability for increased smoothness.
The tire’s broad grooves enable the efficient evacuation of surplus water. Irregular sipes increase grip for better traction in snow and rain.
The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has a maximum load capacity of 2,094 lbs. In this review, At its maximum weight, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire retains all of its characteristics and benefits. Quiet driving, good traction, and a firm grip will not be compromised by a large load.
What are the Maintenance Indicators for the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire?
In this review, The Sumitomo Encounter AT employs commonly used wear bars within the tire grooves. These indicators are fairly basic and can only tell you when the tread depth meets the legal minimum, which is 2/32-inch (1.6) for all-season tires.
However, in my opinion, that is insufficient for an all-terrain tire for two reasons. The biggest one is off-road capability – 2/32 inches is insufficient for solid traction on slick terrain, which means you’ll need to change the tires sooner if you frequently drive on the path.
The second difficulty is that the minimum permissible tread depth for winter driving (in most parts of the world) is 5/32 inches (4 mm). You won’t know when the tread reaches that depth with the Encounter AT.
To Sumitomo’s credit, most competitors use the same tread wear indicators. Still, the year is 2023, and I believe tire manufacturers should begin putting user-friendly features into their products. For the time being, you’ll have to rely on an inexpensive tread depth gauge to get an exact reading of the depth of each groove in your tire.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Technology
- A non-directional tread with five ribs.
- The 5-rib tread pattern improves driving stability. Its unique design also protects the tire from uneven wear and strain.
- Deep circumferential grooves: The unique grooves of the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire improve the tire’s grip and performance.
Optimized Tread Pattern
The tread pattern’s qualities and technologies generate vehicle balance. Well-balanced vehicles provide an excellent driving experience. This improves top-tier steering and handling responsiveness.
Variable-width Shoulder Lugs
Customized lugs eliminate debris from the tire’s tread. Debris might comprise rocks, sand, and other materials. Clean treads provide better traction. Grips contribute to balance, smoothness, and stability. This is the foundation of the all-terrain experience.
3D Wave Sipes
Sumitomo Encounter AT tires use 3D wave sipe technology to optimize traction and performance in diverse weather conditions and terrain types.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Construction
The innermost layer contains the tire’s bones, which give support when needed. The second layer then serves as a casing.
The casing contributes to smooth driving. The third layer is concerned with the tire’s stability. The third layer of the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has stiff steel belts reinforcing it. The belts ensure optimal handling and rigidity. The fourth layer aims to stabilize the vehicle’s load distribution, resulting in an optimal and smooth driving experience.
How Does the Sumitomo Encounter AT on Dry Roads?
On dry tarmac, the Encounter AT is a respectable performer, with good steering feel, surefooted handling, and solid grip, even when loaded.
This shocked me because cheaper all-terrain tires typically sacrifice on-road performance to get the best off-road traction possible. But not the Encounter AT. Sumitomo’s all-terrain tire isn’t the finest in its class, but it’s a steal for the money.
For example, despite its lack of responsiveness, the tire delivers a strong steering feel, making it easy to drive on curvy roads. Meanwhile, the outstanding on-center feel and straight-line tracking make driving on the highway enjoyable, even on prolonged trips.
There’s also plenty of traction; the Encounter AT has some of the lowest braking distances in the category and doesn’t skid during rapid acceleration. The lateral grip is likewise excellent for the category and more than adequate at this price point.
Even if you load your truck with big goods or tow a huge trailer, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has you covered. The sidewalls appear to be strong enough to support a lot of weight, and the highway stability is not affected. Of course, all “driving with a trailer attached” restrictions still apply, so proceed with caution.
How does the Sumitomo Encounter AT perform on wet and slick roads?
Wet traction is one of the Sumitomo Encounter AT’s strong points, as it delivers adequate traction for an all-terrain tire while being easy to drive in the wet.
Another surprise for me was that a budget tire performed as well as, if not better than, certain premium choices. Cheaper tires typically perform poorly in rainy weather, but the Encounter AT once again punches above its weight.
With this tire, I rarely fought for traction in the wet. It accelerates quickly and has some of the shortest braking distances in the class, all while delivering plenty of lateral grip. Furthermore, due to its balanced handling and predictable behavior at the limit, driving rapidly on wet roads is extremely safe.
Because of the vast void area and deep grooves, hydroplaning should not be an issue. This tire will effortlessly cut through puddles while keeping you planted and safe.
With That Considered, How Does the Sumitomo Encounter AT on Icy Roads?
In this review, the Sumitomo Encounter AT performs admirably in light snow, but it cannot substitute a winter tire in more severe weather circumstances. Some of its all-terrain competitors are better, but only somewhat, and they are usually more expensive.
Like any other all-season tire, you’ll need to decide whether the snow traction it provides is adequate for your needs. Not everyone experiences harsh winter weather, and modern all-season tires, such as the 3PMSF-branded Encounter AT, are ideal for those who do.
You’ll have little trouble driving in light snow, thanks to the Encounter AT’s excellent acceleration, braking, and steering. Sure, you’ll have to drive more slowly than you would with winter tires on your truck, but that’s true of most all-terrain tires.
Those who experience extreme winter road conditions, such as thick snow, ice, and snow storms, should avoid the Sumitomo experience AT. Despite having the 3PMSF symbol, this tire just does not have enough traction to keep you safe.
It’s similar to unpacked snow, which you can face while off-roading, though to a lesser extent. The Encounter AT, in particular, can dig through snow, although not as effectively as some of its more aggressive competitors, such as the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W.
Is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Suited for Driving Off-Road?
If you’re coming from highway all-season tires, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire will be a major step forward in terms of off-roading. There are superior all-terrain options, including some similarly priced models, if you are more serious about traveling to faraway regions.
Even if your off-road adventures are limited to dirt and gravel, you’ll be pleased with the performance. There is enough traction available, and the housing appears to be strong enough. I also did not see any chipping on the tread, although the stone rejection may be improved. If the trails are cluttered with small stones, you may need to clean the tread afterward.
However, the Encounter AT struggles on more difficult trails. While this tire will provide some grip in shallow mud, deep mud is out. Furthermore, even after deflating the tires, you will struggle to surmount larger rocks. While you should have no trouble driving on dry grass, your truck/SUV will struggle to gain traction on wet grass.
These concerns aren’t unique to the Encounter AT; any other “mild” all-terrain tire will struggle on difficult terrain. Heavy hitters such as the Continental TerrainContact A/T and Michelin LTX A/T2 are both decent for off-roading and give excellent on-road traction. It’s not surprising, then, that the Encounter AT suffers in mud and over huge boulders.
Is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Equipped With a Run-Flat?
No, the Encounter AT is neither a run-flat tire nor does Sumitomo offer them in North America. However, because no other tiremaker makes an all-terrain run-flat tire, the Encounter AT does not suffer from this limitation.
In this review, the Sumitomo Encounter AT isn’t the smoothest or quietest all-terrain tire on the market, but it’s also not uncomfortable or noisy.
The cabin is easily pervaded by a steady, high-pitched noise that, while not particularly loud, is more noticeable at higher speeds. The ride isn’t too rough, but there is secondary movement after the Encounter AT hits a larger bump, which causes reverberations in the cabin.
Nonetheless, given the category, I believe most users will be pleased with how the Encounter AT performs in terms of comfort. Sure, versions like the Continental TerrainContact A/T and General Grabber APT will perform better, but Sumitomo’s all-terrain tire is enough for most individuals.
Sumitomo Encounters A/T Competitors and Alternatives
When compared to popular tire manufacturer models such as the Falken WildPeak A/T3W and General Grabber A/TX, the Sumitomo Encounter AT specifications easily won. However, the other two had advantages as well:
- Sumitomo Encounter AT is the most powerful and competitive all-around challenger (not only in this group but also in comparison to the tire market average). In most of the terrain we tested, its traction was consistent and unwavering. However, hydroplaning resistance and cornering stability could be improved to match the tire’s exceptional wet and dry traction.
- Falken WildPeak AT3W was the most composed of the bunch, with decisive, smoother cuts that seemed polished beneath the independent blocks. Nonetheless, some additional improvements to the steering response would be appreciated.
- General Grabber A/TX stood out from the crowd thanks to its well-tuned handling on dry and even snowy terrain. Attempting to assess more grips on wet surfaces, on the other hand, was a waste of time.
Available Tire Sizes of Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire
Sumitomo Encounter AT tires are available for a variety of light vehicles and SUVs with rim diameters ranging from 15″ to 20″. Here is a list of some of the sizes that are currently available:
225/75R16E
235/70R16T
235/70R17T
235/75R15T
235/75R17T
235/80R17E
235/85R16E
245/65R17T
245/70R16T
245/70R17E
245/70R17T
245/75R16E
245/75R16T
245/75R17E
255/65R17T
255/70R16T
255/70R17T
255/70R18T
265/60R18T
265/60R20E
265/65R17T
265/65R18T
265/70R16T
265/70R18E
265/70R18T
265/75R16E
265/75R16T
275/55R20T
275/60R20T
275/65R18E
275/65R18T
275/65R20E
275/70R18E
285/55R20E
285/60R20E
285/65R18E
285/70R17E
285/70R17T
285/75R16E
305/55R20E
31-1050R15C
315/70R17E
325/60R20D
325/65R18E
35-1250R20E
What Is the Warranty for the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire?
In this review, On all sizes, including the heavy-duty LT-metric variants, the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. The price is especially impressive, considering that this is one of the longest warranties available for an all-terrain tire. Owners are likewise pleased with the tread life, with the majority reporting consistent wear during the first few years of use.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Customer Feedback
Sumitomo Encounter AT tires are popular among customers due to the value they provide. Many people are pleasantly pleased by the riding quality and performance they deliver. Tires were used in certain situations during all four seasons and in a range of weather conditions. Owners claimed that they performed admirably in these situations. Others have reported that the tires perform well in wet and very wet weather, with deep treads providing strong resistance to hydroplaning even at high speeds. Customers noticed some wear difficulties, although they were early in the tire’s life and were replaced under warranty. The tire was found to be pleasing by owners in general, and they would suggest it. Many will be returning consumers.
Are Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Appropriate for Me?
First and foremost, if you drive a sedan, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire may not be suitable for your vehicle. In this review, The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire is designed for crossover vehicles, SUVs, and compact pickup trucks. However, there may be other Sumitomo models that can meet the needs of a small vehicle.
Aside from that drawback, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire is worth considering. The Sumitomo brand takes pride in being an all-purpose tire.
The public has spoken. It is suitable for most terrains, and its attributes have been highlighted to deliver quality and excellence. Its distinctive patterns, edges, and blocks add to its characteristics and benefits. The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire has unrivaled durability.
How Long Is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire Expected to Last?
Sumitomo, like most businesses, has established itself as a manufacturer of long-lasting tire goods. Their warranty policies reflect this. For example, the business provides a five-year limited tread life warranty or the first 60,000 miles of tire use.
The homogeneity warranty only covers the first 2/32″ of tread wear. It also has a five-year workmanship and material defect warranty after purchase. All tire items are eligible for a 30-day free return policy.
Tread wear indicators in the shape of tiny rubber strips inserted in circumferential grooves are standard on Encounter A/T tires.
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire FAQs
What exactly is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire?
The Sumitomo Encounter AT is an all-terrain tire made for trucks and SUVs. It is designed to perform well both on and off the road, making it suited for a wide range of driving circumstances.
Is there a mileage warranty on Sumitomo Encounter AT tires?
Some Sumitomo Encounter AT models may include a mileage guarantee that covers a certain number of miles traveled. This varies depending on tire size and manufacturer, so make sure to read the warranty information for the tires you’re interested in.
What kind of care do Sumitomo Encounter AT tires require?
Regular inflation checks, tire rotations, and visual examinations for damage or signs of wear are all part of proper tire care. To ensure the longevity and performance of your tires, adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance regimen.
In what conditions does the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire perform?
The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire performs admirably in wet, dry, and snowy situations. The wide circumferential grooves and aggressive tread pattern aid in wet traction, while the strong sidewalls and quick handling make it an excellent choice for dry driving. The Encounter AT tire is also Mud+Snow (M+S) rated, indicating that it is intended for use in snow and mud.
What is the Sumitomo Encounter AT Tire warranty?
For metric and LT sizes, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty. It also includes a 2-year roadside assistance plan with 24/7 coverage and a 1-year tire road hazard protection plan.
Are Sumitomo tires safe to use?
Sumitomo is a reputable tire producer that ranks among the top ten global tire businesses. They have a reputation for creating tires that are good value for money and offer a wide choice of tires for different sorts of vehicles and driving conditions.
Do Sumitomo tires go flat?
Sumitomo tires cannot run flat. Even after being punctured, run-flat tires are designed to be driven for a limited distance (usually 50 miles) at low speeds. Sumitomo tires lack this functionality.
Are Sumitomo tires suitable for the rain?
Yes, Sumitomo tires perform well in the rain. The aggressive tread design and large circumferential grooves serve to drain water away from the tire for greater wet traction. The Sumitomo Encounter AT tire also has the Mud+Snow (M+S) grade, indicating that it is intended for usage in snow and mud, as well as in wet circumstances.
Conclusion
In this review, the Sumitomo Encounter AT tire took on off-road obstacles with confidence while maintaining great treadwear and riding comfort. Even at its weakest aspect, ice traction, it outperforms a wide spectrum of popular competitors.
To summarize our Sumitomo Encounter AT tire reviews, you can rely on this no. 1 off-road all-terrain tire to quench your thirst for sporty driving sensations in almost any road condition and with any car or light truck, guaranteed at an affordable price that does not bite too deeply into your budget.