When you’re looking for new tires, knowing where they’re made can be a big factor. For drivers who prioritize domestic manufacturing, it’s good to know about the 5 Cooper Tire models manufactured in the USA. This guide will walk you through each model, where they’re built, and what they’re best for.
Cooper has a strong heritage in American tire manufacturing, with several plants across the country. While not all their tires are made domestically, a select group of popular lines are proudly built in the United States. This focus on local production helps support jobs and can sometimes mean shorter supply chains.
The 5 Cooper Tire Models Manufactured in the USA
Here is the complete list of Cooper tire lines that are currently produced in Cooper’s United States facilities. Availability of specific sizes may vary, but these model lines have consistent US production.
* Cooper Discoverer
* Cooper Endeavor
* Cooper Evolution
* Cooper CS5
* Cooper Cobra
Let’s take a closer look at each one, starting with there most famous American-made line.
1. Cooper Discoverer Series
The Discoverer line is Cooper’s flagship family of light truck and SUV tires. It’s renowned for its durability and performance in various conditions. Many of these tires are built at Cooper’s plant in Findlay, Ohio, a facility with a long history.
This series includes models for all-season highway driving, rugged all-terrain, and serious mud-terrain use. They are a top choice for pickup truck and SUV owners.
Key models in the Discoverer family made in the USA include:
* Discoverer AT3 4S: An all-terrain tire designed for year-round use, even in light snow.
* Discoverer SRX: A highway all-season tire focused on comfort and tread life.
* Discoverer STT Pro: A aggressive mud-terrain tire for off-road enthusiasts.
2. Cooper Endeavor
The Cooper Endeavor is a touring all-season tire designed for crossover vehicles, SUVs, and minivans. It’s built to provide a quiet, comfortable ride and reliable all-weather traction. Production for this line takes place in the USA.
It’s a great option for drivers who want a smooth daily driving experience. The tread pattern is engineered to minimize road noise, which is a common concern with taller vehicles.
Main features of the Endeavor include:
* Long-lasting tread life warranty.
* Good wet weather braking performance.
* A focus on fuel efficiency through its compound design.
3. Cooper Evolution
The Evolution series is Cooper’s performance and ultra-high-performance all-season line for coupes, sedans, and sports cars. Certain sizes within the Evolution Tour and Evolution Winter models are produced domestically.
These tires aim to give you responsive handling without sacraficing comfort. They use specialized tread compounds that stay flexible in cooler temperatures for better grip.
Consider the Evolution series if you need:
* Precise steering response for sporty driving.
* Year-round capability with the all-season models.
* A tire that works well on both dry and wet roads.
4. Cooper CS5
The Cooper CS5 Grand Touring tire is another all-season option built for passenger cars and crossovers. It’s manufactured in the United States and emphasizes a balance of comfort, longevity, and value.
It’s a very popular tire for everyday commuters and families. The symmetric tread design helps promote even wear, which can extend the life of the tire.
Benefits of the CS5 line:
* Stable and confident feel on the highway.
* A price point that offers strong value.
* Reliable performance in rain and light snow conditions.
5. Cooper Cobra
A true classic, the Cooper Cobra line is all about muscle car style and performance. These tires are made in the USA and cater to drivers of vintage muscle cars, modern hot rods, and sporty cruisers.
They combine a iconic raised white letter sidewall look with modern radial technology. You get the aesthetic of a bygone era with today’s standards for handling and safety.
The Cobra family includes:
* Cobra Radial G/T: An all-season radial for classic looks and daily driving.
* Cobra Radial G/T H: A higher-speed rated version for enhanced performance.
* Cobra Ultra High Performance: For modern muscle cars needing maximum grip.
Why Choose a USA-Made Cooper Tire?
Selecting a tire built in America has several potential advantages. It’s not just about patriotism; there are practical benefits too.
First, it supports the local economy and American manufacturing jobs. Cooper employs thousands of workers at its US plants. Secondly, domestic production can sometimes lead to better availability of tires and faster delivery times to your local shop.
Finally, Cooper’s US facilities adhere to strict quality control standards. The company has invested heavily in these plants to ensure consistency and high quality in every tire they produce.
How to Verify Your Tires Are USA-Made
Don’t just take the salesperson’s word for it. You can easily check where a tire was manufactured yourself. Every tire sold in the United States has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code on its sidewall.
Here’s how to read it:
1. Find the code that begins with “DOT” on the tire’s sidewall.
2. Look at the final characters of that code. The last four numbers are the date code (week and year of manufacture).
3. The characters immediately before the date code are the plant code.
4. You can search online for “DOT plant code” lists to see which plants are in the USA. Codes for US-made Coopers often start with “U9” or include “YT”.
Cooper’s Main US Manufacturing Plants
Cooper operates several major factories in the United States. Knowing these locations helps you understand the scale of their domestic operations.
* Findlay, Ohio: One of Cooper’s largest and oldest plants, producing many light truck tires.
* Tupelo, Mississippi: A key facility for passenger and performance tires.
* Texarkana, Arkansas: Focuses on light truck and SUV tire production.
Matching the Right USA-Made Cooper to Your Vehicle
Choosing the correct model is crucial for safety and performance. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.
* For Pickup Trucks & SUVs (Off-Road): Look at the Discoverer AT3 4S or STT Pro.
* For Pickup Trucks & SUVs (Highway): The Discoverer SRX or Endeavor are excellent.
* For Crossovers & Minivans: The Endeavor or CS5 are perfect for comfort.
* For Sporty Cars & Sedans: The Evolution series offers the handling you need.
* For Classic Muscle Cars: The Cobra line is the only way to go for that authentic look.
Always double-check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the placard on your driver’s side door jamb for the recommended tire size and specifications.
Care and Maintenance for Your Cooper Tires
To get the most miles and safest performance from your new Cooper tires, follow these basic maintenance steps. Proper care makes a huge difference in how long they last.
First, check your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and hurt fuel economy. Second, get your wheels aligned regularly, especially after hitting a big pothole.
Finally, rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This promotes even tread wear across all four tires, extending there overall life. Most Cooper tires come with a treadwear warranty, but proper maintenance is required to keep it valid.
FAQ: Cooper Tires Made in the USA
Are all Cooper tires made in the USA?
No, not all Cooper tires are made in the USA. Cooper is a global company with factories in other countries, like England and China. However, the 5 model lines listed above have significant production in American plants.
How can I be sure I’m getting a USA-made Cooper tire?
The only sure way is to check the DOT code on the specific tire before it is installed. You can request this from your tire dealer. Sizes within a model line can sometimes be sourced from different plants.
What are the advantages of USA-made tires?
Potential advantages include supporting the domestic economy, possible better supply chain availability, and adherence to strict US quality and safety standards during manufacturing.
Do Cooper tires made in the USA cost more?
Not necessarily. Pricing is usually based on the tire model, size, and performance category rather than the country of origin. You often can find USA-made Cooper tires at very competitive price points.
Where are Cooper tires manufactured besides the USA?
Cooper also has manufacturing plants in Kunshan, China; and Melksham, England. Some tires sold in North America may come from these facilities, depending on the model and size.