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Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review

Sumitomo Tires is one of the most successful and influential tire manufacturers today. The brand has earned its current status, thanks to the innovative design and exceptional quality of its products. The company ships its tires globally to the satisfaction and benefit of many drivers.

Much like the brand has conquered the world, the Sumitomo Encounter AT conquers all terrains. The model has also gained favor among off-road enthusiasts for its quality and the features it offers. To learn more about this model, stay with us as we explore it in this Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review.

Quick Review

  • Season: All Weather
  • Type: All Terrain
  • Car Type: SUVs, Light Trucks
  • Run Flat: No
  • Warranty: 60,000 miles
Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Average RatingSumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Average Rating

Review of Characteristics

The Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review would not be complete without an image that shows the tire's performance rating:

Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Performance RatingsSumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Performance Ratings

All Terrain Performance

The Sumitomo Encounter AT sports an aggressive tread design, allowing the model to safely traverse soft, loose, and uneven surfaces. The staggered blocks and their numerous biting edges make sure the tire closely follows versatile terrains while also boosting forward motion. The notches and the special shoulder design enhance the tire's performance while off-roading.

The tire is also internally strengthened to withstand the off-road drive and the challenges it provides. Additionally, the tread pattern is optimized to promote great self-cleaning capability. The moderate void ratio and the lateral grooves enable the model to eject snow, mud, and rocks from the footprint. In this manner, the tire's surface contact is not cut off on different terrains, securing maximum traction on the driving surface.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - All Terrain PerformanceSumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - All Terrain Performance

All Weather Road Grip

Unlike its sister tire, the Sumitomo Encounter HT, which provides all season traction, the Sumitomo Encounter AT delivers superb all weather performance. The Encounter AT uses the ideal ratio to safely traverse dry surfaces, while the snow- and ice-covered roads are conquered, thanks to different biting edges along the tread area. The model's summer and winter applications are further increased, due to powerful compound materials that keep the rubber flexible in hot and cold temperatures, guaranteeing a superior year-round grip.

The particular placement of blocks and the open shoulders help combat a dangerous road hazard known as hydroplaning. The tire's groove pattern actively channels slush and water from underneath the footprint to retain its gripping power on wet roads. This enhances the driving safety levels. As a result of the ideal tread pattern, the model grants exceptional traction on dry, wet, and winter roads.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - All Weather Road GripSumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - All Weather Road Grip

Enhanced Handling

This model guarantees excellent controllability and maneuvering. The central tread elements maintain the model's constant connection with the driving surface. This constant contact improves driving stability and steering capability. In other words, the sturdy construction and the ability to evenly circulate driving pressure across the footprint preserve the Encounter AT's structural integrity. At the same time, the detailed tread area makes sure the tire is fast and accurate when responding to the driver's steering commands.

The chunky shoulder blocks and their sipes work as one to upgrade cornering, for safer maneuvering. The model benefits from the ideal tread ratio, the big blocks, and the extra biting edges since they generate friction, allowing this Sumitomo tire to promote better braking. As a result, these elements deliver great handling on- and off-road.

Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Enhanced HandlingSumitomo Encounter AT Tires Review - Enhanced Handling

Elongated Service Life

The Encounter AT secures a prolonged tread life with the particular tread pattern. The big central blocks and the wide shoulder elements add to the footprint's stability. This is further boosted as tie bars link the shoulder blocks. The tread's stability, the close surface contact, and the strengthened structure enable the model to evenly circulate pressure along the footprint, minimizing the chance of uneven wear. The optimized void area keeps the tread area clean, preventing stone retention in the process and lengthening the tire usage.

While the Sumitomo Encounter AT sports different elements to combat irregular wear formations, this is not all that the tire offers. The model comes with a 60,000 treadwear warranty that acts as a testament to the model's design, quality, and longevity. As such, the off-roaders can enjoy their adventures, for extended periods.

Sumitomo Encounter AT TIres Review - Elongated Service LifeSumitomo Encounter AT TIres Review - Elongated Service Life
Sumitomo Ecounter AT Tires Review - Sumitomo Ecounter AT TireSumitomo Ecounter AT Tires Review - Sumitomo Ecounter AT Tire
Sumitomo Encounter AT

Pros

  • All terrain traction
  • All weather drive
  • Superb controllability
  • Quiet on-road performance
  • Prolonged tread life
  • 60,000 treadwear warranty

Cons

  • The tire is not designed for passenger cars
  • It is not intended for high speed performance

Expert's Opinion

The Sumitomo Encounter AT is a tire created for people who want to disregard weather conditions and seasons as the factors that limit their driving experience. Off-roaders will also appreciate what this tire has to offer – great performance on versatile surfaces that is prolonged due to the ideal tread design, better durability, and the 60,000 mileage warranty.

However, this model is not manufactured for passenger cars. As such, some drivers might feel left out of the excellence that Encounter AT provides. Furthermore, its compound blend and durability cannot withstand high speed drive, which is sad news for seekers of adrenaline rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Makes Sumitomo Encounter AT?


Sumitomo Rubber Industries manufactures the Sumitomo Encounter AT. The company has conquered the world with its quality tires that come at affordable prices. The brand makes passenger, SUV, and light truck tires for versatile applications.

Are Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Good In The Rain?


The Sumitomo Encounter AT is a great tire for rainy roads due to its optimized groove pattern and open shoulder area. They eject water and slush from underneath the tire to maximize the wet road grip, lowering the possibility of hydroplaning.

How Long Do Sumitomo Encounter AT Tires Last?


As the Sumitomo Encounter AT comes with a 60,000 miles treadwear warranty, the manufacturer guarantees that the tires will last at least this much. However, road conditions, driving style, and maintenance greatly impact the tire's longevity and usability.

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