Cooper Zeon RS3-A Tire Review & Rating
The Cooper Zeon RS3-A is the company’s newest ultra-high performance all-season model that is designed for all types of sport coupes and sedans. With the newest Cooper tire technology, this UHP tire is engineered to compete with the likes of other top models such as Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3, BFGoodrich Comp-2 A/S and Continental DWS06 among others.
The RS3-A uses an advanced silica tread compound that is designed to stand up to all season road conditions, while the asymmetric tread pattern sports a larger footprint that increases the contact patch with the road. Add in a stiffer sidewall and the results are better overall dry handling and traction, as well as more even treadwear.
Unique 3-D Micro Gauge Siping all around the tire enhance stability and add more biting edges to improve traction on wet or snow covered roads. Two wide circumferential grooves and a solid continuous center rib combine to increase hydroplane resistance and provide increased steering response.
Something you will notice right away when driving on the Zeon RS3-A is how quiet and smooth the tire is. This is due in part to the offset shoulder to intermediate grooves and larger tread elements that are fused together. Cooper has done an admirable job in reducing the outside road noise.
Inside the tread are two steel belts that are spirally wrapped with nylon for added strength and stability at higher speeds. Sizes ranging from 16-20 inches are available, and you’ll find V or W-speed ratings. Cooper backs the RS3-A with a 40,000 mile tread warranty.
Pros
- Dry and wet traction and cornering grip are excellent
- One of the smoothest driving UHP all-season tires
- Outstanding wet braking performance
- Solid value and performance at a lower cost
Cons
- Would like to see a bit more treadlife
Overall Thoughts
Simply stated, we feel the Zeon RS3-A is one of the top ranked high performance all-season models on the market today. It compares favorably to several other top rated tires in this category. Grip on dry, wet and even light snow covered roads is excellent, and braking performance is outstanding for tires in this class. Ride comfort is good, and we found this tire to deliver a smooth and quiet ride.
Treadlife is pretty good on this model, although we would like to see just a bit more. It can be a bit shorter than expected if you are someone who likes to push your tires hard on a regular basis. Cooper does include a 40,000 mile warranty.
Overall, it’s easy to see why others like Consumer Reports has given this tire such a positive recommendation. Cooper has an excellent UHP all-season tire in the RS3-A.
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What Vehicles Will The Cooper RS3-A Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Acura TSX, TL, RL, 3.2CL
- Audi A4, A6, TT
- BMW Z4, 3 Series, 5 Series
- Cadillac CTS
- Chevy Camaro
- Ford Fusion, Mustang
- Honda Civic, Accord
- Hyundai Azera, Genesis
- Infiniti G35
- Mazda 6 Speed, 3, RX-8
- Mercedes-Benz E300
- Mini Cooper
- Nissan 370Z, Maxima, Sentra
- Scion xD
- Subaru Impreza, Legacy 2.5 GT
- Volvo V70
Tire Sizes
16″
205/55R16 91W BLK
215/55R16 93W BLK
225/50R16 92W BLK
225/55R16 85W BLK
245/50R16 97W BLK
17″
205/40R17XL 84W BLK
205/45R17 84W BLK
205/50R17XL 93W BLK
215/45R17XL 91W BLK
215/50R17XL 95W BLK
215/55R17XL 98W BLK
225/45R17XL 94W BLK
225/50R17XL 98W BLK
235/45R17 94W BLK
235/50R17 96W BLK
235/55R17 99W BLK
245/45R17 95W BLK
255/40R17 94W BLK
275/40R17 98W BLK
18″
225/50R18 95W BLK
235/50R18 97W BLK
215/45R18 93W XL BLK
225/45R18 95W XL BLK
245/45R18 96W BLK
255/45R18 103W XL BLK
265/45R18 101W BLK
225/40R18 92W XL BLK
235/40R18 95W XL BLK
245/40R18 97W XL BLK
255/35R18 90W BLK
275/35R18 95W BLK
19″
245/50R19 105W XL BLK
245/45R19 98W BLK
245/40R19 94W BLK
255/40R19 100W XL BLK
275/40R19 105W XL BLK
255/35R19 96W XL BLK
275/35R19 100W XL BLK
20″
245/45R20 103W XL BLK
255/45R20 101W BLK
245/40R20 99W XL BLK
Price Range
Cooper Zeon RS3-A prices range from approximately $84 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discounts, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Click Here To Find Current Prices On All Cooper RS3-A Tire Sizes
Warranty
Cooper provides a 5-year or 40,000 mile treadlife warranty on the Zeon RS3-A. The mileage is reduced to 20,000 miles if you have different tire sizes on the front than on the back. There is also a first 2/32 inch tire uniformity guarantee as well.
Materials and workmanship are covered for 5 years and include free tire replacement during the first year or first 25% of tread wear. The amount is then prorated down to the final 2/32 inch of tread on the tire.
You will also find a 45-day test drive guarantee on this particular model.
Share this review
2011 Cadillac CTS. I live in Florida so I only deal with heavy rain and hot/humid conditions (no snow or ice). I drive about 70% Interstate Highway and 30% City. I have had this car aligned twice over the span of these tires. I had the tires rotated every 5000 miles. I maintained the air pressure regularly from 35-37 PSI. The BAD NEWS, after 18,200 miles, the tread was worn IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TIRE, DOWN TO THE WEAR BARS on all (4) tires. The outer edges were slightly better. They rode good, handled good in wet and dry and they were not noisy. But only 18,200 MILES on a tire rated for 40-45,000 with proper maintenance?
I spent $850 on these set of (4) Coopers and only got 18,000 miles out of them. Bottom line, no more COOPERS for me. Who can afford $850 for 18,000 miles? Not me. I am VERY DISAPPOINTED with the lack of life in this tire.
I bought BF Goodrich Comp-2s to replace them. Hope they last longer than 18,200 mlles.
I drive 2007 Lexus is 250rwd the tire have good grip on the road though haven’t tried it in the snow but I get alot of road noise and it annoying but in the rain and dry it grips extremely well.
Hello All,
I have a 1989 Black Corvette convertible and Cooper RS3-A tires are great! I switched from directional to Asymmetric because of not great handling and noise levels were well too loud. The Zeon RS3-A tires were great in wet or dry conditions. Oh as a Corvette owner the cornering and G-force held to the road. I don’t have a lead foot but when you want out of the gate performance without wheel spin well all I could do was grin on how well and confident these tires made me feel. To all Corvette owners I whole hardheartedly recommend Zeon RS3-A and RS3-S Ultra High Performance all season Radials for that high performance driving experience you won’t regret.
I put these on my Nissan 370Z to replace Yokohama Advan Sports. I was increasingly uncomfortable with the Yokohamas in highway driving and commuting anytime there was rain or (in our area) unexpected light snow. I feel much safer with the Coopers – probably not the top choice if I was going to be going to the track but definitely better driving to work.
I’ve had uneven wear on the inside edge of my rear tires. I don’t push the car at all and usually get more miles on the tires than advertised. These are on a 2010 Volkswagen Jetta. The dealer has aligned the car front and rear, tires have been re-balanced. The only way I can get rid of the vibration is to put them back on the rear.These tires have inside and outside markings on the tires,(which tire installers ignored) one tire is mounted with the inside out and it appears to be wearing the best. Very disappointed in these tires they are only approaching 30K miles.
Bought these Cooper RS3A’s for my Mustang GT about eight months ago and couldn’t be happier. I have a lead foot at times and I love how these tires do not easily break loose. Living in Kansas we see a fair amount of snow and this winter has been no different. But I have to say that the tires have performed well. I haven’t gotten stuck or spun out. Very pleased with my decision.
How’s the ride? Stiff or bouncey?