Are you searching for a tire that delivers a smooth, quiet ride with confident all-season performance? The Cooper ProControl might be just what you need. But how does it compare to other grand touring options, and what trade-offs might you encounter?
Earning an overall score of 8.2/10, the Cooper ProControl offers precise dry pavement control, dependable rain performance, impressive longevity, and refined ride comfort. Still, reduced cold-weather confidence and stiffer ride quality should be weighed before purchasing.
Let’s examine the Cooper ProControl in detail to see if it’s the right choice for you. Our comparison includes the premium-tier Michelin CrossClimate2, the mid-priced Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the economical General AltiMAX RT45. Finally, we look at reported problems and lay out the performance metrics you need to know.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Price Comparison
| Tire | Price Category |
|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | Mid-Priced |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | Premium |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | Mid-Priced |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | Budget |
Wet Performance
| Tire | Hydroplaning Resistance | Wet Traction |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | 8.9 | 8.9 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.0 | 9.1 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 | 8.9 |
Dry Performance
| Tire | Corner Stability | Dry Traction | Steering Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.4 | 9.5 | 9.3 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.1 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
Winter/Snow Performance
| Tire | Light Snow Traction | Deep Snow Traction | Ice Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | 8.1 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.2 | 8.8 | 8.4 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.4 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.2 |
Comfort Performance
| Tire | Ride Quality | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | 8.6 | 8.2 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 | 8.6 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 9.1 | 8.7 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.9 | 8.7 |
Treadwear Performance
| Tire | Treadwear |
|---|---|
| Cooper ProControl | 8.7 |
| Michelin CrossClimate2 | 9.1 |
| Vredestein HiTrac All Season | 8.7 |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | 8.8 |
Detailed Review
Cooper ProControl
Customer Ratings
Overall Rating
8.2 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.5 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.4 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600-740
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: B-A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.1 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.5 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.0 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.2 of 10
Designed with everyday driving in mind, the Cooper ProControl delivers the refined ride quality that grand touring tires are known for. If you value comfort on long highway stretches and dependable grip in changing weather, this tire was made for you.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Cooper ProControl shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the Cooper ProControl provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Cooper ProControl provides a comfortable ride for most drivers. However, some users have noticed that the tire produces a slightly higher level of road noise, especially on paved surfaces. While the ride remains smooth, this extra noise might be noticeable on longer highway trips. Within the category, this level of ride comfort and noise control is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Cooper ProControl has a strong treadwear rating, which means it should last for many miles when maintained properly. Its durable design is built to handle varied conditions, and the warranty backs up the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger tread life and longevity than most of the competition.
Pros
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Durable treadwear for long-lasting use
- Balanced overall performance
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Limited long-term data due to newer market presence
- May not suit all driving styles
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Cooper ProControl offers good value as a mid-range tire. Its performance in key areas is stronger than most of the competition at a similar price, and solid tread life rounds out the package. While some rivals may edge it out in specific metrics, the overall balance of performance and cost makes it a worthwhile consideration for grand touring all-season drivers.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Cooper ProControl is a strong option if you value balanced performance and reliability. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and durability and shows good durability. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Cooper ProControl Problems
While the Cooper ProControl is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, faster than expected tread wear, and wet weather performance concerns. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment.
Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Cooper ProControl can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Cooper ProControl. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Wet Weather Concerns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have reported that the Cooper ProControl doesn’t inspire as much confidence in wet conditions as expected. Hydroplaning resistance and wet braking have been mentioned as areas where the tire could improve.
Road Noise
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Multiple drivers have reported that the Cooper ProControl produces noticeable road noise, especially at highway speeds. While some describe it as a low hum, others find it louder than expected compared to their previous tires.
The Bottomline
While the Cooper ProControl is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, shorter tread life, wet weather concerns have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Cooper ProControl Alternatives
While the Cooper ProControl is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Michelin CrossClimate2
Michelin CrossClimate2
Overall: A premium grand touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the ProControl’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the ProControl’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the ProControl.
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Overall: The Vredestein HiTrac All Season is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the ProControl’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the ProControl.
General AltiMAX RT45
General AltiMAX RT45
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the General AltiMAX RT45 offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the ProControl in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the ProControl’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the ProControl’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the ProControl.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Vredestein HiTrac All Season offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The General AltiMAX RT45 is a budget-friendly option that delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Cooper ProControl.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Cooper ProControl is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, and dependable treadwear. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise Less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Cooper ProControl offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the General AltiMAX RT45. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
