Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

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Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D Tire Review
Winter Tire

Voted as one of the best winter tires in recent surveys, the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is made to perform under all types of winter weathers and road conditions thanks to its trademark Active Traction Sipe System. 

With reactive silica compound mixed in the tread, the tire offers higher elasticity in low temperatures. This results in better grip, braking, and acceleration, as well as a smooth, even tread wear. Another great feature of the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is that it comes with a Run Flat version, which allows up to 50 miles (80km) of availability after it’s punctured or blown out. Just a warning, however, you can only install the run flat version if your car’s wheels are designed for run flat tires.

The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is available in a wide array of sizes. The tire width ranges from 195-275mm while the rim diameter ranges from 15-21”. This makes the tire available to a wide array of vehicles including sports cars, mid-range family cars, and bulky SUVs.

As earlier mentioned, this tire has gained recognition as one of the best winter tires in the market. This is further supported by the results it got from numerous tire tests such as the following:

• 1st: 2011 Auto Bild 4x4 Winter Tire Test (255/55 R18)
• 1st: 2010 Auto Bild Winter 4x4 Tire Test (215/65 r16)
• 1st: 2010 European Winter Tire Test Part 2 (185/65 r15)
• 1st: 2010 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test (245/45 r18)
• 3rd: 2010 European Winter Tire Test (225/45 r17)
  
  

Being a reliable tire for virtually all winter conditions, this snow radial is branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol. Its MSRP starts at $115 and varies depending on your size and vendor, which is a great value for this tire.

Tire Test Results

The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D has always been touted for its remarkable performance. However, through a personal test, we tried to discover if it lives up to all the hype that surrounds it. Here’s what we found out:
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Pros:

• The tire offers excellent grip in dry, wet, snow, ice, slush, and even muddy conditions.
• Stopping and traction are smooth and strong, allowing for better car control.
• The tire offers considerable amount of comfort, offering an easy ride for its drivers.
• Steering response and cornering are especially good in the snow and on ice.
  
  

Cons:

• The tire isn't as quiet as some models when used during the summer season, but this is to be expected from a winter tire such as this.

On the more technical side:
With its three crucial sipe sections, namely the central block, intermediate block, and shoulder 3D sipes, SP Winter Sport 3D is able to offer optimum performance regardless of the change in driving conditions. The central block features the “pulling” sipes, which provides traction as you accelerate and brake. On the other hand, the intermediate block enhances lateral handling and gives you more control on wet and slushy roads. Finally, the 3D sipes in the shoulder area are responsible for the tire’s improved stability, dry handling, and grip on snow and ice.

​Conclusion:
The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D is a great all around tire that offers superb grip and handling, specifically on wet and icy roads. Although it can be used in dry conditions, it is best to swap this tire out for a summer tire when the season changes. The price can be a bit steep for some (ranges from about $95 to $300 per tire depending on size) but the tire’s performance proves to be worth it. 

​Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D Tire Sizes (depends on vendor)

15"

195/65R15 91H

16"

205/55R16 91H
205/55R16 94V XL
215/55R16 97H XL
225/55R16 95H
205/60R16 92H
215/60R16 99H XL 
225/60R16 98H 
235/60R16 100H 
215/65R16 98H 

17"

245/40R17 95V XL
225/45R17 91H 
235/45R17 94H 
245/45R17 99H XL 
245/45R17 99V XL 
255/45R17 98V 
215/50R17 95V XL 
225/50R17 94H 
225/50R17 98H XL 
225/50R17 98V XL
215/55R17 98H XL 
225/55R17 97H 
235/55R17 99H 
235/55R17 103V XL 
235/65R17 104H 
235/65R17 108H 

18"

265/35R18 97V XL 
285/35R18 101W XL 
225/40R18 92V XL 
235/40R18 95V XL 
235/40R18 95W XL 
245/40R18 97V XL 
255/40R18 95V 
225/45R18 95V XL 
235/45R18 94V 
235/45R18 98H XL 
255/45R18 99V 
225/50R18 99H XL 
235/50R18 97V 
255/55R18 105H 
255/55R18 109V XL 
235/60R18 107H XL 

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19"

295/30R19 100W XL 
235/35R19 91W 
255/35R19 96V XL 
235/40R19 96V XL 
235/45R19 99V XL 
245/45R19 102V XL 
275/45R19 108V XL 
235/50R19 99H 
235/50R19 103H XL 
255/50R19 107H XL 
265/50R19 110V XL 
235/55R19 101V

20"

275/30R20 97W XL 
255/35R20 97W XL 
265/35R20 99V XL 
265/40R20 104V XL 
275/40R20 106V XL 
255/45R20 101V 
275/45R20 110V XL 

21"

275/35R21 103W XL