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Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST (Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology) tires are self-supporting run-flat Performance Winter / Snow tires developed for sports cars, coupes and sedans that come from the factory equipped with low profile tires mounted on large diameter alloy wheels. SP Winter Sport 3D DSST tires offer temporary extended mobility in the event a puncture allows complete pressure loss. They are designed to provide dry, wet and snow-covered road competence by delivering traction throughout winter’s cold temperatures.
The SP Winter Sport 3D DSST utilizes Dunlop’s reactive silica mixing process to enable its tread compound to provide high elasticity at low temperatures resulting in dependable grip in winter driving conditions. This compound is molded into a directional tread design that reduces the chances of hydroplaning and helps maintain good traction on wet and slush-covered roads. Three different types of high-density sipes define three distinct traction zones in one tire. The central tread blocks feature “pulling” sipes to provide traction while accelerating and braking, especially on ice and in snow. The intermediate blocks use high-amplitude sipes to enhance lateral stability and control in wet and slushy conditions. And finally, the 3D sipes in the shoulder blocks interlock to increase dry road stability and handling while continuing to offer the flexibility necessary to grip snow and ice. The SP Winter Sport 3D DSST tire’s structure includes twin steel belts reinforced by Dunlop’s JointLess Band (JLB) of nylon to optimize the contact patch and minimize tire growth at high speeds. DSST tires incorporate special sidewall reinforcements that support the weight of the vehicle even after sustaining air pressure losses that would render conventional tires unusable. Designed to be run on while flat for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 55 mph, DSST tires provide drivers temporary extended mobility and the opportunity to drive away from stormy weather and dangerous situations.
NOTE: DSST tires are only recommended for vehicles originally equipped with self-supporting run-flat tires and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST winter / snow radials meet the industry’s severe snow service requirements and are branded with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
Install Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST tires in sets of four only.
Do not mix radial winter / snow tires with tires of other construction, size, ply rating or pattern type. Dunlop highly recommends fitment of four winter / snow tires of the same type and rating for optimum mud and snow traction as well as maintenance of vehicle handling characteristics.
Founder at Tiresout. Used to be working as an engineer at Bridgestone Tires Akron Technical Center. The responsibilities included but were not limited to technical computing, indoor & outdoor testing of new tires.
Recent trip to NH we saw 6″ of snow fall over a 4-hour period while we were parked for dinner. When we came out, it was still snowing….brushed off the car, turned off DTC (traction control) and this RWD car motored through unplowed streets that had not been plowed without drama. On plowed streets, hard pack snow was no problem, icy roads brought no fear. Braking, steering acceleration were all solid. Glad they were run flats…trunk was packed full and wouldn’t have wanted to pull over to change tires in those conditions. Don’t think the run flats are much harder than go-flats…my comparison is with the same tire in a go-flat version on my Saab 95 Aero…I’m a happy consumer…so far.
Three winters and 28,000 plus miles later these tires are finally worn out. I drive to the mountains of New England to ski just about every weekend from mid December to April and have never been stuck with these tires, and even driving thru 8+ inches of snow with no problem. I routinely passed 4 wheel drive vehicles on the hills in VT and NH last year even thought the tires had 20,000+ miles on them. They are a noisy tire but compared to other “SNOW” tires they are about the same noise level. Ride is harsher than that of a non run flat but that is also part of the deal when running “run flat” tires. I will put up with the slightly harsher ride to avoid having to change a tire on the side of the highway at night in a snow storm (I have had to do that in the past and it was not fun).I also used these tires on my BMW 525iT Wagon and they did a great job on that car as well so when I purchased the MINI is selected these and they have preformed well above my expectations.I would definitely recommend this tire to anyone who lives in an area were they get snow.
Overall great tire. Wear is even and minimal. Handling like a summer tire. Very good traction in heavy snow Minnesota winter in 2010-2011. Somewhat hard riding but that’s the Mini Cooper S and probably not the tire. The car has always been hard riding whatever run flat tire I’ve had on it. Would definitely buy this tire again.
Last winter during the blizzard (Feb 10′) I had the OEM Conti Pro All-Season’s and stop/go lights or signs seemed to trouble my initial acceleration causing the tires to heavily spin. I’ve driven the Dunlop Sport 3D ROF for about 1000 miles this winter. Everything has improved and I’m happy about the tires. There is a comforting grip through lane changes during wet/slushy conditions. Satisfaction, initial accelerations where conditions range from a dusting of snow to an accumulation of less than 1″ under my spirited feet have not been troublesome due to tire spin. I’ve yet to compare heavier snow or icier conditions simply because they’ve yet to drop this winter. I always like to find a nice secluded parking lot after one inch or two of snow to learn and understand the responsiveness (e.g. cornering & centripetal stability) of the vehicle under more hazardous conditions. If this winter provides these delicate conditions I’ll post an update. Otherwise as a Pittsburgh, PA winter driver I would recommend these tires under the experienced conditions.
Just swapped my low profile summer tires and 17 inch rims for 16 inch rims and Dunlop Winter Sports. I had a similar set in 2006-07 with my last Cooper and I remember it made my car into a virtual snowmobile. We had a lot of snow that year. I am very happy with the handling, comfort and little road noise. I avoided answering some of the survey questions as I have only been driving these tires for 24hrs. I have hit several potholes and rough pavement and they hold my path well. The high performance summer tires that came with my car are good for roads with no broken pavement but not for most driving in the Boston area where potholes will swallow you up. I am very happy with these and feel the price was well worth it.
I’ve been running these tires since after the first snow of last winter; my sport all-season tires wouldn’t take the mini up a steep grade of light snow, so I had to invest in a second set of tires (and wheels). I downgraded the wheel diameter to 16″ & opted for runflats, since the MINI does not have a spare. I even ran them through the summer out of laziness and have not seen significant tread wear. I live in New England, just outside of Boston. I see quite a variety of snow conditions. I highly recommend these tires. I’m going to rotate them soon & measure tread wear, but they do great in rain, dry, and light snow. Heavy snow is decent, but that is because the MINI is so light.
Superb winter tire, simply fantastic. I’m using it on fairly powerful RWD car, tons of snow in the area every year. Never skipped or postponed a trip, zero issues finding grip no matter the conditions or the temperature out there. It’s pricey, and it wears somewhat fast, for most people it’s probably good for 2, maybe 3 winters. Quiter on dry and wet pavement than other winter tires I owned (Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Michelin X-Ice xi2) and definitively better performance tire than either. Nokian is just as good or better on snow and ice, will last significantly longer, less expensive but noticeably louder on dry and wet pavement. I’m in general not a fan of run flat tires, but this Dunlop tire is just great.