- A side note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire - Treadwell out. This is a tool that DiscountTire dealers use in the store. You can get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites.
TRIED & TESTED!
Falken Wildpeak AT3W is an all-terrain tire that has been built to perform on the toughest terrains. Lately, Wildpeak AT3W became one of the most popular tires in the market. Some even say it’s the best tire in the market. However, everybody has different expectations. In this article, I’ll evaluate Falken Wildpeak AT3W from every aspect, though, you’ll decide if it meets your expectations or not. Let’s begin!
At a Glance
| Falken Wildpeak AT3W | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Squishy and snowy regions, mild off-road applications (dirt & gravel) |
| Category | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV, CUV |
| Test Report | vs Open Country AT3 & Baja Boss AT (July 21, 2022) |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 35 – 82 lbs |
| Made In | Thailand or China |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 55,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 Miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a durable and smooth tire. It has a massive gripping ability on wet grounds and light snow. Due to its deep tread grooves, its deep snow and loose surface performances are unique. Moreover, Falken Wildpeak AT3W offers an extremely long-lasting rubber. However, it’s a bit noisy tire and can increase your MPG due to its heavy weight.
All-Terrain Tires Cheat Sheet
Finding the most suitable one for you among thousands of tires is very difficult.
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - How do all-terrain tires do in the snow?
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/all-terrain-mud-tires-in-snow - Correct tire inflation pressure improves fuel economy
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/air-pressure-fuel-economy - Tire Safety Practices
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-safety
Below the table, you can find my favorite tires that I have classified according to your needs.
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Toyo Open Country AT3 – Best All-Round & Longevity
- Falken Wildpeak AT3W – Best All-Round & Squishy Regions
- BF Goodrich KO2 – Best All-Round & Off-Road Adventure
- Falken Wildpeak AT Trail – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Severe Off-Road
- Nitto Recon Grappler – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- General Grabber ATX – Best All-Round for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Best On/Off Road tire for 3/4-ton or above trucks
- Cooper Discoverer 4S XLT – Best Commercial All-Terrain Tire & Hauling and Towing
If you’re looking for something at a bargain price;
- Vredestein Pinza AT – Best All-Round for CUV/SUV & Smooth and Quiet Ride
- Kenda Klever A/T2 – Best All-Round for Medium & Light Duty Usage
- Kenda Klever R/T – Best All-Round for Heavy-Duty Usage
Depending on your needs, also the below articles might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-3-4-ton-truck-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-mud-terrain-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-rt-tires/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-tires-for-snow-plowing/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Tread Appearance
Tread appearance can explain many things if you know how to read it. While evaluating Falken Wildpeak AT3W, I’ll also give you a couple of tips.
Center section,
Falken Wildpeak AT3W’s design is quite similar to Toyo Open Country AT3. I would like to state this because this’s the new all-terrain tire design trend. Manufacturers prefer S-shape center lugs most of the time. There are three reasons behind this center section design.
- Manufacturers can reduce the void area with an S shape. Narrowed void area increases noise reduction capability
- With an S shape lugs, manufacturers can maximize biting edges in a smaller area
- S shape lugs provide an aggressive appearance
Shoulder Section,
The shoulder is one of the thickest parts of the tire. Even though most people think its duty is mostly protection, the shoulder is also playing a crucial role in cornering and handling.
Unlike most all-terrain tires, Falken Wildpeak AT3W has broader shoulders. This design helps it to stay steel while cornering and increases its loose ground traction.
Sidewall Design,
It might not seem that aggressive, though, this’s an efficient design. Due to its broader shoulders, Wildpeak AT3W can handle loose grounds. Hence, the duty of sidewalls is mainly protection. Its sidewalls are beefy enough to prevent external damage.
Dry Performance
Falken was introduced as a performance tire manufacturer in 1986. Well, they know how to make slick compounds which is the main determiner of dry performance. Even if not, due to lug-type patterns, all-terrain tires can handle dry grounds with ease.
Due to its design, stick compound, and extended biting edges, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is a beast on dry grounds. Yet, in my point of view, dry ground performance is a doddle for all-terrain tires. You can get the same performance from most of the tires in the market.
Comfort and Road Noise
Comfort and road noise might seem similar. Though, they’re affected by different things. While comfort is mostly related to the internal structure and compound selection, road noise is mostly related to pattern design.
Regarding comfort, Falken Wildpeak AT3W is decent. Even though it has a stiff compound, its twin steel belt construction, and polyester body plies increase its flexibility which is the main feature of all-terrain tires. These tires can perfrom in the air-down situation. Therefore, flexibility is key for them. I can’t say it’s perfect but it’s exceedingly above average.
Noise reduction is the weakest point of Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Though it has narrowed void area, it’s still an aggressive all-terrain tire. A void area is necessary to improve traction. When you combine it with a stiff compound, humming is inevitable at high speeds. No worries, it’s bearable.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Fuel Efficiency
Falken Wildpeak AT3W is one of the toughest and strongest tires in the market. However, this feature comes along with weight issues. It’s exceedingly heavy.
If fuel efficiency is your priority, stay away from this tire.
Wet Performance
Wet performance can be evaluated under two different dimensions. Wet traction and hydroplaning resistance. While wet traction is important for starting and stopping and, accelerating; hydroplaning resistance is your life saver at high speeds.
Wet Traction
Wet traction is sometimes challenging for all-terrain tires. Due to their relatively cavitied contact patches, they can’t grip to ground from time to time.
However, Falken solves this problem with intense 3D sipes density. These sipes work as biting edges and improve traction ability significantly.
You can trust Falken Wildpeak AT3W at wet grounds.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance is totally related to tires’ water evacuation capability. In that case, circumferential grooves and open shoulders play a crucial role.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W fulfills the conditions for both features. Its design can throw the water out with ease and prevent hydroplaning.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
Winter performance is where this tire shines. Its winter performance is approved by The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association. Hence, Falken Wildpeak AT3W has received 3PMSF marking.
Since Falken Wildpeak AT3W is an all-terrain tire, 3PMSF doesn’t mean it can handle any surfaces in winter. For this reason, I’m going to evaluate winter performance in three different sub-sections.
Light-Snow Performance
Light-snow is quite similar to wet traction. Therefore, sipes are crucial.
Due to its sticky compound and intensely notched pattern, it can handle light snow with ease.
Deep-Snow Performance
Deep snow performance is the part of loose ground performance. It’s generally related to tread depth and self cleaning capability.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W has the deepest tread in its market. Moreover, its S-shaped lugs get into the game here again increases its self-cleaning capability.
I’m going to say heroic for this section.
Ice Performance
Even though it has stick compound and very-well siped rubber, its contact patch still isn’t good enough for decent ice performance.
I don’t recommend using all-terrain tires on ice. Though, Falken Wildpeak AT3W can provide you a decent traction if you can keep your speed at the lowest level.
Handling
Handling can be a problem for all-terrain tires from time to time. These handling problems can occur in two different ways. Due to cornering stability issue or delay on steering response.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability is common among all-terrain tires. All-terrain tires should have tough shoulders and relatively flexible sidewalls(for air-down usage). However, it’s kinda hard to keep these two in balance.
Falken solves this issue with the outer apex sidewall. This piece of the sidewall is located close to the bead area. This part is crucial because the bead area is the thickest part of the tire structure coupled with shoulders. Thickness is what produces heat on tires. We would like to eliminate heat due to prevent cracks and unexpected blown-outs.
While working as a heat shield, the outer apex sidewall also works as a shell. This shell supports the internal case. Hence, the tire can protect its shape while cornering at high velocity. Well, you don’t feel like floating.
Steering Response
Due to its broad and robust shoulders, its steering response is decent. Though worth reminding, these are heavy-weight tires. Expecting all-season tire performance is utopic.
Off-Road Performance
Even though some evaluate off-road performance as a whole, it’s kinda unprofessional and doesn’t make sense at all. Off-road performance depends on different variables on different surfaces. Hence, I’m going to categorize them.
Before starting to read this section, check this article out to what to expect from mud, rugged or all-terrain tires –> https://tireterrain.com/off-road-tire-tread-patterns/
Gravel and Dirt
This part is easy for all-terrain tires. These tires are designed to perform in the toughest conditions. Gravel and dirt are nothing for them.
Due to its lug-type pattern and optimized sipe intensity, Falken Wildpeak AT3W can handle gravel and dirt with ease. In that case, the only problem is holding the stone. Wildpeak AT3W has the deepest tread in its category. Throwing the stone out of this deep tread sometimes can be challenging. Therefore, I recommend cleaning the tread in certain periods.
Mud
Mud is similar to deep snow. Self-cleaning capability and water evacuation are the game-changers.
Its deep tread and open shoulder are a big big big plus for decent mud performance. Moreover, its staggered lug edges throw the mud out with ease and keep the tread clean.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W has decent mud performance.
Sand
Deep tread, heavyweight, and void area. These are the enemies of sand performance. Unfortunately, Falken Wildpeak AT3W has all.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W isn’t good selection for sand performance.
Rock
Rock crawling is the hardest air-down condition. In order to bear sharp rock edges, you need solid sidewalls. Well, Falken Wildpeak AT3W can help you with that.
Falken Wildpeak AT3W has one of the strongest internal structures in the market. However, this tire is available in different load ranges. Hence, you should pay attention to but right load range. I recommend the D load range for rock crawling. However, if you’re okay with stiff riding, you can go with E load range.
Tread Life
Falken made a phenomenal tire regarding tread life. Wildpeak AT3W’s stiff compounds has a huge cut&chipping resistance. This feature helps it to wear evenly.
Due to its even wear capability and stiff compound, Falken Wildpeak AT3W lasts exceedingly longer. I strongly recommend it if tread life is your priority.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
Falken offers 55,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product.
If you’d like to check the warranty document –> https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/FA0119.pdf
Sizes
You can find the available sizes in the below tables.
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 15'' Sizes
| Tire Size | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235/75R15 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| LT215/75R15 | D | 8 | 16 |
| LT235/75R15 | E | 10 | 16 |
| 30×9.50R15LT | C | 6 | 17 |
| 31×10.50R15LT | C | 6 | 17 |
| 32×11.50R15LT | C | 6 | 18 |
| 33×12.50R15LT | C | 6 | 19 |
| 35×12.50R15LT | C | 6 | 19 |
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 16'' Sizes
| Tire Size | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 235/65R16C | (E) | (10) | 16 |
| 235/70R16 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| P245/75R16 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 255/70R16 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 265/70R16 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 265/75R16 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| LT215/85R16 | E | 10 | 16 |
| LT225/75R16 | E | 10 | 16 |
| LT235/85R16 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT245/75R16 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT265/75R16 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT285/75R16 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT305/70R16 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT315/75R16 | E | 10 | 19 |
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 17'' Sizes
| Tire Size | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215/65R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 225/65R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 235/65R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 235/75R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 245/65R17 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 245/70R17 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 245/75R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 255/65R17 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 255/70R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 265/65R17 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 265/70R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| P285/70R17 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| LT235/80R17 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT245/70R17 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT245/75R17 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT255/80R17 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT265/70R17 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT275/70R17 | C | 6 | 18 |
| LT285/70R17 | C | 6 | 18 |
| LT285/70R17 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/75R17 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT315/70R17 | E | 10 | 19 |
| 35×12.50R17LT | E | 10 | 19 |
| 37×12.50R17LT | D | 8 | 19 |
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 18'' Sizes
| Tire Size | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 255/70R18 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 265/60R18 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 265/65R18 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 265/70R18 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| 275/65R18 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| LT265/70R18 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT275/65R18 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT275/70R18 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/65R18 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/75R18 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT295/70R18 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT305/65R18 | F | 12 | 18 |
| LT325/65R18 | E | 10 | 19 |
| 35×12.50R18LT | F | 12 | 19 |
| 37×12.50R18LT | E | 10 | 19 |
Falken Wildpeak AT3W 20'' and 22'' Sizes
| Tire Size | Load Range | Ply Rating | Tread Depth(/32in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 275/55R20 | XL | 6 | 13 |
| 275/60R20 | SL | 4 | 13 |
| LT265/60R20 | E | 10 | 17 |
| LT275/55R20 | D | 8 | 18 |
| LT275/60R20 | D | 8 | 18 |
| LT275/65R20 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/55R20 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/60R20 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT285/65R20 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT295/60R20 | E | 10 | 18 |
| LT305/55R20 | F | 12 | 18 |
| LT325/60R20 | E | 10 | 19 |
| 35×12.50R20LT | F | 12 | 19 |
| 37×12.50R20LT | E | 10 | 19 |
| 285/45R22 | XL | 6 | 12 |
A side note here: If you are planning to upsize or downsize from your original equipment size (changing tire size with a smaller or bigger size), or if you have already done, it’s crucial to remember that changing tire size will decrease the accuracy of your speedometer. If this is the case, I strongly recommend checking DiscountTire Speedometer Guide.
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Falken Wildpeak AT3/W: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Falken Wildpeak AT3/W: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/falken-wildpeak-a-t3w
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Falken Wildpeak AT3/W: https://simpletire.com/brands/falken-tires/wildpeak-a-t3w
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful for those who are needed. The below table will explain the pros and cons briefly.
| Falken Wildpeak AT3W | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Squishy and snowy regions, mild off-road applications (dirt & gravel) |
| Category | All-Terrain Tire |
| Vehicle | Light Truck, SUV, CUV |
| Test Report | vs Open Country AT3 & Baja Boss AT (July 21, 2022) |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15’’, 16’’, 17’’, 18’’, 20’’ (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 35 – 82 lbs |
| Made In | Thailand or China |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty (P-metric) | 55,000 Miles |
| Warranty (LT Sizes) | 55,000 Miles |
| Prices | DiscountTire: Check Price TireRack: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
Take-Home Points,
- LT sizes have stronger sidewalls. That feature makes them more durable. Yet, these tires offer a rougher ride. (LT vs P-Metric tires)
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, if you’ll go with p-metric sizes, they might be a better pick for hauling and towing( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!
Guide Me Bruh!
This section contains my research and top picks. Depending on your need, you may choose a category and easily find the best fit for yourself. Remember, nobody knows your driving conditions and requirements better than yourself. You’re in the charge out here.
Start Here:
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