Would you recommend Kumho tyres?

[pchapman]

Hi,

The front tyres on my Passat estate require replacing, currently their Pirelli P7's, no problem with them and no problems with the rear tyres (ie the 'saw-tooth' effect'.

The garage that is offering the best price cannot source them for a few days(a garage I've used before and are really decent), but I'm going away this w/e. As such they've recommended Kumho tyres - they're actually cheaper but they reckon they're just as good.

Has anyone got these tyres and what's your experience? I'm kind of tempted to stay with Pirelli's, but you never know.

Thanks.

[damo140]

Good tyre choice, especialy if you get them at a good price. I cannot fault the Falkens I have at present though

[podwin]

I wanted Falkens after reading good things about them on Pistonheads, however they weren't available as a reinforced tyre - in the load rating required for the Passat, so I am interested to know what Falkens you have exactly damo140?

The Kuhmo's were also rated by the Pistonhead lot, and are available as a reinforced tyre so got them for the fronts. They have been a little scrabbly when flooring it on damp roads (but then again most tyres are), but they haven't under-steered during some enthusiastic cornering, even in the damp/wet.

I've only had them for 2 months and wouldn't like to say yet if I'd buy them again. However noise and ride is good, no worse than the oems they replaced, in fact the ride has probably improved come to think of it.

[damo140]

I have the Falken 452's. A quick google search should tell you all you need to know

[podwin]

Right I see, you have 18 inch wheels and they do make 97 load index tyres for 18inch wheels, not 16 inch

[Nuggs]

Yes is my answer.

Like everything it is personal choice. Kumho have came a long way and now produce good performance tyres. Most lesser brand tyres will normally only show up noticeable changes in wet driving conditions as even in the dry when being used like a Passat was designed for, you wont see a big change.

If you can afford Pirelli stick with them, but why not give them a try and report back yourself.

I try new stuff on my bike as they go through more tyres than the car. I summary, if you never try new stuff, you'll never see a difference or be able to make a comparison anyway.

[Quatrelle]

I've read good reports on Kumhos - don't know if they've got a good shoulder on them to protect the rims though (my Bridgestones have).

[taffybloke]

I put a set of Kumho Ecsta on about 7 weeks ago, I have covered nearly 5k in that time and they have about 5.5 mil on the front and the rears still show the "Ecsta" imprint on the tread. the car had Continentals on when I bought it they did about 24k, I can't fault the Kumho's at present and they were a lot cheaper than the Michelin I planned to fit.

They do have rim protection, but not as deep as the continentals.

I will let you know how they get on