Anyone use Kumho ASX

[sawdust123]

I've seen some mention to other Kumho tires but not the Ecsta ASX. Anyone try this one yet. My stock RS-A are worn out with less than 30K miles on them. I'm hoping to find something longer lasting. Performance isn't a big issue for me but noise is. I see a lot of recommendations for the Yokohama AVS-ES 100 but I also see a lot of mentions that they are very noisy. Since I make sales calls while driving, noise is a big concern of mine.

The other tire I'm considering is the Falken Ziex 512. However, at least one site says the 20/50-17 size has been discontinued. Does anyone know what is up with that?

[gamman]

I have the 712's. Khumo exctstsas or whatever. They are in my trunk, 2 of them. My other tires (dayton daytona's) flatspotted.

Benchracing: They look fast.

[SteelBlueGT]

Mr Dust If you want a high mileage quiet tire the Yokos are not what you are looking for. Try something more on the line of an Avon Tech M550 A/S which Tire Rack sells for $117 each. It has a 360 wear rating as compared to about 260 for the Goodyear RSA which is stock on the Gt's! It is a quiet tire and has a pretty soft ride. I would go with the 225/50/17 size which will fit on your stock 6" wheels and its 25.9" Dia (stock is 25.1) which means a few less revolutions per mile and slightly better long haul gas mileage.

[sawdust123]

Here is what I noticed while browsing at tire rack:

Stock RS-As: Diameter-25.4", Weight-23 lbs, Load-93W
Kumho ASX stock size: Diameter-25.1", weight-22 lbs, load-93W
Kumho ASX 215/50-17: Diameter-25.5", weight-23 lbs, load-91W
Avon 550 225/50-17: Diameter-25.9", weight-27 lbs, load-94W
Avon 550 215/50-17: Diamater-25.5, weight-27 lbs, load-91W

I really don't consider myself a tire expert but the following seems logical to me.

* The 4 pounds (17%) higher weight (than stock) of the Avons would reduce mileage by a greater factor than the savings produced by its 0.5" (2%) larger diameter. Rolling weight reduces mileage much more than non-rolling weight.

* The four longitudinal grooves of the Avon will remove water better than the two grooves on the ASXs. Also, the tread depth of the Avons is 1/32" deeper than the ASXs. However, this may be negated because the larger contact area with the road. In other words, the weight per square inch is decreased thereby giving the tire less ability to cur through the water.

* The 215/50-17 Avons or ASXs seem like a better size match to the stock tires. However, the load rating is lower. Does this imply a weaker sidewall that will be more prone to curb pops? I can't imagine the actual load rating will make that much difference to me.

* The Avons have a lower treadware rating than the ASXs 360 vs. 420. However they have 1/32" more tread depth. I don't know if I can trust any of these numbers as a guide to longevity due to difference in tread compound. What say you?

* The Avons have universally good reviews. The ASXs have more reviews and a greater spread in number. Very few are PT Cruiser reviews. Should I bother giving these any mind?

[Cal Cruzer]

Have you looked at the Fuzion ZRi on Tirerack? They got pretty much universal good reviews on Tirerack, are rated quite high and very affordable. I think I am going to try a set of these.

[SteelBlueGT]

Mr Dust, I generally agree with your analysis exept you must pay attention to the load rating and make sure you are on the high side of what the stock tires provide. You need to be real close to the 1433 load rating so you dont loose the 5908 GVW rating. Of course if you dont load up the car or haul more than 1 passenger dont worry about that if you know U will wear out the tires and not sell the car with them on![8)]
Treadware ratings are the most accurate comparing tires made by the same company. I would say though that the Kumho's will give a little better wear and not handle quite as well as the Avons in both wet and dry conditions. The updise is that both will be far better than our stock tires. BTW did U see the price on those RSA's????

[sawdust123]

I noticed the Avon site listed the M550 A/S in a 205/50-17 size. I called the Tire Rack and they said that size isn't listed on their site simply because there is a longer than normal lead time for it right now (4-6 wks). I figure I can wait that long so I ordered a set. The 205/50 size has the 1433 lb (93) load rating like the stock tires and are 25.1" in diameter. I don't know how much they weigh but I'm guessing 25 lbs. They only cost $1 more than Kumho ASX. This size is $9 less than the 215/50 or $23 less than the 225/50 recommended above.

Interesting side note: Avon Tyres is owned by Cooper Tires. Cooper has recently purchased an 11% stake in Kumho as well.

[SteelBlueGT]

Sawdust, keep us informed on how U like your new tires when you get them. I have about 4,000 miles left on mine so as soon as I can pull the trigger I will order mine from the Rack!![8)] Still thinking the F1's but clearance has me a little worried. Of course I never put chains on in So Calif.......

[sawdust123]

SteelBlue, where in SoCal are you? There are at least two other steel blue GTs in my area that I have seen.

[SteelBlueGT]

Check profile