Which Tire is Better: Goodyear or Kumho?
3 Answers
Goodyear tires are characterized by their strong grip, making them suitable for high-speed and high-torque engines. The fine tread patterns and high-quality rubber compound make Goodyear tires highly popular for off-road vehicles. They perform exceptionally well on rainy days and on snowy or gravel roads. On the other hand, Kumho tires feature a softer rubber compound, which is ideal for smooth road conditions. They provide a smoother ride with less bumpiness on well-paved roads. However, this characteristic results in a significantly shorter lifespan compared to Goodyear tires under the same conditions, particularly in terms of wear resistance. For example, when driving on slightly gravelly roads, the wear on Goodyear tires is noticeably less than that on Kumho tires within 1,000 kilometers. Although Kumho tires may offer a slightly better feel at high speeds, Goodyear tires have a substantial advantage in terms of safety.
As an ordinary driver with decades of experience, I believe tire selection depends on daily usage. Goodyear's quality is indeed outstanding, especially when driving in rainy conditions—its grip is exceptionally stable, giving peace of mind, and it’s not too noisy on highways. Kumho, on the other hand, is much more affordable and offers excellent wear resistance. After switching, you can easily drive 50,000 to 60,000 kilometers without worries, saving a lot on tire replacement costs. I drive a daily commuter car in the city. If the road conditions are good and the budget is tight, Kumho offers great value for money. But if you frequently take long trips or drive in slippery conditions, I lean toward Goodyear. Also, don’t forget seasonal changes—Goodyear has some all-season tires that work very well, while Kumho’s winter performance might be slightly weaker. Overall, both have their strengths, so choose the most suitable one based on your driving habits and budget.
Since childhood, I've loved tinkering with cars and have driven various brands, including modified sports cars. Goodyear's performance is truly impressive—its quick braking response on tracks and highways, along with its quiet design, makes driving comfortable, though the price is on the higher side. As a Korean brand, Kumho continuously innovates in technology, offering sporty tires with excellent grip at a much lower cost. Recently, I test-drove several models and found Kumho's wear resistance outstanding, making it ideal for daily commutes, though there's slight noise at high speeds. From a cost-performance perspective, the savings from Kumho can be used for other upgrades. The key is your car type—Goodyear suits sedans better, while Kumho is more practical for SUVs. Check professional reviews and user feedback to avoid wasting money.
