I was thinking about getting the Kumho Ecsta 712 (205/50/15), but was concerned how they handle in the rain and snow. I live in Southern California where, its mostly dry weather. But I do like to go up to mountains during the winter time to do some boarding. So my question is, would I be ok taking these tires through the little snow I go through? Would snow chains compensate for the lack of snow traction? Any opinions? Thanks.

 

I used to have a set on my old car. They are horrible in the snow I wouldn't recomend them.

 

I have them now...They're a really great deal for the money in terms of dry performance ($50 bucks a tire). For the rain, they are ok (better than stock tires). I haven't tried them in snow though so I wouldn't know about that.

 

What about using them with snow chains? I was planning on slapping them on if it gets real bad.

 

i read 'kumhos in the snow' and just started laughing

 

Your tires are the only things that touch the ground (except your exhaust and front bumper when you go down driveways or over speedbumps) when you're driving. Kumho's make great tires, and have great prices on them.

I had a set of Ecsta 711's and they wore out quick and offered so-so grip, but for their price, i wasnt surprised. You get what you pay for.

The 712's are also good tires, many people like them, but they're not designed for the snow. If you live in socal, and you go up to the mtns to board, i suggest just picking up a set of chains.

To reply to your thread directly, I'm going to suggest getting the Bridgestone Potenza S-03's or the Kumho MX tires. :thumbup:

 

I've got 712s. They're pretty good in the dry and wet, but they're worthless in the snow. They are designed for summer driving only, and make no claims about snow-worthiness. No high-performance tires are designed for snow. We had a late snowstorm here in mid-May, after I'd switched from my all-seasons to the Khumos, and I could barely get out of my driveway through a half-inch of the white stuff.

 

just to reiterate what others have said, kumho 712s are NOT meant to be driven on the snow. they are summer tires. driving 712s on the snow is like driving on butter.