Kumho KH17 tires: reviews, design features, expert opinions

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:43

Among motorists, the demand for South Korean tires is constantly increasing. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, most models are of incredibly high quality and reliability. By this parameter, they are often ahead of analogues from more famous world brands. Secondly, the growth in popularity is also due to the democratic price. The combination of factors presented led to such a high demand for rubber from South Korea. The Kumho KH17 model was no exception. Reviews of this type of wheels are mostly positive.

A bit of history

This model has been on the market for a long time. The presented tires appeared on sale in the CIS and Europe in 2008. They were immediately able to impose competition on analogues from more famous companies and brands. Despite such a venerable age, the manufacturer continues to produce Kumho KH17 tires.

Lineup

The lineup clearly hints at the flagship nature of tires. Tires are produced in 101 sizes with fit diameters from 13 to 18 inches. This allows the entire sedan segment to be fully covered.

Seasonality

The presented tires can only be used in summer. In reviews of the Kumho KH17, the owners claim that even with a slight cold snap, the compound hardens as quickly as possible. Because of this, the contact area of the tire with the roadway is significantly reduced. Management security drops to zero.

Tread design

Many of the dynamic characteristics of tires are directly related to the design of the tread. When designing tires, the company's engineers used the digital simulation method. First, they created a computer model, after which they released a prototype tire and tested it at the company's test site. Only then the model was launched into the series.

The tread received a symmetrical non-directional pattern with four stiffeners. The central functional area is made of a special compound. The rubber compound in this case is characterized by increased rigidity. This allows the tires to hold the road better and respond faster to all changes in steering commands. Naturally, this is possible only if one condition is met. The fact is that the motorist must necessarily call on the balancing stand. Otherwise, there can be no question of any quality management.

Shoulder blocks have received a closed design. The presence of an additional bridge between these tread elements reduces the rate of deformation during braking and cornering. In reviews of the Kumho KH17, drivers note thatthe presented tires are ideal for various maneuvers. Even a sudden stop does not cause the vehicle to skid.

Durability

Another advantage of this model is its durability. It was possible to achieve high mileage rates thanks to a whole range of measures.

First, the Kumho Solus KH17 features a stable and consistent footprint. This leads to the fact that these tires are erased evenly. There is no pronounced emphasis on the central part or shoulder areas. There is only one condition - tire pressure control.

Secondly, the company's chemists increased the proportion of carbon black in compounding. This reduced the rate of abrasive wear. Tread depth remains stable for as long as possible.

Third, the metal frame is reinforced with nylon. Elastic polymer helps to improve the redistribution of impact deformation energy. Steel cords do not break, the risk of bumps and hernias is minimal.

A bit of wet road

The most serious problems when driving a car in the summer are caused by rain. Water creates a small microfilm between the wheel and the road. As a result, the contact area decreases and controllability decreases. This leads to an increase in accidents. In reviews of the Kumho KH17, drivers note that the presented tires are almost ideal for driving in the rain.

First, when developingbrand engineers have created effective drainage. The system is represented by four longitudinal grooves and many transverse ones. Under the action of centrifugal forces, the liquid from the contact patch is drawn deep into the tread and redistributed over its entire surface. Then it is automatically retracted to the side.

Secondly, while formulating the rubber compound, the company's chemists increased the proportion of silicic acid. In reviews of Kumho Solus KH17 tires, drivers claim that tires literally stick to the roadway. There is no risk of uncontrolled drifts.

Expert opinions

In 2008, the model attracted the attention of many automotive experts. In comparative tests from the German bureau ADAC, the presented tires were able to impose competition on analogues from more famous brands. The Russian magazine "Behind the wheel" also conducted its testing. In the reviews of the Kumho Solus KH17, the testers noted the high speed of the tire's response to steering commands and the stability of behavior during a sudden change in coverage.