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Tire Reviews

Kumho Ecsta PS31 Review

Pros

Cons

If you are looking for an ultra high performance summer tire, the Kumho Ecsta PS31 may be for you. These tires have obtained really good reviews, and have excellent traction on dry and wet roads. Sports coupes and sedans will find this tire attractively priced. As an added benefit, the sidewalls are attractive as well with a racing-inspired design. The Kumho Ecsta PS31 is a solid tire for those that have faster vehicles.

The Ecsta PS31 comes from Kumho, a trusted tire company that was formed in South Korea. This tire company prides itself on being innovative by looking at a design and improving upon it. During the review, their research team looks at aspects that work well on the tire, and areas that may not be the best. Kumho says of their PS31 tire that it was “Designed to take any driver to the next level, the Ecsta PS31 proves that a perfect balance of high-speed stability, low road noise and safety can be achieved in a tire.”

Key Features

Nylon Cord Strap

The nylon cord strap makes all the components of the Kumho Ecsta PS31 stronger so they do not loosen. It is made extremely strong by bonding with strong chemicals.

3D Dimple Design

With a 3D dimple design heat build-up on the tread blocks is decreased. Thus, this enhances high-speed durability.

Solid Center Rib

The solid center rib reinforces block stiffness while enhancing wet braking.

Wide Lateral Grooves

The wide lateral grooves on the PS31 maximize water displacement when cornering and limit irregular wear due to the 0-10 degree angle range. Additionally, the microgrooves with diagonal siping enable water to flow efficiently to bypass hydroplaning.

Tread Bead

With the assistance of the tread bead, the Kumho Ecsta PS31 tire is kept airtight. The air pressure will also be controlled by this tread bead. The pneumatics are not balanced if the bead is not there, so, therefore, a great amount of damage could be done.

Kumho Ecsta PS31 Performance Review

Treadwear and Durability

Generally speaking, most high performance summer tires are not known to last super long. But there is something different about the Ecsta PS31. This Kumho tire is durable and strong, so it lasts longer than its competition. And for the price, we do not think that you can ask for much more on this summer tire.

Dry Performance

When driving in tight corners, the Ecsta PS31 is very responsive. And it has precise steering. The sturdy tread design allows the Kumho tire to be resistant and have enhanced dry traction.

Wet Performance

The PS31 does great on wet roads. Wet traction is enhanced by the Kumho tire’s revamped wide lateral groove angles and four wide circumferential grooves around the tread. The grooves diminish the chance of hydroplaning. The diagonal sipe micro-grooves additionally promote wet grasp and overall handling, especially during more difficult cornering.

Snow Traction and Braking Performance

While this is labeled as a summer tire, the Kumho Ecsta PS31 can be used in the snow. But we really do not recommend it. It does a below-average job, which we were not expecting anything more. Deep snows will not fair as well, and it may seem odd driving with these tires at first on the snowy pavement. However, you also take the chance of making these Kumho tires wear out faster over time as they lose their grip in cold weather. For that reason alone, you may wish to purchase a set of tires just for the winter.

Comfort & Noise

Comfort can be very hard to find when looking at high performance tires. While the Ecsta PS31 is no different, we will say that it is more comfortable than some of the other tires on the market. Quite a few of the competition’s tires do not provide the kind of ride that these tires do on a bumpy or rough road.

Noise is a whole new ballpark when it comes to this Kumho tire. We have noticed it was loud on the highway and even when speeds are not high, there is an annoying humming.

Tire Warranty

The Kumho Ecsta PS31 does come with a limited treadlife warranty. With this limited warranty , it will only apply to the original owner and is non-transferable. As for the Uniformity Warranty, it is good for the first 2/32″ of wear. Things that are not covered under the warranty include irregular wear, tires fitted on anything other than the original vehicle, a tire wore beyond tread wear indicator (2/32″ or 1.6 mm), and a tire that is presented by anyone other than the actual owner-user. A tire branded “NA” (meaning non-adjustable) or “blem” (meaning blemished), the loss of time inconvenience, use of vehicle, or consequential damage, the ride disturbance after the free-replacement period, and any ozone or weather cracking on tires over four (4) years from the date of manufacture stamped on the tire shall not be covered either. No extended warranties on the original vehicle will be permitted.

Under the Workmanship and Materials Warranty, the first 6 Years / Free replacement first 2/32″ of wear, then prorated to final 2/32″ remaining depth are covered. There is not a Manufacturer’s Road Hazard Warranty. The owner of the tires will need to agree to the pertaining policies and will need to go to an authorized Kumho dealership to have the tire looked at.

One great thing about Kumho tires is that they have excellent customer service and pride themselves in assisting customers. Should you be an original equipment tire owner, refer to the limited warranty brochure placed in your new vehicle’s glove box. If you would like more information about the warranty, you can contact the company at the email address [email protected].

What vehicles will the Kumho Ecsta Ps31 fit?

The Kumho Ecsta PS31 will fit on a wide variety of makes and models. Here is a list of vehicles that can utilize the PS31. All tire sizes for the Ecsta PS31 have a v or W rating.

  • Acura TL, RL, RSX
  • Audi A6, A4, A8L, TT
  • BMW 135i, 545i, 550i, 750Li, M5, M3, 330i
  • Buick Regal, Lucerne
  • Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Monte Carlo SS, Camaro, Cobalt, Cruze, Malibu
  • Chrysler 200
  • Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger
  • Ford Mustang GT, Fusion, Focus, Explorer, Contour
  • Honda Civic, CRZ
  • Hyundai Sonata, Veloster
  • Lexus GS350, GS430, IS300, LS460L
  • Lincoln LS
  • Mazda3, RX-8, Miata, Mazda3
  • Mercedes-Benz E550, SL55, SL500, SLK320, CLK430
  • Mini Cooper
  • Nissan 370Z, Maxima
  • Pontiac GTO, G8, G6, Grand Prix, Trans Am
  • Scion tC
  • Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, BRZ
  • Volkswagen Jetta, CC Sport, Passat, GTi

Conclusion

We feel the Kumho Ecsta PS31 is a distinguished tire that is a great value for summertime tires. It does great at handling high speed, and dry and wet traction is not a problem. Do not expect to drive in the snow though with this tire on any vehicle as you will not have much luck. We hope you enjoyed our Kumho Ecsta PS31 review and were able to find lots of great information to help you make an educated decision on if this set of tires is right for you.

Tire Sizes & Specifications

Specs

Tire Size: 195/55R15

Serv. Desc: 85V

UTQG: 400 A A

Sidewall: BW

Max Load:1135 lbs

Speed Rating: V

Type: High Performance Summer

Tire sizes available

Tire sizes for the Kumho Ecsta PS31 come in sizes 14 inches to 18 inches.

14″

  • 165/55R14 76V XL BSW

15″

  • 185/55R15 82V BSW
  • 195/50R15 82V BSW
  • 195/55R15 85V BSW
  • 205/50R15 86V BSW
  • 205/55R15 88V BSW

16″

  • 205/45ZR16 87W XL BSW
  • 205/50ZR16 87W BSW
  • 205/55ZR16 91W BSW
  • 215/55ZR16 97W XL BSW
  • 225/50ZR16 92W BSW
  • 225/55ZR16 95W BSW

17″

  • 205/40ZR17 84W XL BSW
  • 205/45ZR17 88W XL BSW
  • 205/50ZR17 93W XL BSW
  • 215/40ZR17 87W XL BSW
  • 215/45ZR17 91W XL BSW
  • 215/50ZR17 95W XL BSW
  • 215/55ZR17 94W BSW
  • 225/45ZR17 94W XL BSW
  • 225/50ZR17 98W XL BSW
  • 225/55ZR17 101W XL BSW
  • 235/45ZR17 94W BSW
  • 235/50ZR17 100W XL BSW
  • 235/55ZR17 103W XL BSW
  • 245/40ZR17 91W BSW
  • 245/45ZR17 95W BSW
  • 255/40ZR17 94W BSW
  • 275/40ZR17 98W BSW

18″

  • 215/40ZR18 89W XL BSW
  • 215/45ZR18 93W XL BSW
  • 225/40ZR18 92W XL BSW
  • 225/45ZR18 91W BSW
  • 225/50ZR18 95W BSW
  • 235/40ZR18 95W XL BSW
  • 235/45ZR18 98W XL BSW
  • 235/50ZR18 101W XL BSW
  • 245/40ZR18 97W XL BSW
  • 245/45ZR18 100W XL BSW
  • 245/50ZR18 100W BSW
  • 255/35ZR18 94W XL BSW
  • 255/45ZR18 99W BSW
  • 265/35ZR18 97W XL BSW
  • 275/35ZR18 99W XL BSW
  • 275/40ZR18 99W BSW

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