Ah, winter.

‘Tis the season for holiday shopping sprees, family get-togethers, snowball fights… and silent prayers that your car won’t slide on the drive home.

It’s a familiar sight for many, especially for those that live in areas where the roads get covered in thick snow.

The answer?

Winter tires, of course.

If you’re looking for quality winter tires, then you might want to consider Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131.

To help you determine if it’s the one you need, we’re going to give you an in-depth Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 review.

So let’s begin!

Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Specs

Type:	Studded winter tire
Designed for:	Sport coupes and sedans
Warranty Distance:	6-year warranty from date of purchase / free replacement for first 2/32 inch of wear
Size:	14” 15” 16” 17” 18” 19”
Pros:	Road noise is very minimal Smooth and comfortable ride Responsive steering Good cornering Good braking Good traction in low temperatures
Cons:	Ice performance could be better Long wet braking distance
Available in:	Simpletire.com

Let’s have a closer look at each of these.

Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Tire Type

As you can probably guess from its name, these tires are made for wintertime. The Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 is designed to maintain control in slippery conditions.

Not only that, these tires are known for excellent maneuverability in the snow. In turn, it does a great job in conditions where regular tires often quickly lose traction.

But why are these tires so great for snow?

And, how does it fare in dry conditions?

Let’s find out.

Get Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Tire Here!

Why the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 is Great for Winter

The reason why these tires are great for snow is thanks to the tread design.

Unlike regular tires, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 features a directional and high-density 3D honeycomb siping pattern.

As a result, the tires have a better grip on the ice or snow to prevent any slippage that could be dangerous.

This unique tread design also improves road contact, which then gives better handling and faster steering.

On top of that, the tires feature a winter compound that helps maintain the rubber’s flexibility. This prevents it from freezing while also priming it for more intense driving conditions.

And, there’s even a shoulder block placement that enhances its cornering grip.

That said, it does have a few shortcomings.

For one thing, the tires have a long braking distance on snow and ice. If you’re an inexperienced driver or are traveling at higher speeds, this can be very dangerous.

Furthermore, while the tires are optimized with studs, their overall performance in actual ice is not the best.

However, as long as you exercise caution, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 provides impressive winter weather driving capabilities, even in harsher conditions.

Is the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Good for Dry Weather?

Yes, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 works great for dry weather as well.

However, since these tires are made for the winter, it can wear out significantly faster in the summer.

So though it works great in warm weather, we suggest changing to an all-season tire and reserve your winter tires for the colder months.

Is the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Quiet?

The Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 provides a quiet ride, especially compared to other winter tires.

Again, this is because of its directional tread pattern. This design works alongside the low tire profile to prevent airwaves from entering its footprint. In turn, this ensures that the treads remain airwave-free and quiet.

Which Vehicles Fit the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131?

The Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 is designed as a winter tire for sport coupes and sedans.

Some cars that can fit this tire include:

Audi A6
BMW 525i
Acura RL
Cadillac Alante
Ford Mustang GTS
Lincoln LS
Mitsubishi 3000GT Spyder SL
Mazda RX-8
Mercedez-Benz 300SL, SL500

Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

Max load: 963 lbs.

Speed Rating: Q

Here are all the tire sizes of the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131.

14″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

165/65R14-79T
185/60R14-82T
175/70R14-84T

15″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

175/65R15-88T
195/55R15-89T
185/65R15-88T
195/65R15-88T
195/65R15-94T
205/65R15-94T
215/65R15-96T

16″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

195/55R16-91T
205/60R16-92T
215/55R16-97T
225/55R16-99T

17″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

205/50R17-93T
215/45R17 XL-91T
215/50R17-95T
225/45R17 XL-94T
225/50R17-98T
235/45R17-97T
225/55R17-101T
245/45R17-99T
235/55R17 – 99H
235/65R17 – 108T

18″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Sizes

225/40R18 – 92T
225/45R18 – 95T
235/40R18 – 95T
235/50R18 – 101T
245/45R18 – 100T

19″ Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Size

225/45R19 – 96T

Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Price

In terms of pricing, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 typically falls anywhere between $70 to $200, depending on the size and specifications that you pick.

For a winter tire that performs very well, we’d consider it an “affordable” option.

Of course, you can always shop around for discounts, deals, offers, and coupons.

Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 Warranty

As for the warranty, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 comes with a 6-year warranty that starts from the date of your purchase. Remember to keep your receipt, as you’ll need if ever you need to use the warranty.

Aside from that, you are also guaranteed a free replacement for the first 2/32 inches of wear. However, you will have to pay for any applicable taxes.

What People Are Saying About the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131

According to users, the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 is an excellent winter tire. Handling and cornering grip is very responsive in the snow, and many users have reported that there’s no spinning whatsoever.

Furthermore, many reviews have pointed out that as long as you’re an easy-going driver, the tires will perform. Of course, some tested it under more aggressive driving conditions and still came out satisfied.

As for the negatives, some users have reported that it hums now and then, although it’s not very noticeable. And, as we mentioned above, it has a long brake distance in the ice.

Should You Get the Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131?

If you’re still shopping around for a winter tire to fit your needs, then we recommend picking up a set of these Kumho Wintercraft Ice W131 tires.

Ice and snow performance is excellent, sizes are aplenty, and it holds up extremely well for its price point.

Sure, the long braking distance could be improved. However, given that you’re already supposed to drive safer in the snow, it’s a drawback that can be easily managed by experienced drivers.

Overall, it’s an excellent value for money and should keep you safe and in control out there on the road during the cold winter months.

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