It can be difficult trying to figure out what brand of tyre you should be buying when it’s time to replace the rubber. If you are driving around in the UAE, with their good roads, sandy stretches and scorching heat, your tires will have to be capable of performing every day while dealing with the harshest conditions.
Two of the more actively compared tyre brands are Kumho and Yokohama. Both the devices have a repute for them in international markets, but how do they fare against each other on the UAE turf?
Individual drivers will also have their particular preferences, so it’s time to take a closer look at what they have to offer and decide which one you prefer a little more in terms of driving habits and vehicle needs.
Brand Overview
Kumho Tyres is a South Korean tyre brand, which has gained a great popularity worldwide because of the cheapest price associated with contemporary styles and durable performance. It has a reputation for good bang for buck, particularly among mid-range tyre. Kumho is often the default choice for drivers who demand solid everyday performance without breaking the bank.
Yokohama, meanwhile, is Japanese and tends to get the premium nod. With a dedication to high-performance and innovation, Yokohama tires are designed to deliver high-speed stability, control, and longevity on and off the track.
Performance in Urban Driving
In city environments, tyres must also be silent, fuel-efficient and robust to face regular stops, potholes and temperature variations. Kumho has developed many of its products for city drivers. Kumho Solus tyres produce less road noise, good wet grip and long tread life all of which are critical for daily commuters.
Yokohama’s BluEarth lineup, however, excels on pavement in the city, particularly in terms of lowering resistance to rolling and increasing fuel economy. These killers have an eco-friendly profile and sweet soft compound that will keep you rolling in comfort.
If your primary concern is budget and value over the long term, Kumho has the solid benefits good for city driving, and at a lower price tag. But if you want that little bit more performance and refinement in performance and comfort, Yokohama may be the one that brings it home for you.
Highway and Long-Distance Driving
High-speed motorway cruising demands tyres that are stable, grippy in turns and gripping in adverse conditions. Yokohama tyres, and particularly the ADVAN range, are made for such conditions. They’re an auger of confidence at speed and of sportiness in driving perspective.
Kumho’s performance focused Ecsta lines also provide excellent traction and handling capabilities on highways. They are more similar than not, with the biggest difference typically being in the feel—Kumho is usually a bit firmer and Yokohama is the cushier ride.
For those who commute regularly between cities, or Emirates, both brands offer worthy options. However, if you favour a sportier and more premium driving experience, Yokohama edges ahead.
Heat Resistance and Durability
The rubber of the tyres is subjected to the pressures of extreme summer heat and heated road surfaces, both of which may cause the rubber in the tyre to wear out sooner compared to colder climates. This makes heat resistance one of the most important considerations in the choice of a tyre brand.
Yokohama tires are constructed with hi-tech silica compounds and feature an asymmetric tread pattern that effectively dissipates heat. It prevents blowouts and irregular wear while driving at high temperatures.
Kumho tyres also are made of high quality components, and feature reinforced sidewalls and heat resistant compounds. For their price, they perform pretty decently in the UA heat.
If you’re a budget minded driver who doesn’t want to sacrifice too much in terms of heat tolerance, Kumho tires can meet you half way. However, those looking for top-tier longevity and premium construction may prefer Yokohama for this specific need.
Tyre Range and Variety
Product variety In terms of variety, we can say that both brands have a lot of it for different vehicle types. Kumho has a decent offering of tyres for the SUV and sedan market, for example the Road Venture and Solus ranges. Road and non-road users can also benefit from their services.
Yokohama is also strong in several categories but drivers of sports cars and premium SUVs are particularly fond of the brand. One of their excellent all-terrain specific lines, Geolandar proudly stands out in capability, while the ADVAN Sport range is for drivers who aren’t just meant to get behind the wheel but also at high performance driving work.
Regardless of the car you drive, there are good alternatives in both Kumho and Yokohama. The decision has to be made to what extent you are willing to spend and what driving aspects are most important to you.
After-Sales Support and Availability
A point to consider is the availability and service support of a tyre brand. Kumho and Yokohama can be found in the UAE quite easily, both at the large tyre chains and online. Their products also come in various sizes and models depending on the driving needs.
Warranty coverage is another consideration. Both have standard warranties for manufacturing defects and tread wear, though once in a while Yokohama provides a little more or a little higher quality of support plans.
Cost Comparison
The legitimate Kumho’s selling point is really going to be price. And, probably more often than not, when you compare the same size and specification, Kumho tyres are cheaper than Yokohama counterparts. All of this makes them an enticing option for motorists, who want to keep costs down to a minimum without having to accept a compromise in the quality department.
Yokohama tires are sold at a higher price, but the additional expense is used to further reflect the engineering, longer life in some models, and general performance rates. If you’re a daily driver looking for something of reasonable value, Kumho might not be such a bad choice. But if you are keen for high-end performance and long-term durability, then the extra investment in Yokohama could be a reasonable cost.
Conclusion
So, Which One Will You Pick? If value, everyday use and solid all-round performance are your main concerns, it’s hard to go past Kumho. They are also great on the UAE roads and drive with ease both in the city and on the open road.
But if you are on the side of premium quality, love to have a good time on the road or need tyres with technologies that help you achieve better grip and quieter rides, then Yokohama is your go-to tire.
For UAE drivers unsure of which brand of tyres are for them, they can check out PitStop Arabia. One of the countries most trusted online tyre platforms in the region that helps with expert tyre advice, tyre comparisons and variety of Kumho and Yokohama tyres. Their easy service and fitted partners across the country, will make the process of buying tyres as simple, cheap and reliable as possible.