Auto & Tires

The Kumho Spare T131 is a touring, all season tire manufactured for passenger vehicles.

This is a compact spare tire. In other words, it is a smaller tire used as a replacement tire. Due to its smaller physical shape, it takes up less space in the vehicle’s trunk, making it space-efficient. However, the smaller size and lightweight construction put performing restrictions on the tire. It must be inflated at 60 psi throughout its performance, and even then, it cannot be driven faster than 50 mph. Due to this, this compact spare tire does not offer the same performance as a full-sized tire would. Yet it enables a short drive, so the vehicle and its passengers will not be stranded on the side of the road.

The symmetric tread design and all season compound significantly enhance exceptional all season traction. This is achieved with road grip provided in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. As a result, the sipe and groove placement increases the grip on the road surface by providing the necessary biting edges. The compound keeps the rubber flexibility at various temperatures. Some hydroplaning resistance is offered, but careful driving in wet conditions is still encouraged. Furthermore, the tire will not provide good traction in harsh winter situations.

The Spare T131 offers good controllability. The continuous center rib ensures the tire’s consistent surface contact, which boosts steering responsiveness and driving stability. However, due to its lightweight structure, the tire is unable to offer more than the necessary performance. Its smaller size makes it adequate for short-term use, but anything more than that is above its capabilities.