Tire width on the ECSTA STX

[Cobrajet]

I’m currently running Kumho ECSTA STXs in 265-60-18 after running Pirelli Scorpion Zeros in 285-55-18 size. I liked the looks of the Pirellis, but didn’t feel that they handled as well as the Kumhos. I think they were just too wide for the stock 7-inch rims. The Pirellis were worn out after 28K miles. I’ve got 25K on the Kumhos and they have plenty of tread left. I wouldn’t run either tire in the snow. I have an extra set of stock wheels with Bridgestone Blizzak DM-Z3s in 265-60-18. I haven’t had much need to use the Blizzaks, so I can’t report on their long-term performance, but I have several hundred miles on them and they did feel more confident in patches of snow and slush I encountered during my commutes. I’ve never had to run the Kumhos in snow, but I did run the original Bridgestone Duelers and the Pirellis in the snow and ended up in a ditch with two-month-old Pirellis. I don’t think the wider tires do as well in the snow as the narrower tires.

[Tone]

Lots of owners are running the 285s and they look much better than the 265s IMHO.

[AndyC]

Thanks Guys I'm going to go with the 285's then.

[AndyC]

WOW I just got the 285/60/18 in today from Tire Rack. OK the big question -- Are these really going to fit ? I know I read that someone had these on and didn't have to trim the cladding but they are huge Well I have the VX on the lift and will talk the tires/rims off and bring them to the garage to have them put these tires on.
I'm just a little suprised since they are big. They look like a great tire for the cost.

[johnnyapollo]

I've been fairly impressed with the ecsta 255s I'm currently running. The Scorpions lasted 33K miles - the rubber compound on the xcstas in harder, the ride smoother and the tires don't track every groove in the road like the pirelli's.

-- John

[HotFlyer]

I purchased 4 Kumho ECSTA STX 255x55x18 two years ago. Great handling and braking. Very good in the rain. Regular snow in the city was good. Tire wear is good. Very good road tire.(I do very little off road) 1 mph+ speedo error at 60. Great looking tire.

Would recommend to anyone who lives in the city.

Howard (0761)

[WormGod]

Andy, I did quite a bit of trimming for my 285s a while back. Its weird though, cause it seems everyone with 285s had a different amount of trim. I am sure a lot of it has to do with the wheel being used as well. Dont feel too intimidated. Even with the trim done, nothing is really harmed that will hurt you down the road and it's all quite invisible from the eye.