Yesterday, I ran over something on the road which put a hole in the sidewall of one of the Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s on my 87. After a few phone calls this morning (including the TireRack, where I bought them), I learn that Kumho no longer makes the tire (discontinued) and I can't find any "hanging around" in the local area in a 255/50R16.

So, unless I can find one lonely tire out there somewhere, I'm going to have to go with a different brand of tire. I've heard two different opinions, so far: replace the damaged tire with one Z-rated tire or replace both tires on the same axle with the new brand of tire. Of course, I could replace all 4, as well.

At the moment, I'm stuck driving around on a 20-year old spare that I'm plenty nervous about putting any more miles on than I have to.

FWIW, I also bought the road hazard plan from the Tire Rack and, at this point, I'm fairly disappointed in the coverage. It apparently is a "time-based", rather than "wear-based" program, so even though I have probably less than 5,000 miles on the tires, because I bought them over a year ago, the plan only provides about 40% reimbursement for the cost of a replacement tire.

So, I'd just like forum member's thoughts and experience in this situation... if you will.

Thanks!

 

Two tires usually. But, the caveat is how much tread is left on the one on the same axle. If it's a lot, it shouldn't make a big difference. With proper inflation, your remaining tire should have somewhere around 75% + of tread life.

Call tirerack, and email kumho. Ask for the tire most close in specs to the existing/remaining tire on the axle. Second question to both: is it safe to buy a different "model" tire for the axle? Write down, save their spoken/written suggestions time and date and person.

Tell us what happens.