Kumho starts winter sales promotion

One of Korea’s major tire manufacturers said Monday it will begin its annual sales event for customers to purchase winter tires without facing long waiting lists or product shortages.

Kumho Tire has been offering customers a pre-order service for winter tires since 2013.

Customers can select the type, standard and quantity of tires on the company’s website and choose when and where to install them.

The order is then confirmed by phone and customers can change their regular tires to winter ones at several shops designated by the company.

Kumho Tire said it will give away free outdoor fleece jackets to those who buy four Winter Craft KW27 model tires, which is a premium model with maximum braking and traction power, or four I'Zen KW17 tires for SUVs.

The company will also offer a free storage service for people who buy winter tires at designated shops, so they can change the tires back in the spring.

Because this winter is expected to be especially cold, more drivers, who suffered due to heavy snow last year, are buying winter tires earlier, according to Kumho Tire.

Winter tires, which enable shorter braking distance and smoother driving on snowy or icy roads, have become winter necessities for drivers.

On the other hand, all-season tires, which are often used by Korean drivers, stiffen below 7 degrees Celsius, lengthening braking distances by 20 to 40 percent and increasing fatal accidents.

Although low-speed driving may prevent such unexpected accidents, installing winter tires would be the best option to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers, Kumho Tire said.

Kumho Tire advised installing two winter tires at least, if drivers cannot afford four.

The company added that drivers should change their winter tires to all-season ones after winter.

The sales promotion this year lasts until Nov. 30. Visit kumhotire.co.kr for more information.

(Advertorial)