Tyres

BF Goodrich 215/75R15 KO3 LT

Indicative Price  – $350

Specifications

  • Section Width: 215 mm
  • Aspect Ratio: 75% (Sidewall height is 161 mm)
  • Rim Diameter: 381 mm (15 inches)
  • Overall Diameter: 704 mm
  • Tread Depth:9 mm
  • Weight:4 kg
  • Load Index: 100/97
    • Max Load (Single): 800 kg
    • Max Load (Dual): 730 kg
  • Load Range: C (6-ply rating)
  • Max Inflation Pressure: 345 kPa (3.45 bar)
  • Speed Rating: S (Maximum speed 180 km/h)
  • Revolutions per Kilometre: ~466 rev/km
  • Recommended Rim Width: 140 mm – 178 mm (5.5″ – 7.0″)

Features

  • Treadwear Warranty: 80,000 km
  • CoreGard™ Technology: Reinforced sidewalls derived from Baja race tires, offering increased resistance to cuts and bruises.
  • Tread Compound: New all-terrain compound designed for even wear and extended life on gravel and pavement.
  • Traction: Full-depth 3D locking sipes and “Mud-Phobic Bars” in the tread grooves to eject mud and improve wet braking.
  • Noise Reduction: Optimised tread pitch sequence to reduce road noise compared to the previous KO2 model.

Tread Life and Durability

The most significant upgrade in the KO3 is its longevity. BF Goodrich claims the new tread compound and optimized footprint provide twice the tread life on gravel and 15–20% better wear on pavement compared to the KO2.

  • KO2: Proven durability but prone to uneven wear on some vehicles.
  • KO3: Features full-depth 3D locking sipes and a new compound that ensures even wear, backed by a 80,000 km treadwear warranty, which the KO2 did not universally offer in all markets/sizes.

On-Road Comfort and Noise

The KO2 was often criticised for highway noise. The KO3 utilises a refined tread pitch variation and optimised block arrangement to significantly reduce road noise, offering a quieter and smoother ride for daily driving.

  • KO2: Distinctive, louder hum at highway speeds.
  • KO3: Noticeably quieter, making it more viable as a daily driver tyre.

Traction Enhancements

  • Wet Braking:The KO3 features deeper, more aggressive siping and “Mud-Phobic Bars” that eject mud and water more effectively, reducing stopping distances in wet conditions by approximately 4 metres compared to the KO2.