If you are taking your truck or SUV off-road regularly, you've probably heard of KO2 Tires. These rugged all-terrain tires from BF Goodrich are well known among consumers who drive off the beaten path. Should you be new to this type of driving or are considering switching to this tire brand, you might be curious about how long the KO2 tires will last. We researched this brand of tire from numerous professional sources so that you will have a definitive answer.
Under normal circumstances, a KO2 tire from BF Goodrich will last 50,000 miles. The tread life of this tire is guaranteed up to this amount. Of course, how you drive and maintain the tires will significantly impact their longevity.
Now that we know how long KO2 should last, we'll take a closer look at this type of tire. You might also be wondering when you should replace KO2 tires or if BFG KO2 tires are worth the money. How often should KO2 tires be rotated? Is there a wear indicator for these tires? For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
What is meant by a KO2 tire?
A KO2 tire is a popular model tire from BF Goodrich. This tire is classified as an "all-terrain" tire. It is engineered for drivers who spend an equal amount of time driving on and off-road. As stated earlier in this post, you can expect to get 50,000 miles out of this tire. To get this amount of mileage, you'll need to make sure that the following maintenance items are routinely completed:
Tire pressure
While there are many factors at play that can cause premature wear on your tires, this one is the most significant. Driving around on tires that are not correctly inflated will do a lot of damage to them and decrease their useful life. It's a great idea to check their pressure routinely and keep them inflated to the manufacturer's recommended psi.
An easy way to get into the habit of checking your tire's pressure is to check it yourself every time you refuel. Generally, there will be an air hose nearby that you can utilize if you are low on pressure.
Driving around with low pressure in your tires greatly increases the risk of a blowout on the road (or off-road). It will also lead to the tires wearing out prematurely and unevenly.
Rotation
We'll take a much closer look at this bit of maintenance ahead in the post. For now, know that routinely rotating any tire is recommended, as it will mean a longer useable life for the tires.
Alignment
A vehicle that is out of alignment can cause a lot of undue damage to your tires. Tires will suffer from uneven tread wear, from inside out, or vice versa. This type of wear is not reversible and will lead to costly replacements much sooner than you intended.
If you notice your vehicle pulling or drifting to one side, this is a great sign that you could have an alignment issue. Should this be the case, have your vehicle aligned as soon as possible. Even if you don't drive off-road often, road hazards like potholes and debris can knock a vehicle out of alignment.
Even if you don't notice any pulling from your vehicle, having the alignment checked routinely once per year is advised as a precautionary step.
How many miles can you get out of BFG KO2?
As we pointed out earlier in this post, the number of miles you can expect to get out of a BF Goodrich KO2 tire will depend upon how you treat the tire. Tire rotation, routine tire inspection, and keeping your vehicle alignment in check are critical to extending the life of your tires.
BF Goodrich backs their KO2 tires with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty. This is unheard of with all-terrain tires, as the manufacturers generally don't give this type of guarantee with tires that will be used a lot off-road. Later in this post, we'll discuss whether or not this tire is worth the money.
When should I replace my KO2 tires?
Even though this model tire has a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, you might need to replace your KO2 tires sooner (or later) than this number. When the tires should be replaced is based on the condition and the tire's age, more than it is the tire's mileage.
The treadwear of a tire is the best indicator of when it should be replaced. If the tread depth falls below 2/32 of an inch, it's time to get an appointment for a new one. Low tread will make it a lot harder for the tire to grip surfaces when it's wet or snowy, so it can be hazardous to drive them on low treads.
If they are riding really rough, it could be a good sign that they are nearing the end of their useful life. Carefully inspect the tires if the ride isn't as smooth as you think it used to be. While rough rides can also indicate other issues, older tires are a pretty common one. Checking their condition will help you rule it out.
Lastly, age is a factor. The rubber in tires begins to deteriorate after about eight years. Even with super low miles on a tire, they won't last forever, as the tire will start to separate. After ten years, it's usually considered unsafe to drive on tires. So if you have low mileage on really old tires, it's a great idea to shop for replacements.
Are BFG KO2 worth the money?
While the cost of the BF Goodrich KO2 tires is higher than the average all-terrain tire, consumer forums rave about this tire being worth the extra money. The longevity alone is what makes the KO2 tires stand out amongst others in their class.
Are KO2 good tires?
The KO2 tires from BF Goodrich are highly rated among consumers. The sidewalls, which are 20% thicker than others in their class, make for longer useful life. These tires also come with built-in "stone ejectors," which help to dislodge small rocks from the treads on their own. Doing so prevents the uneven wearing from gravel that is caught between the treads.
The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is unheard of within all-terrain tires. Most brands will offer a 40,000-mile warranty at best. BF Goodrich also has a sixty-day satisfaction guarantee on these tires, and consumers can return them for any reason within this time frame for a full refund.
How often should you rotate BFG KO2?
As we mentioned earlier in this post, tire rotation is one of the key factors in making your tires last. This is just as important with any all-terrain tire.
The BF Goodrich KO2 tires should be regularly rotated every 5,000 miles. Rotating at this interval is about the same as with any type of tire and for just as important reasons.
Tires will wear out independently of each other, so rotating them will help to even out the wear. This is especially important with vehicles that are all-wheel drive. Uneven wear for prolonged periods of time will make the drive train work harder and cause lasting harm.
BFG KO2 wear indicator
Tires should be replaced if the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch deep. Does this mean that you should always carry a small ruler around so that you can routinely check?
Not necessarily so. BF Goodrich has designed a quick and effective way to measure your tire's tread without a ruler or fancy tool. All it takes is a penny from your change holder.
Grasping the penny from the base of Lincoln's shown body, insert the top of the penny into the spot where the tread looks to be the lowest. If the tread covers any part of Lincoln's head, then your tire is safe and legal to drive on (or off) the road. If the head doesn't get covered at all, it's time to replace the tires as soon as possible.
BFG KO2 tread depth replacement
Any tire should be considered for replacement if the depth falls below 2/32 of an inch. At this tread depth, the tires will have difficulty gripping wet or icy surfaces, making them more dangerous to operate with.
BFG KO2 mileage warranty
The mileage warranty for the KO2 tire is 50,000 miles. This covers treadwear only and doesn't include damage to the tire from road hazards, punctures, or lack of proper maintenance.
In Closing
The BF Goodrich KO2 tire is a leader in the class of all-terrain tires. Consumers will pay more out of pocket for this brand, but the vast majority feel as though the durability and guarantees make this tire worth the extra expense. As with any brand of tire, making it last entails some routine maintenance and inspections. Doing so will help ensure that you get the most out of this popular model tire.
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