WeatherGrip
Firestone's WeatherGrip tires are specifically designed to provide optimum driving performance, whatever the weather. These all-weather tires are designed for passenger cars, minivans, and light SUVs. WeatherGrip rides well on dry, wet road surfaces and loose snow. The possibility of effective use in winter is confirmed by the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
As a potential buyer of these tires, you need to know that they come with a 65,000-mile warranty. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the 90-day time-frame guarantee. If during this time you find defects in the tires, you can return them to the manufacturer. Such a guarantee, of course, speaks of the reliability and durability of the tires, otherwise, Firestone would not have provided such a guarantee.
More about tires
It's no secret that all-season tires perform slightly worse in summer than summer tires and in winter a little worse than winter tires. And only a few all-season tires ride equally well in all weather conditions. And that's exactly the Firestone WeatherGrip - these are the tires that are suitable for any season.
How did the tire manufacturer achieve this result? Probably, it's all about Bridgestone technologies to which Firestone gained access through a merger with the Japanese concern. Yes, if you didn't know, the oldest American manufacturer of pneumatic tires, Firestone, became part of the Bridgestone concern in the 80s. Since then, the quality of American tires has improved significantly, while the cost remains consistently affordable to this day.
Advantages and disadvantages
To decide whether to buy tires or not, you need to decide on the advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the benefits:
- Excellent acceleration and dynamic driving on snowy roads. WeatherGrip tires excel in both loose and packed snow.
- short braking distances on snowy roads compared to other all-season passenger car tires.
- Predictable and therefore safe driving on snow. These tires not only briskly start on loose and packed snow, but also demonstrate high directional stability.
- WeatherGrip tires handle better on ice than most other all-season and all-weather tires. When purchasing these tires, you do not need to purchase additional snow chains.
- Good handling and braking on dry roads. It is clear that in terms of handling on dry roads, WeatherGrip is inferior to summer tires. But, as for all-season tires, these tires run perfectly dry.
- Smooth ride. This benefit applies to most modern Firestone tires. These tires run very smoothly and are virtually vibration-free. This is partly due to the composition of the materials used and partly because the tires are very balanced.
- Economical fuel consumption. Another plus, characteristic of almost all modern Firestone tires.
Due to the balanced design, the rolling resistance is minimal. As a result, fuel consumption is less by at least 10 and 20% in the urban and suburban cycle, respectively. Agree, not bad savings!
Now there are not many of them about their shortcomings, but they are:
- On dry road surfaces, these tires are soft and insensitive. In general, the feeling is the same as when using winter tires. This disadvantage is explained by the fact that the tires are all-season and the rubber composition is softer in comparison with summer tires. This is done so that the tire does not harden at subzero temperatures. And therefore you have to put up with the softness of the move.
- Unlike other modern Firestone tires, WeatherGrip is far from the quietest. No, they don't make the noise of off-road tires, but for long journeys, I would like something quieter. However, let's not forget that these are all-season tires with a higher profile height than summer tires, and this is probably where the noise comes from.
About technologies
These tires are full of technology. For example, Firestone's WeatherGrip has applied its innovative Hydro-Grip technology. The technology consists of more efficient drainage of water from the contact patch of the tire with the road. For this, a special tread pattern is used, where the grooves have a rounded section with variable height. The technology makes it possible to drain water from the contact patch with the road many times more efficiently than when using conventional less technologically advanced tires.
Another technology directly related to the tread is Snow Traction Claw. In a few words, the tread grooves are chamfered in the direction of the wheel rotation. Moreover, the grooves located on the side are zigzag. Therefore, the tire bites into the snow, while providing sufficient grip on the road surface.
Additional shoulder blocks used in the WeatherGrip design provide additional contact with the road, thereby improving braking. As a result, the braking distance is shortened as on an asphalt road.
Country and off-road.
TractionTech technology is also incorporated into the design of these tires, combining the ability of the tread to provide sufficient traction on wet and snowy road surfaces.
The 3PMSF certification means that the tires offer more traction in snow than conventional all-season tires. Compliance with this certificate is confirmed by a snowflake symbol with three mountain peaks. Of course, compliance with the 3PMSF standard does not mean that a tire can completely replace winter tires. But in most cases, these tires are sufficient for less severe winters.
The interior of WeatherGrip is standard for touring tires. It uses a frame with radially oriented belts, nylon reinforcement, and two steel belts. These design solutions make the tires more suited for extended high-speed driving, including driving in a straight line and cornering.
WeatherGrip tires feature reinforced sidewalls. For this, a double layer of rubber with composite inserts is used. Sidewall reinforcement, in combination with metal belts, makes the tire adhere to the road evenly over the entire contact area. As a result, the tread wears off evenly and the tires wear out more slowly. Again, due to the uniform wear of the tread, the wheel does not require balancing for a long time.
For ease of use of tires, wear indicators are provided in their design. Essentially, these are narrow-colored rubber rods embedded in the tread grooves. While the tire is new, the wear indicators are recessed into the tread. As the tread wears down, the indicator gets closer to the surface. This simple technology is commonly found in all modern tires. There is also an indicator in WeatherGrip, so it will be easy for you to track the need for a tire change.
Performance characteristics
- Tire inner diameters: 15, 16, 17, and 18 inches.
- Tire outer diameter: 24.9 to 29.2 inches.
- Tread height: 10 mm.
- Speed index: H and V.
- Design features full black sidewalls.
- Manufacturer's warranty: 65 thousand miles.
Drawing conclusions
Like all Firestone products, WeatherGrip is a practical tire. They are durable, they handle well, and yet they are inexpensive. Again, the variety of sizes allows you to buy these tires for almost any passenger car. And if until recently it was possible to buy these tires only in the USA and Canada, now these tires can be purchased in other countries as well. Verdict - we recommend buying!