WinterForce 2
Want maximum control on the road in the cold season? Do you want winter trips to bring pleasure while other drivers suffer? In this case, WinterForce 2 is what you need. And in this little review, we will talk in detail about these tires.
General Information
WinterForce 2 is a winter passenger tire that can be installed on most cars, as well as minivans and city crossovers. Such versatility, first of all, speaks of a large range of sizes. Thanks to this, you can pick up the tires for different vehicles.
Tires of this model have been produced since 2017 when they replaced Firestone WinterForce. From the previous model, WINTERFORCE 2 differs not only by improved running characteristics but also by greater durability, reliability, and durability.
WinterForce 2 is designed and manufactured taking into account the most severe climatic conditions, which is confirmed by the 3PMSF certification. This is talking about the logo in the form of 3 mountain peaks and snowflakes. The presence of such certification indicates the possibility of exploitation at temperatures up to -30. At such low temperatures, the protector of all-season tires is a dub and the car becomes poorly manageable. WinterForce 2 Winter tires can be used at lower temperatures. But below -30 ℃ operational resource of these tires is reduced. WinterForce 2 tires are perfectly ridden not only on loose and rolled snow but also on ice. To do this, they provide for the possibility of installing spikes that provide additional adhesion to the road surface.
Characteristics in numbers
- Tires conditionally studded - spike removable.
- Internal diameter 14 ", 15", 16 ", 17", 18 ".
- External diameter from 24 "to 28.6".
- The height of the tread is 12 mm.
- XL load index.
- Speed ​​index S.
- The sidewall design is completely black.
Constructive features
WINTERFORCE 2 tire design is focused on achieving the largest number of coupling edges. Coupling edges that provide a high clutch coefficient with a wet surface of roads and snow are formed separately and are located in large tread blocks. In addition to major edges, there are minor edges compiled by the lamellas - small sequence grooves. The WinterForce 2 shoulder zone is decorated with pronounced primers on the protruding edges of the blocks. It provides improved grip on loose and solid ground, in a rut, on a rolled and deep snow.
The location of the lamellae and the edges of the blocks on the WinterForce 2 tires is designed with the calculation so that with different positions of the steering wheels, the coupling face was directed across the direction of movement. Due to this, improved thrust and short brake paths are ensured. Along with these lamellas, there are edges on the tire, which give additional grip when turning.
WinterForce 2 tires are distinguished by the presence of a developed negative profile - a system of grooves and discharge channels. Specially spaced grooves and channels in the aggregate effectively dismissed water, slush, and snow from the contact stain. As a result, controllability is improved and the likelihood of aquaplaning is prevented.
The patterns of the WinterForce 2 are directional, symmetrical, with a sweat-shaped (V-shaped) central part. Such a constructive solution provides uniform and fast water removal and gives an additional craving due to a better clutch.
The composition of rubber
WinterForce 2 tires, like all modern winter tires, are made from a rubber mixture with a high content of synthetic rubber and silica (silicon dioxide). The patented composition consists of more than 20 ingredients. Thanks to the special composition, the tire does not lose elasticity even at -30. This is a good indicator that the manufacturer has achieved, testing the prototype of these tires in the northern regions of the United States and Canada.
Firestone branded mixture for casting the upper tread layer is a porous structure. The surface of the tread is not only elastic but also absorbs the layer of water that provokes slip into ice. Bunned water is immediately excreted. Micropores in the surface layer of rubber, when erasing the tread, open and, thus, form additional micro edges that improve the adhesion.
In areas of fasteners for spikes, the rubber composition is denser than along the entire surface of the tread. This is done in order to fix the spikes to be more reliable. For these purposes, the composition of thermosetting rubber changes the density depending on temperature. If the street is warmer, the tires of the lower layer become softer and the spikes at contact with the road are partially interposed inside. If the temperature decreases, the bottom layer of the tread becomes tougher and the spikes tightly stick into the ice.
Attention! Taking into account the features of the composition of production materials, using these winter tires in warm weather is not recommended. Rubber will become soft and the protector will be intensely emitted. Another reason not to use Winterforce 2 in the warm season is an increase in the brake path and deterioration of the transverse clutch.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's start with the advantages. There are many of them, we will list the most important.
- These tires are really managed on a slippery road, and the control is clear and predictable, even with spikes removed. This advantage is due to the composition of the top layer of the tread and its drawing.
- The possibility of applying both on the roads and off-road. Despite the weak protector, in winter these tires provide a clutch no worse than many off-road tires.
- Short break path and frisky start. This advantage is also provided by the tread, which is responsible for adhesion with the road surface. A short braking path guarantees your safety and this is especially true when using a car in busy city traffic. Starting without slipping will make it possible to touch more confidently from a place on a slippery road.
- Little noise in comparison with other winter tires. A small noise level is a feature of all modern Firestone tires, and WinterForce 2 is no exception. And despite the fact that in winter at the noise level, attention is paid less than in the summer, comfort in the cabin is important especially on long-distance travel.
- Long operation resource, provided that the tires are used as intended. If Winterforce 2 is used only in the cold season, they will serve at least 40 thousand kilometers without visible tread wear. That is, these tires will certainly suit most practical buyers.
Are there any deficiencies? WinterForce 2 tires in snow and ice are managed better than dry road surfaces. Therefore, if winter in your region is soft and dry, it will be more correct to stop your choice on one of the all-season models of Firestone tires. Well, if winter and cold winter, WinterForce 2 - just what you need. Therefore, it is not better handling on a dry road for such tires - it is rather not a disadvantage, but a feature of operation.
Who we recommended it for
WinterForce 2 tires are a universal solution for winter use. These tires, first of all, are recommended for practical customers who need high-quality and inexpensive tires. Again, we recommend these tires to all owners of passenger transport and minivans. For owners of pickups and major SUVs in the Firestone assortment, there are more suitable winter tires.
And finally, the WinterForce 2 tires are indispensable for those car enthusiasts that value the safety and security of other road users. After all, correctly selected tires are good car handling, which means that safety is guaranteed on the road. Therefore, we recommend these tires to purchase.