Firestone Tyres is an American brand with a rich history and esteemed reputation within the world of rubber technology and production.
Now owned by Bridgestone, Firestone Tyres owes much of its prominence on the tyre market to its link with Henry Ford who founded Ford Motors – with Firestone considered a long-standing OEM fitment provider for Ford vehicles. But are its tyres any good by today’s driving standards, and do the deliver on both value for money and reliable performance?
What Are Firestone Tyres Known For?
Firestone Tyres is an active and popular brand in the mid-range tyre market. Owned by the premium Bridgestone brand since 1988, Firestone uses leading innovation from across the tyre sector – with its use of notably sustainable rubber materials and production techniques particularly well-regarded. Despite its ownership under the Bridgestone brand, however, Firestone Tyres remains an affordable mid-range option for drivers – prioritising value for money as well as performance.
In terms of the tyres themselves, Firestone Tyres manufactures a versatile range, spanning professional motorsport driving as well as mixed terrains and variable conditions. Its summer range covers high-performance and touring driving as well as road and off-road navigation, while its winter range is enhanced with UNI-T technology for longevity and tread lifespan.
Firestone’s connection to the motorsport industry comes from way back in 1920, when a driver won the Indianapolis 500 race while driving on Firestone tyres. This secured Firestone’s name on the performance market, adding prestige to a brand already noted for its reliable quality and innovation.
Firestone Tyre Pros
To consider the pros and selling points of Firestone Tyres, we need only look at the range of tyres available and the way the brand has adjusted its collection for different driving needs, while keeping prices affordable.
The fact that Firestone Tyres is owned by Bridgestone presents the undeniable benefit of exposure to leading research, innovation and testing – added to the existing technologies engineered by Firestone which boost wet traction and longevity.
The diversity of the range means that Firestone isn’t just widely available but also boasts several core features that suit different climates and terrains. Its wet grip, winter traction, noise reducing features and enhanced comfort are all integral parts of the brand’s designs – as well as high-speed precision and handling for those demanding superior traction for performance driving.
Other benefits of Firestone Tyres include:
- Durability and longevity of tyres when matched to the right conditions
- Diverse collection for different vehicles and journeys
- Various in-built tyre technologies to maximise grip and lengthen tyre lifespan
The thing to note about Firestone Tyres, particularly as a prominent mid-range brand, is that the value for money typically comes at the detriment to a level of performance. Firestone Tyres has a high reputation for its performance, but the fact that the brand is cheaper than many other premium models means that there are a few drawbacks to consider and take note of.
Firestone Tyres Cons
The main con or downside of the Firestone Tyres range is the variable rates of tread wear that drivers experience, particularly on more challenging terrains. Some drivers claim that rugged terrain can cause faster rates of tread wear, even on specific off-road tyres – while the superior traction and wet grip starts to dull after a full season of driving on wet surfaces.
Another thing to consider when choosing the Firestone range is that uneven wear on tyres can have a broader impact on driver comfort and noise levels, with uneven wear leading to excessive noise produced by the tyre and a bumpier ride. This can be mitigated with regular checks and tyre maintenance.
