Firestone WeatherGrip Review

The Firestone WeatherGrip is an all-weather touring tire with all-season and winter capabilities designed for most hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. From a distance, you’d think the WeatherGrip is a winter tire due to its tread design. Additionally, the tire is 3PMSF rated, providing additional longitudinal snow traction compared to standard all-season tires.

But how effective is the Firestone WeatherGrip? Well, to answer that question, we have compiled a comprehensive review of the tire that covers everything important about it. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Key Specifications:

Category: All-weather touring tire

Vehicles: Passenger 

Sidewalls: Black sidewalls

Pros

• Solid tread life 
• Provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience
• Excellent braking and handling performance for an all-weather tire
• Safe and predictable handling in light snow conditions
• Highly responsive steering control and short braking distances in most conditions
• Affordable 

Cons

• Noisier than most all-weather tires due to the more aggressive tread pattern
• Average performance in extreme snow conditions
• The softer compound makes it less responsive, especially on dry pavement

Firestone WeatherGrip Review: Features

In order to deliver a tire that meets drivers’ requirements, Firestone employed innovative features and technologies that make the WeatherGrip stand out from regular all-season tires. It incorporated the use of compounds that ensure solid traction in all road conditions. Let’s take a look at its features.

First off is the advanced all-season tread compound moulded into a traction-focused directional pattern, which improves road holding on wet and snowy surfaces.

Next comes the Hydro-Grip Technology Package, which improves the tire’s hydroplaning resistance by utilizing a circular footprint that pierces through standing water and deep grooves to expel water from beneath the tires. Additionally, the package comes with some large, broad grooves and open, chamfered shoulder slots that provide extra grip on the road and improve braking and cornering on wet roads, even at high speeds. 

Another impressive feature of the Firestone WeatherGrip is the Snow Traction Claw Technology utilized on the center and shoulder ribs, paired with snow vices on the intermediate rib. This feature improves snow performance by digging into light snow and gaining traction to propel the vehicle forward. 

Ultimately, Firestone equips the WeatherGrip tire with TractionTech Package, which includes powerful interlocking grooves that allow it to perform highly on extreme snow and slippery roads. On top of that, the tire also has high-density zigzag sipes on the surface, which create additional biting edges for enhanced performance on icy roads. 

The internal construction of the WeatherGrip consists of a single-ply polyester casing aided by two steel belts reinforced with nylon for high-speed durability and cornering performance. 

Firestone WeatherGrip Review: Maintenance Indicators

Like most manufacturers, Firestone used industry-standard Tread Wear Indicators (TWIs). These indicators are narrow rubber bars that are recessed into the tire’s circumferential grooves.

The TWIs protrude by 2/32 inches (the minimum legal tread depth of all-weather tires) from the bottom of the tread. 

As the tire tread wears, the tread wear indicators become more visible. The TWI becomes completely flush with the surface when the grooves reach the 2/32-inch mark. At this point, you need to replace your tires. 

Firestone WeatherGrip Review: Performance in Different Conditions

Dry Grip and Traction

The WeatherGrip performance on dry tarmac is average, and there’s hardly anything to praise about it. In terms of traction and grip, it’s adequate to drive on. Not class-leading, but enough. 

The cornering grip is also average, and there is just enough grip to provide safe driving in the corners, but don’t overdo things. As much as the WeatherGrip isn’t very responsive, it will keep you safe, which should be enough for most drivers.

Wet Grip and Traction

The WeatherGrip provides excellent wet traction performance, especially on wet and slippery surfaces. The hydroplaning resistance of this tire is second to none, and there is a lot of traction on offer. The tires provide safe and predictable cornering, even in heavy rain.  

When it comes to wet braking, the WeatherGrip is impressive too. Braking distances are short and precise.  

Overall, the Firestone WeatherGrip handles the rain safely and doesn’t surprise the driver with a sudden loss of traction.

Snow Traction 

The WeatherGrip is one of the best in its class in terms of snow driving, offering drivers plenty of grip and traction. It provides good longitudinal traction, which means it brakes and accelerates without too much fuss and turns well into a corner.

On the ice, the tire continues to impress with above-average performance compared to its rivals.

However, while the Firestone WeatherGrip is very good on snow and ice, a winter tire will be even better. Hence, if you live in an area with very harsh winter conditions, you should go for proper winter tires.

Comfort and road noise

The WeatherGrip is comfortable but not very quiet. The tire rides smoothly over most roads and doesn’t transmit vibrations or harshness inside the cabin. There is some shudder when you hit larger potholes, though.

As for the noise, it is average. It isn’t loud, but it isn’t quiet, either. You can hear the tire on the road, especially if you are driving at high speeds, but it is not overly intrusive. 

Firestone WeatherGrip Review: Warranty

Materials and workmanship: 5 years. Free replacement for the first three years, then prorated until the remaining depth is 2/32 inches.

Treadwear warranty: 5 years or 65,000 miles

Uniformity Warranty: First 2/32 inches of wear

Special manufacturer’s warranty: 90-day trial period 

Firestone WeatherGrip Tire Sizes

If you drive a passenger car, chances are there is a WeatherGrip tire size to fit it. Firestone offers this grand touring tire in many popular sizes, ranging from 15-inch wheel diameter to 19-inch wheel diameter. 

15″

• 195/60R15
• 195/65R15
• 205/65R15
• 215/70R15

16″

• 205/55R16
• 215/65R16
• 205/60R16
• 215/70R16
• 205/65R16
• 225/60R16
• 215/55R16
• 235/70R16
• 215/60R16

17″

• 205/50R17
• 225/50R17
• 215/45R17
• 225/55R17
• 215/50R17
• 225/60R17
• 215/55R17
• 225/65R17
• 215/65R17
• 235/65R17
• 225/45R17

18″

• 225/45R18
• 235/55R18
• 225/60R18
• 235/60R18
• 235/45R18
• 235/65R18
• 235/50R18
• 245/60R18

19″

• 235/55R19

Firestone WeatherGrip Review: Compatible Vehicles 

The WeatherGrip has a decent size range, meaning that it will fit plenty of cars. The list below outlines several sample models to give you an idea of the wide range of applications.

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of vehicles that are compatible with the WeatherGrip, and it only covers some of the most commonly used vehicles that most people would use.

• Volkswagen: Polo, Passat, Virtus, Golf
• Peugeot: 208, 207, 308, 301
• Kia: K4, Carens, K5 Niro, Rondo, Optima, Stinger, Soul, Stinger
• Lexus: CT, IS, ES, NX
• Opel: Astra, Ampera, Signum, Insignia, Zafira, Vectra
• Honda: Accord, Inspire, HR-V, Jade, Inspire, Spirior, Odyssey, XR-V, Civic
• Ford: Contour, C-Max, Fusion, Mondeo, Escort Focus,
• BMW: 6, 3, 2, 1, 5 Series, Z4, M1
• Acura: CSX, CL, ILX, RSX, Legend, Vigor, TL, 
• Dodge: Avenger, Dart Monaco, Challenger, Stratus, Neon
• Audi: 100, 80, A3, A6, A4, Q5, Coupe, Cabriolet, S2 TT
• Mazda: 3, 6
• Mustang GT
• Subaru Legacy
• Toyota: Corolla, Camry, CH-R

Should You Buy the Firestone WeatherGrip?

Well, the WeatherGrip isn’t a perfect option for everyone. It sacrifices a bit of dry and wet traction to provide better performance on snow, so if you live in areas with lots of rain or heat, this is not the tire for you.

However, if you want an all-in-one tire, this is the one to get. Firestone’s all-weather tire stands out from the crowd due to its combination of safe traction on dry, wet, and snowy surfaces. And when you consider the reasonable price, it’s difficult to beat.

Find your next set of tires online, or speak with a service advisor at your local Trail Tire today!