The Firestone Winterforce 2 Review

The Firestone Winterforce 2 Review

The Firestone Winterforce 2 is a studdable winter tire that ensures high driving safety in extremely cold conditions. It was designed for sedans, coupes, and minivans to provide dependable traction and handling in snow, ice, slush, and other winter conditions while significantly less expensive than other top winter tires.

In this review, we will go over all of the outstanding features of the Winterforce 2 and its performance under various conditions, warranty, and vehicle compatibility. For information on Winterforce tires more suitable for light trucks, read our Winterforce LT review.

Firestone Winterforce 2 Review: Features 

Firestone made numerous improvements to the Winterforce 2 to make it a dependable winter tire with long tread life.

They utilized a unique winter-weather compound moulded into a directional tread pattern to achieve the highest level of grip on ice and snow. The compound maximizes the tire’s performance by keeping it flexible in below-freezing temperatures.

The tread pattern includes deep circumferential grooves, wide lateral notches, and open shoulder slots. These work together to channel water away from the tire’s contact patch in wet and slushy conditions. As a result, there is less hydroplaning and improved traction.

Additionally, the tread has a high sipe density, which adds enough biting edges for harsh winter conditions. This ensures that the tire grips snow and ice for safer and more efficient winter driving. The sipes also have a zig-zag pattern, which adds to the number of edges.

Even better, the Winterforce 2 is designed to accept number 11 studs for added traction in the harshest winter conditions. However, this tire performs admirably even without studs.

Firestone Winterforce 2 Review: Tire Specifications 

• Season: Winter (Studdable)
• Type: Touring
• Car Type: Passenger vehicles and SUVs
• Weight: 16-27 pounds
• Tread depth: 12
• Overall diameter: 22.8”-28.6”
• Load index: 104-106
• Speed rating: S, T
• Sidewall: black sidewalls
• 3PMSF certified 

Firestone Winterforce 2: Performance 

Traction, Braking, and Handling

The Winterforce 2 handles perfectly in snow or ice conditions, especially with the studs inserted to improve tire-road friction.

Although the tire lacks responsiveness, it provides adequate traction, cornering grip, and braking.

Dry Performance 

Studded tires are notoriously bad for dry handling, and the Winterforce 2 is no exception. Despite this, this tire outperforms most studded winter tires on dry roads. It has good traction, cornering grip, and short braking distances.  

Wet Performance  

Surprisingly, the Winterforce 2 outperforms most mid-range winter tires on wet and slippery roads. The hydroplaning resistance is incredible. Furthermore, the traction is excellent for the category, and the handling is predictable. The braking distances are also short. 

Overall, driving in the rain with the Winterforce 2 feels completely safe.

Snow and Ice Performance 

In a nutshell, Winterforce 2 performs admirably on snow, both with and without studs. The handling is composed, there is plenty of traction for acceleration, and the braking distances are short.

The Winterforce 2 struggles a little on icy roads without the studs attached. However, as soon as the studs are attached, the traction improves dramatically. Cornering feels more responsive, almost like you’re driving on dry pavement. Braking distances are also extremely short. It’s incredible how much traction the studs provide.

Comfort 

This model has a moderate level of noise. Despite being much quieter than most low-cost tires, it may provide unpleasant rides if you value comfort.

Overall, the Winterforce 2’s comfort is adequate but not as good as that of a premium winter tire. 

Firestone Winterforce 2 Review: Warranty

Firestone does not offer a warranty for the Winterforce 2 treadwear. However, you do not need to be concerned because this model has a long tread life on which you can rely.

Firestone does provide the basic manufacturer’s limited tread warranty. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first 1/32 inch of wear. Materials and workmanship are warranted for 5 years and prorated to the final 2/32-inch tread depth.

Firestone Winterforce 2 Review: Vehicle Fitment  

Firestone offers the Winterforce 2 in sizes 14 to 18 inches to fit some of the vehicles listed below. 

• Acura: MDX
• Buick: Century, LeSabre, Lucerne
• Chevrolet: Cobalt, Cruze, Malibu, Impala, CavalierChrysler: Town and Country, 300, 200
• Dodge: Charger, Caravan, Stratus
• Ford: Freestyle, Taurus, Fusion, Focus, Contour, Mustang, Escort
• Honda: Odyssey, Accord, CR-V, Prelude, Fit, Insight, Civic
• Hyundai: Sonata, Elantra
• Kia: Optima
• Nissan: Maxima, Sentra, Juke
• Pontiac: Vibe, Grand Am, Grand Prix
• Subaru: Outback, Impreza WRX, Forester
• Toyota: Yaris, Carolla, Prius, Sienna
• Volkswagen: GTi, Jetta, Golf
• Volvo: S40, S60

Conclusion

The Firestone Winterforce 2 is one of the most affordable and capable studdable winter tires. It is a tough, long-lasting option for those looking for dependable winter tires for their passenger vehicles. The lower price compared to comparable models makes it a good value for budget-conscious drivers needing a good-performing winter tire.

If you live in an area with extremely harsh winter conditions, the Winterforce 2 is an excellent choice to consider. For more information about the Winterforce line-up, read our buyer’s guide.