- A short note here: As a former Bridgestone engineer, I strongly recommend checking Discount Tire - Treadwell out. Now, you can effortlessly get recommendations based on value, performance, and local favorites without going to the Discount Tire store.
TRIED & TRUSTED!
Firestone Weather Grip is an all-weather tire that can be used on sedans, coupes, SUVs, crossovers, and station wagons. Since it has a 3PMSF marking, it’s a perfect solution for those who are looking for a one-tire solution for a whole year long. All-weather tires are slightly different than all-season tires. The difference brings along advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dig into it and detailly analyze them!
At a Glance
| Firestone WeatherGrip | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who are looking for a winter-focused all-season tire |
| Test Report | vs Celcius Sport & Quatrac Pro & Altimax 365 AW (May 16, 2022) |
| Category | Grand Touring All-Weather |
| Vehicle | Passenger Car/Minivan/SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 18 – 29 lbs |
| Made In | USA |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty | 65,000 Miles |
| Prices | TireRack: Check Price DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
As a former Bridgestone engineer, from my standpoint, Firestone Weathergrip is a unique tire regarding dry and wet performance. Though, what makes Firestone Weathergrip special is its winter traction no matter how icy the surface is. It outperforms even some winter tires in every winter condition but ice. Moreover, it has a highly smooth ride for its aggressive design. However, its tread life isn’t satisfying as its other features, and it’s a slightly noisy tire.
All-Season Tires Cheat Sheet
My team & I have analyzed 100 different tires and generated this ‘Quick Answer Sheet‘ for those who don’t wanna spend too much time during tire selection.
Before we start, here are the incredibly helpful articles I highly recommend to take a look at;
- How to keep tire noise down:
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise - Fuel-Efficiency:
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/rolling-resistance - What is the 3PMSF Symbol?
https://tireterrain.com/what-is-3pmsf-symbol/ - Tire rating charts & reviews
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/rating-chart&reviews - Tire test report
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests
If you’re in a hurry, here are the tires worth every penny;
- Michelin Crossclimate 2 – Best for All-Round & Heavy Snow
- Michelin Primacy Tour A/S – Best All-Round & Moderate Snow
- Nokian WRG4 – Best for Comfort & Heavy Snow
- Nokian WRG4 SUV – Best for Comfort & Heavy Snow
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak – Best for All-Round & Moderate Snow
- Goodyear ComfortDrive – Best All-Round & Light Snow
- BF Goodrich Advantage T/A Sport – Best for Longevity & Light Snow
Depending on your needs, the below article might help;
- https://tireterrain.com/best-all-weather-tires-for-snow/
- https://tireterrain.com/bridgestone-vs-michelin/
- https://tireterrain.com/best-michelin-tires-for-suv/
I highly recommend checking the below pages out before making any purchase:
- DiscountTire Deals:
https://www.discounttire.com/promotions - TireRack Deals:
https://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers - SimpleTire Deals:
https://simpletire.com/tire-deals
Table of Contents
Dry Performance
Dry performance can be evaluated under three different sub-titles which are dry traction, cornering stability, and steering response.
While dry traction is a piece of cake, steering response and cornering stability sometimes can be an issue due to aggressive design and relatively heavy internal structure.
Let’s see how Firestone Weathergrip performs under these circumstances.
Dry Traction
All-weather(see the best ones) and all-season tires are the improved versions of summer tires regarding traction. Even though these improvements are mainly focused on cold-weather traction, they also have a huge impact on dry traction.
Due to its extremely notched rubber and fluffy and sticky compound, Firestone Weathergrip has outstanding dry traction capability. Yet, in my point of view, this feature is a must for all-weather tires(see the best ones). So, nothing much to be impressed with.
Steering Response
Steering response is related to two technical features. The weight of the tire and a pattern type.
Regarding weight, Firestone Weathergrip has an extremely light structure which is a huge advantage for some cases. Well, steering response is one of them. Light-weight tires need less force to turn each side. Hence, they generally have a quicker steering response.
Moreover, the design of the Firestone Weathergrip is directional. Luckily, this is a massive advantage for rapid steering response. In that case, its asymmetrical and sectional center rib will slightly decrease your steering response. However, its extremely soft compound creates an advantage out here and gives this tire cannonball steering response.
Firestone Weathergrip is a reliable option for quick steering response. Though worth reminding, the response time tends to decrease in cold weather conditions. This is a natural reaction of the tire. I’ll talk about it detailly in the winter performance section.
Cornering Stability
Cornering stability is totally related to tires’ internal structure. Especially, sidewalls.
In this case, strong sidewalls are the game-changers. Due to complete this mission, Firestone uses an extra nylon reinforcement. This reinforcement helps the tire to keep its shape while cornering at a high pace.
Firestone Weathergrip has trustworthy cornering stability.
TireRack has tested this tire with General AltiMAX 365 AW. If you’d like to see results: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/chartDisplay.jsp?ttid=267
Wet Performance
The wet performance of all-season tires is generally unquestionable. Due to their rib-type designs and continuous circumferential grooves, their wet performance is decent.
However, the softness of the compound also affects wet performance. Especially, hydroplaning resistance. In that case, the firm compound works better.
Under the light of information above, let’s evaluate Wintergrip’s wet performance.
Wet Traction
Wet traction is where it shines. Due to its exceedingly notched rubber and fluffy compound, it has extraordinary dry traction capability.
Firestone Weathergrip has trustworthy wet traction. Yet, wet traction isn’t something you have to worry about for all-weather tires. The real issue is hydroplaning resistance.
Hydroplaning Resistance
Hydroplaning resistance is also known as aquaplaning. It’s basically the skate feeling when braking at high speed while it’s raining. It’s vital and all-about water evacuation capability.
Due to their increased void areas, all-weather and winter tires sometimes struggle because of hydroplaning. In this case, a solid contact patch is a game-changer.
Based on its 4 circumferential grooves and optimized contact patch, Firestone Weathergrip has an alpha plus hydroplaning resistance. In that case, its directional pattern also helps a lot.
Note: Hydroplaning is vital for a safe ride under the pouring rain. However, it might occur even with the best tire. Maybe you can’t prevent it but if you know what it is and how to deal with it, you can easily stay on the safe side.
Here is an extremely efficient guide about ‘How to Deal with Hydroplaning?‘ –> https://www.discounttire.com/learn/hydroplaning
Winter Performance
Because of the 3PMSF marking(what it is?), we’re all expecting an elegant winter performance from Firestone Wintergrip. However, 3PMSF marking states the winter harmony of the compound. So, decent and all-round winter performance also needs an efficient contact patch.
Unlike others, I would like to classify its winter performance according to particular winter conditions.
Light-Snow Traction
Light-snow traction is highly similar to wet traction. The only difference is self-cleaning capability is a must for decent light-snow traction.
I’ve already talked about the notches and soft compound. So, out here, I wanna talk about the sectional lugs. Instead of one big lug, Firestone prefers sectional lugs for this tire. This preference increases the movement capability of lugs. Moreover, self-cleaning capability.
Firestone Weather Grip has an awesome light-snow traction capability. I strongly recommend it.
Note: The steering response of all-weather tires tends to decrease for all-season tires. However, all-weather tires have a huge advantage in winter steering response due to their freezing-resist compounds.
Deep-Snow Traction
Deep-snow traction of all-season and all-weather tires are generally limited due to their low tread depth. In this case, the void area is another game-changer. However, increasing these two deal death blow to riding comfort. Therefore, the manufacturers usually don’t prefer to increase these two.
Regarding Firestone Weathergrip, things are a bit different. It looks like Firestone decided to cut some from comfort due to increased winter performance.
Firestone Weathergrip has a regular tread depth. Though, its void area ratio is higher than most all-weather and all-season tires. Therefore, its deep snow traction is higher than almost every tire in its category.
Note: All-weather tires are a combination of all-weather and winter tires. Well, they are usually closer to the all-season tires. However, Firestone Weathergrip’s priority is a winter performance. Hence, it’s closer to winter tires.
Ice Traction
Ice traction is related to the fulfilled contact patch. While deep snow traction needs a void area, it’s the opposite for ice traction.
The pattern is very-well siped, therefore it offers some traction on icy grounds. However, such a void area can’t make it the perfect tire for ice.
Even though it has above-average ice traction, Firestone Weathergrip’s ice performance is limited compared to winter/ice tires(see the list of them).
Ride Quality
The ride quality of the tire is related to contour, internal structure, and compound.
Contour states the height and width of the tire. While wide tires offer better ride quality, this is the opposite of tall tires. Regarding Firestone Weathergrip(product page), it’s neither tall nor narrow tire. Well, due to its low tread, it can be counted as a relatively short tire. However, I think it’s totally similar to all-season tires. No plus or minus points for its contour.
Regarding compound and internal, it’s alpha plus. Due to its single-ply polyester casing, it has a flexible internal structure which makes it highly smooth while going through the bumps. Moreover, its compound is fluffy as hell. Therefore, unlike most Bridgestone and Firestone tires, it’s an exceedingly cozy tire.
Fuel Efficiency
Due to its fluffy compound, it has high rolling resistance. Well, too much sipe also negatively impacts it.
Even though it’s a lightweight tire, it still consumes a bit much gas. I don’t recommend it for commercial usage.
A side note here: As fuel prices fluctuate, I know you guys looking for a way to save money. You don’t have to consider a more efficient gas-powered or electric vehicle if you’ll going to purchase a low-rolling resistance tire.
If you’d like to learn more about rolling resistance and find the trending low-rolling resistance tires;
Road Noise
Road noise is where Firestone gives away for better winter performance.
Firestone Weathergrip has an increased void area ratio. This ratio is a bit higher than regular all-season tires. Moreover, its sectional center works have a negative impact in that case.
If I’ll say this tire is extremely noisy, it would be unfair. However, compared to other premium-level all-weather tires, it stays a bit behind. Yet, I think this increase in noise level covers the improvement in the winter performance.
A side note here: Even though some tires tend to make noise because of their tread patterns, it’s still possible to keep your tire noise down.
I’m leaving a perfect explanation below from DiscountTire for those who need it;
How to Keep Tire Noise Down? –>
https://www.discounttire.com/learn/tire-noise
Tread Life
The Tread life of all-weather tires is lower than most all-season tires. Well, that is caused by their softer compounds. A side note for here, 3PMSF marking generally decreases the tread life by about 15%.
Firestone Weathergrip has a short tread life for a premium all-season tire. However, you’ll get an all-season tire with winter performance in return for some tread life. I take this trade every time.
Getting maximum wear life from a tire is related to you as well as your tire,
If you’d like to learn how to get maximum tread life:
Warranty
Firestone offers 65,000 miles treadwear warranty for this product. So, if you’ll rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, even though you don’t reach 65,000 miles, you’re free to replace them.
Firestone also offers 90 days buy&try guarantee. As a former Bridgestone engineer, I don’t buy it. 90 days isn’t enough to evaluate a tire.
Firestone Warranty Document: https://www.tirerack.com/images/pdf/warranty/BS0121.pdf
Sizes
Most tire sizes begin with modifier letters(P, LT, etc.) that identify the type of vehicle or type of service for which they were designed. Here is a perfect guide for reading tire size –> https://tireterrain.com/how-to-read-tire-size/
| 15” | 16” | 17” | 18” | 19” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 195/60R15 88H SL BSW | 205/55R16 91V SL BSW | 205/50R17 93H XL BSW | 215/55R18 95H SL BSW | 235/55R19 101H SL BSW |
| 195/65R15 91H SL BSW | 205/55R16 91H SL BSW | 215/45R17 91H XL BSW | 225/45R18 95H XL BSW | |
| 205/65R15 99H XL BSW | 205/60R16 92V SL BSW | 215/45R17 91V XL BSW | 225/55R18 98V SL BSW | |
| 215/70R15 98H SL BSW | 205/60R16 92H SL BSW | 215/50R17 95V XL BSW | 225/60R18 100H SL BSW | |
| 205/65R16 95H SL BSW | 215/50R17 95H XL BSW | 235/45R18 94H SL BSW | ||
| 215/55R16 93H SL BSW | 215/55R17 94H SL BSW | 235/45R18 94V SL BSW | ||
| 215/60R16 95H SL BSW | 215/55R17 94V SL BSW | 235/50R18 97V SL BSW | ||
| 215/60R16 95V SL BSW | 215/65R17 99H SL BSW | 235/55R18 100V SL BSW | ||
| 215/65R16 98H SL BSW | 225/45R17 91H SL BSW | 235/55R18 100H SL BSW | ||
| 215/70R16 100H SL BSW | 225/50R17 94H SL BSW | 235/60R18 103H SL BSW | ||
| 225/60R16 98H SL BSW | 225/50R17 94V SL BSW | 235/65R18 106H SL BSW | ||
| 225/60R16 98V SL BSW | 225/55R17 97H SL BSW | 245/60R18 105H SL BSW | ||
| 225/65R16 100H SL BSW | 225/55R17 97V SL BSW | |||
| 235/65R16 103T SL BSW | 225/60R17 99H SL BSW | |||
| 235/70R16 106H SL BSW | 225/65R17 102H SL BSW | |||
| 235/50R17 96V SL BSW | ||||
| 235/60R17 102H SL BSW | ||||
| 235/65R17 104H SL BSW |
For Better Understanding: 215/55R17 94V SL BSW
215: Tire Width
55: Aspect Ratio
R: Radial
17: Rim Size
94: Load Index
V: Speed Index
SL: Load Range(can be XL also)
BSW: Black Sidewall
Price
The tire market has a dynamic price policy. Hence, in my point of view, sharing tire price is pointless.
Though, I’ve analyzed the top 10 brands of most popular tire brands.
Here are the dealers with a reasonable price range,
TireRack
- Fast and Free shipping
- Usually delivered in 1 day
- Joint venture with DiscountTire(their installers and dealers are on your service)
- Tons of installer options, they also help you to choose the best one
- Mobile installers in many areas, your tires will be replaced while you’re working in the office
- Tire test results and comparisons can be found on the most product page
- 4.6/5 points on Google rate
Firestone WeatherGrip: https://www.tirerack.com/tires/firestone-weathergrip
DiscountTire
- Biggest dealer in the US. Founded in 1960
- 1000 stores in 35 states. You most probably find one on your parallel street
- Free rotation and balancing
- 5% off for DiscountTire cardholders on online purchase
- Highest rated online tire dealer in Consumer Affairs
- Almost all brands are available
- Delivery takes 2-4 days (30% shorter average waiting time when you book online)
- Frequent discounts and promotions
Firestone WeatherGrip: https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/firestone-tire-weathergrip
SimpleTire
- Free shipping
- Delivered in 2 days
- Verified shops near you(for mount and balance)
- Mobile installation option
- 7 million customers since 2021
- 4.7/5 points on Google rate
- Top-notch customer service, you may even request a price match
Firestone WeatherGrip: https://simpletire.com/brands/firestone-tires/weathergrip
While choosing dealers, I especially pay attention to reliability. All of the dealers on this list have 15-20 years of experience in the online tire business. Therefore, I can guarantee a smooth and fast tire buying process.
Conclusion
Firestone Weathergrip is a tire that focuses on winter performance. It might have some deficiencies. However, it’s still a solid pick if you’d like to spend a whole year with one tire and need solid winter traction.
| Firestone WeatherGrip | |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers who are looking for a winter-focused all-season tire |
| Test Report | vs Celcius Sport & Quatrac Pro & Altimax 365 AW (May 16, 2022) |
| Category | Grand Touring All-Weather |
| Vehicle | Passenger Car/Minivan/SUV |
| Available Sizes (Rim) | 15”, 16”, 17”, 18”, 19” (Ensure these tires fit your vehicle) |
| Weight | 18 – 29 lbs |
| Made In | USA |
| Labels | 3PMSF |
| Warranty | 65,000 Miles |
| Prices | TireRack: Check Price DiscountTire: Check Price SimpleTire: Check Price Amazon: Check Price |
| Take It! | Leave It! |
|---|---|
| Don’t have a place store second set of tire | If you only see light snow( go with all-season or another all-weather tire) |
| You expect solid winter traction from severe winter conditions | You can’t bare to road noise at all |
| If you need a solid tire for wet grounds(even for high-speed driving) | If you use your vehicle loaded |
| If you’re okey with smooth but slightly noisy ride | Fuel efficiency is your priority |
Take-Home Points,
- XL sizes tend to carry more load and offer better handling. Hence, they might be a better pick for bigger vehicles( XL vs SL tires)
- Please pay attention to the load range and speed index. These metrics are essential if you expect decent tread life
- There isn’t a bad tire in the market right now, you should just know what to expect from tires
A side note here: If you’d like to get local advice and find the best fit for your driving habits, location, and road conditions DiscountTire – Treadwell Tire Guide can give you masterpiece recommendations.
I hope the article was helpful. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the below section. Have a safe ride folks!
Leave a Reply