Tire Review: Firestone Firehawk GT
Jamie’s car needed new tires two weeks ago to pass inspection. You can read more on that in the previous post. I decided to get four of Firestone’s Firehawk GT’s. This is an all-season tire with a 460 treadwear, so we’ll get about 50-60,000 miles out of it, which is about 3 years for us on that car. Its rating is A for both traction and temperature. For the northeast I don’t recommend anything less than A/A.
The tire looks really good on her car. Since its an RSX and a bit sporty, the tire fits in well. The tire has the look and feel of a sports tire because its a bit wider and sleeker, but has the dependability of an all-season tire and less rapid treadwear of a sports tire (like mine). It also is pretty decently priced, only about $100 a tire.
You can check out more at the manufacturer’s website here.
The Firehawk GT’s asymmetrical design provides optimal balance and evacuation of water. It’s advanced technology called Veri-Pitch Noise Reduction helps reduce road noise. It has a high-silica compound and wider tread profile for improved cornering coefficient for superb handling.
Firehawk GT, Firestone, Firestone Firehawk GT, miles, nys inspection, tire, treadwear
Nice review. I’m considering the Firehawk GT for my 2000 Maxima, it seems like a promising tire from Firestone. Firestone’s current product line of mostly low-quality Original Equipment tires is outdated and non-competitive (and the Ford Explorer problems didn’t help). But the Firehawk could be a new start for the brand. However, I have heard that road noise gets louder after about 10K miles, and some have complained about the tread wearing quickly. I’d love to see a followup review on the tire from you.
I’m afraid you, like the majority of tire consumers, have misunderstood the Uniform Tire Quality Grade. The UTQG is used to compare different products offered by the same manufacturer. As the quality grades are determined by tests conducted by the manufacturers, they– like the manufacturers tread wear warranty– are used as marketing tools. Check out this link from tirerack.com, and it should give you a better understanding. And thanks for the nice review!
Thanks for the reply Chris.
Yes it is a bit noisy over previous tires that I have had. We have two cars with these tires, both with over 10k miles on them. One car has a slight tire noise that you only hear if the radio is off, the other car makes a ton of noise and drives my father crazy. It’s a great tire if you don’t mind noise or if you drive with a loud stereo on so you can’t hear it. They are excellent in the rain and snow and grip rather nicely on dry roads.
Joe,
Be careful. My Firehawk GT’s cupped after 15,000 miles.
Good Luck.
@Chad
Get them installed from a shop that actually knows how to balance tires.