The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is a next-generation winter tire developed by Firestone, a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation. Engineered with a balanced blend of control, performance, and safety, the tire is designed for passenger cars and city SUVs. It is especially geared towards providing optimal performance in the frigid, wet, and snow-covered roads of winter. A successor to the Winterhawk 3, this tire features an array of improvements such as enhanced wet braking and snow traction, in line with consumer needs and preferences in winter driving conditions.

Features & Benefits:

• Excellent Wet Braking: Engineered with a unique tread compound, the Winterhawk 4 boasts a 4% shorter stopping distance on wet roads compared to its predecessor.
• Outstanding Snow Performance: With improved sipes and tread design, this tire offers better control and handling on snow-covered roads.
• Cost-Efficient: Designed for long-lasting performance, the Winterhawk 4 provides value with each mile driven.
• Attractive Price Point: Offering premium features at a competitive price, the tire is accessible for a range of consumers.

Technologies

• Optimized Tread Pattern: The symmetrical and directional tread design, coupled with increased shoulder grooves, contributes to better traction on slippery surfaces and more efficient winter braking.
• Innovative Sipes and Grooves: The tire incorporates unique sipes and angular edges to enhance traction on snow.
• Zigzag Drainage Grooves: These wide grooves facilitate rapid water and snow evacuation, providing better overall traction.
• Edge Effect: Created through the zigzag shape of the drainage grooves, this feature further enhances grip and control.

Year Released

The Firestone Winterhawk 4 was launched in 2020 as a direct successor to the Winterhawk 3. A slew of in-house and external tests prior to its launch confirmed its advanced features and capabilities, making it a compelling upgrade from its predecessor.

Regions Availability

The tire is available primarily in the European and Russian markets, targeting consumers who face challenging winter conditions.

Vehicle Compatibility / Popular Vehicle Fitments

The Winterhawk 4 is suitable for a wide range of passenger cars and city SUVs. Although specific fitments would depend on the tire size and vehicle model, it is often considered a good match for vehicles like VW Golf, among others.

Final Thoughts

The Firestone Winterhawk 4 is a strong contender in the winter tire market, particularly for drivers in Europe and Russia. It is backed by a series of promising tests from reputable organizations, although it should be noted that its rankings in various tire tests have been moderately strong but not necessarily leading the pack. However, its balanced blend of wet grip, snow traction, and cost-efficiency makes it a worthy investment for winter driving.

It excels in consumer-centric features like enhanced wet braking and outstanding snow performance, providing drivers with a greater sense of control and safety in winter conditions. All of these come at an attractive price point, making the Winterhawk 4 an excellent choice for consumers seeking a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective winter tire solution.