Trying out new tires: Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500

[sooththetruth]

Whew, that's a hard name to remember. Tire Rack has them priced very attractively, though I am getting them locally, as I don't like risking having to mail tires back.

My local tire dealer could get the tires, and they're still priced well, though $10 above Tire Rack's quote of $146 a tire for the 235/50/18's.

The tire dealer didn't want to order the tires for me, worrying I wouldn't be happy with them, and wondering if Tire Rack's survey's are "salted" with good reviews to encourage purchasers. There are only 26 reviews on Tire Rack, so I consider the caution valid.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...oMake=Hyundai&autoYear=2010&autoModel=Genesis Sedan&autoModClar=3.8&tab=Reviews


I live in the South, and don't drive North in Winter more than once a year, so I didn't have to consider All season tires, as I have a Passat with proper tires I can use for that trip.

I have been spoiled by the much maligned Dunlops, because I have never had a performance tire before, and I have been surprised how much I like them. I didn't know that front tires don't have to fold under on hard turns, as all my past Grand Touring tires have done on previous cars. They are a jittery tire, or at least I hope the tires are the cause, because there have been references to improvements in the Genesis' ride with a change of tires. I am hoping to get some of that benefit, as well as some improved straight line tracking, the remaining dissatisfaction I had with the OEM Dunlops.

And, the Dunlops were obviously really a summer tire, because no one has been able to make due with them for winter driving. And, I only got 20,000 miles out of them, so I wanted a tire with a little more resistance to tread wear.

But I did a search, and found no other references to this Firestone tire on this forum, good or bad, so I am hoping someone else here will voice an opinion. For a summer tire they look almost too good to be true, and that is exactly why I worry.

If no one has experience, I will report mine. I always think that it really takes a couple of thousand miles to really break in tires, so I will avoid any opinion for the first few months.

 

[MrB0462]

And, the Dunlops were obviously really a summer tire, because no one has been able to make due with them for winter driving.



Really I live in the NE have the Dunlops and had no probems with them this winter with snowfalls up to 30 inches and driving in snow up to 12-18" deep. Yes they are noisy but so are my Michleins on my Corvette.

Dave

 

[Gambler]

Really I live in the NE have the Dunlops and had no probems with them this winter with snowfalls up to 30 inches and driving in snow up to 12-18" deep. Yes they are noisy but so are my Michleins on my Corvette.

Dave

Really? Yours must have come with different tires than mine...

 

[scottdk]

I have summer tires on my car and love them. I purchased Sumitomo HTR Z III's. Great handling, tons of grip, and quiter then then Dunflops. Priced well also, although I purchased mine at a local tire shop since they were priced lower then Tireracks pricing.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+Z+III

 

[sooththetruth]

I have summer tires on my car and love them. I purchased Sumitomo HTR Z III's. Great handling, tons of grip, and quiter then then Dunflops. Priced well also, although I purchased mine at a local tire shop since they were priced lower then Tireracks pricing.

Wow, I am impressed your local shop was cheaper. There is a place in town that has the same price as Tire Rack, but so flagrantly incompetent....they have cost me thousands of dollars in losses directly or indirectly. (the brief story, they so did badly repair a car repeatedly that I grew frustrated with the car and sold it, before I recognized that it was their incompetence that was the cause. Then they damaged a rotor on my Passat, and when I had a flat later, the rotor had to be replaced, and they would not cover the cost for their error done just 3 weeks earlier. The flat was fixed elsewhere, when I was out of town).

Sometimes you have spend more for someone you trust, and hope they make fewer mistakes than the last guy.

The ratings on the Firehawk are better than the Sumitomo's, but there are a lot more ratings for the Sumitomo, and I would acknowledge that that would be the safer bet, but I will risk the Firehawks. However I recognize it is contradictory to pay a shop you trust to order tires they don't know. I am curious enough to risk it.

 

[scottdk]

Wow, I am impressed your local shop was cheaper. There is a place in town that has the same price as Tire Rack, but so flagrantly incompetent....they have cost me thousands of dollars in losses directly or indirectly. (the brief story, they so did badly repair a car repeatedly that I grew frustrated with the car and sold it, before I recognized that it was their incompetence that was the cause. Then they damaged a rotor on my Passat, and when I had a flat later, the rotor had to be replaced, and they would not cover the cost for their error done just 3 weeks earlier. The flat was fixed elsewhere, when I was out of town).

Sometimes you have spend more for someone you trust, and hope they make fewer mistakes than the last guy.

The ratings on the Firehawk are better than the Sumitomo's, but there are a lot more ratings for the Sumitomo, and I would acknowledge that that would be the safer bet, but I will risk the Firehawks. However I recognize it is contradictory to pay a shop you trust to order tires they don't know. I am curious enough to risk it.

Sorry to hear about your troubles Now.....regarding the Firehawks, I know back in the day (LS1) the Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk came with Firehawk tire, which I've never heard bad reviews on them, but also have not heard many, since many people need the BIG names such as MICHELIN, and GOODFORAYEAR. The Firehawks are "W" speed rated and the Sumitomo's are "Y' speed rated.

I notice that for the size tire the Genesis takes for the 18" wheel on tirerack for the Sumitomo's is $628, plus the $50 shipping, making this a $680 purchase, plus mounting and balancing at a shop. Discount tire by me quoted $753 out the door installed, and the local tire guy right by my house installed them for $713 out the door with tax. I think TireRack is a great resource to research tires and learn about reviews, but I've never considered them for actually purchasing tires, since I've always found better deals elsewhere.

 

[sooththetruth]

Only 1000 miles on the Firestones, and I have been surprised a bit.

Quieter than the Dunlops
Smoother ride than the Dunlops,

but

Despite being an ultra performance summer tire, the car does not corner as well on these tires. Yes, I know that these tires are not broken in, but it's interesting to me that I chose the V6 over the V8 because of the immediacy of the turn-in from the V6 as compared to the V8 and ....if the V6 had turned in as it does with the Firestones I don't think I would have bought the car.

I think I have insight as to why the Dunlops are the tire of choice for test driving, there is an immediacy to the handling, despite the all-season status.

Overall, the tires are good for everyday riding, but since I liked the cornering from the Dunlops, I am disappointed.

These tires may break in another 500-1000 miles. I should comment again, then.

 

[scottdk]

Only 1000 miles on the Firestones, and I have been surprised a bit.

Quieter than the Dunlops
Smoother ride than the Dunlops,

but

Despite being an ultra performance summer tire, the car does not corner as well on these tires. Yes, I know that these tires are not broken in, but it's interesting to me that I chose the V6 over the V8 because of the immediacy of the turn-in from the V6 as compared to the V8 and ....if the V6 had turned in as it does with the Firestones I don't think I would have bought the car.

I think I have insight as to why the Dunlops are the tire of choice for test driving, there is an immediacy to the handling, despite the all-season status.

Overall, the tires are good for everyday riding, but since I liked the cornering from the Dunlops, I am disappointed.

These tires may break in another 500-1000 miles. I should comment again, then.

Please keep us updated when you throw some miles on the tires

 

[wilmoth]

Interesting... I just bought a set of the Firestone Firehawks last week for the same reasons you post. My Dunlops only lasted 20K as well.

I was going to purchase the Continental DSW's until I saw the FF's on Tirerack.com with the positive ratings.

Ride is good, however, I plan on dropping the psi to 32-34 to see if it gets a little better. I did get an alignment, but getting a slight pull to the right. Right now I'm saying it's the new tires, but will monitor.

I havent gotten aggresive with them...yet. I do hope they handle as well as the Dunlops though.

So far, very happy with them.

 

[wallymn]

Interesting... I just bought a set of the Firestone Firehawks last week for the same reasons you post. My Dunlops only lasted 20K as well.

I was going to purchase the Continental DSW's until I saw the FF's on Tirerack.com with the positive ratings.

Ride is good, however, I plan on dropping the psi to 32-34 to see if it gets a little better. I did get an alignment, but getting a slight pull to the right. Right now I'm saying it's the new tires, but will monitor.

I havent gotten aggresive with them...yet. I do hope they handle as well as the Dunlops though.

So far, very happy with them.

I run my Continental DW (summer tire) at 31 Lbs.... tires will vary but 34 might be a bit high,

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[oreipa]

I also went with Continental Extreme Contact DWs. Just had them installed this last week. It was between them and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3. Had those on my last Audi and was very impressed. Better price this go round for the Contis and a higher overall rating by users so I figured I'd give them a try. Pleased so far in my limited driving with them. Getting ready to take a long trip so I'll have a good chance to test them in extended driving. Also purchased a fifth stock 18 inch alloy rim and had the best of my old Duncraps put on as a spare. No more donut! Not to open old wounds, but the weight of a full size spare in the trunk improves the ride. Given the size of the space allocated for the donut, I can't help but think that maybe the car was supposed to come with one, but as the release date came closer, bean counters looked for ways to shave costs to improve the bottom line. It might explain the suspension setup in early models. I for one have never had an issue with it (I own an early prod. '09) but I know some have resorted to sand bags in the trunk, which would accomplish much the same thing.

 

[Gurkha]

Given the size of the space allocated for the donut, I can't help but think that maybe the car was supposed to come with one, but as the release date came closer, bean counters looked for ways to shave costs to improve the bottom line. It might explain the suspension setup in early models. I for one have never had an issue with it (I own an early prod. '09) but I know some have resorted to sand bags in the trunk, which would accomplish much the same thing.

Interesting, I noticed the same thing about the space allocated to the spare tire.
I wouldn't be surprised if in other markets it does indeed come with a full size spare tire on an alloy wheel.
I'll have to try to put some weight there and try it out one day.

 

[UIUC]

I also went with Continental Extreme Contact DWs. Just had them installed this last week. It was between them and the Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3. Had those on my last Audi and was very impressed. Better price this go round for the Contis and a higher overall rating by users so I figured I'd give them a try. Pleased so far in my limited driving with them. Getting ready to take a long trip so I'll have a good chance to test them in extended driving. Also purchased a fifth stock 18 inch alloy rim and had the best of my old Duncraps put on as a spare. No more donut! Not to open old wounds, but the weight of a full size spare in the trunk improves the ride. Given the size of the space allocated for the donut, I can't help but think that maybe the car was supposed to come with one, but as the release date came closer, bean counters looked for ways to shave costs to improve the bottom line. It might explain the suspension setup in early models. I for one have never had an issue with it (I own an early prod. '09) but I know some have resorted to sand bags in the trunk, which would accomplish much the same thing.

Were you able to use the styrofoam insert that holds the jack, etc. after putting in the full sized wheel? And is it easy to lock in place the full size?

 

[oreipa]

The styrofoam insert does not fit. I went to Lowes with the screw wheel that held down the spare, and bought a metric bolt to match that's long enough to thread with the wheel facing down. I also bought a white PVC square fence post cap (looks like a squat pyramid) and drilled a hole right at the apex. Place the bolt throughout the hole with the pyramid facing down. The angles on the under side of the pyramid hold the bolt in place. Simply spin the fence post cap down till snug. Again, the downward facing pyramid will seat nicely in the axle hole in the wheel. I can take a photo if anyone would like it.

 

[UIUC]

The styrofoam insert does not fit. I went to Lowes with the screw wheel that held down the spare, and bought a metric bolt to match that's long enough to thread with the wheel facing down. I also bought a white PVC square fence post cap (looks like a squat pyramid) and drilled a hole right at the apex. Place the bolt throughout the hole with the pyramid facing down. The angles on the under side of the pyramid hold the bolt in place. Simply spin the fence post cap down till snug. Again, the downward facing pyramid will seat nicely in the axle hole in the wheel. I can take a photo if anyone would like it.

Thanks for the detailed information. How much more do you think the full size weighs, compared to the emergency spare?

 

[sooththetruth]

Please keep us updated when you throw some miles on the tires

I now have 2200 miles on the Firehawks.

First of all, I need to correct that I had only 600 miles on the tires at the first report. Currently at 2200, and ONLY JUST NOW has the cornering started to improve. Still, the cornering is not as good as the Dunlops OEM, and the ride is really no better. The tires track fine for me. No pulling to one side.

So, I will state that the Firehawks may last longer that the OEM's, are cheaper, but if you want the sports driving experience, I just don't think they match the ratings on Tire Rack.

And, as for comfort, no better than the Dunlops. I would not recommend these tires,yet, and wish now I had bought tires with a better known ride, as right now i have a tire that does nothing well.

Of course, I will report if the cornering continues to improve over time. Again, i still believe the OEM Dunlops were chosen specifically because they were so sticky from the first time you drive them, and that might be possible only because the compound is soft, and the reason they wear out at 20-25K miles for most of us.

Life is all about compromise. My Firehawks may last 50K miles, and prove a fantastic value, with cornering continuing to improve til I am happy with them. Only time will tell.

 

[MHT]

I now have 2200 miles on the Firehawks.

First of all, I need to correct that I had only 600 miles on the tires at the first report. Currently at 2200, and ONLY JUST NOW has the cornering started to improve. Still, the cornering is not as good as the Dunlops OEM, and the ride is really no better. The tires track fine for me. No pulling to one side.

So, I will state that the Firehawks may last longer that the OEM's, are cheaper, but if you want the sports driving experience, I just don't think they match the ratings on Tire Rack.

And, as for comfort, no better than the Dunlops. I would not recommend these tires,yet, and wish now I had bought tires with a better known ride, as right now i have a tire that does nothing well.

Of course, I will report if the cornering continues to improve over time. Again, i still believe the OEM Dunlops were chosen specifically because they were so sticky from the first time you drive them, and that might be possible only because the compound is soft, and the reason they wear out at 20-25K miles for most of us.

Life is all about compromise. My Firehawks may last 50K miles, and prove a fantastic value, with cornering continuing to improve til I am happy with them. Only time will tell.

The only Ultra High Performance Tire that may give you the ride you are looking for is the Continental Extreme DWS. You will also get a better ride with a Grand Touring or Passenger Tire.

 

[tompass]

Love my Bridgestone Turanza Serenitys. W rated tire.

 

[sooththetruth]

With 6,500 miles on the tires I felt an update was due.

The car DOES track better with the Firestones. This is a relief on the highway, though the Genesis still doesn't have that "planted in the middle of the lane" feeling my Passat has.

The Passat has Michelin tires, MXV somethings, and the compliance/cornering balance is still much better in the Passat, but that is not just the tires, I am afraid.

Overall, I do think the ride has settled down with the Firestones; they ride better than the Dunlops, but the ride in the car still isn't good. They track better than the Dunlops, and they still corner worse, though cornering IS improved with the hot summer of Southern Georgia.

Odd that I liked the cornering with the Dunlops so much, but that's why they only lasted med 20,500 miles.

I stand by my 1500 mile statement, I would not buy the Firestones again, mainly based on the some of the other tire reviews I've read here that seem much more favorable.

However, the tread still looks new on all 4 tires. I may be driving them for a long time.

 

[sooththetruth]

Confirmed that something WAS WRONG other than the tires. Took my tires to the tire shop, and they assured me the REAR tires were not balanced and the front were out of alignment. They apologized, and this place has always been responsible.

What a difference. Now I feel I impugned the tires unjustly.

But really it would take side by side comparisons to reason study the issue, and that is not likely to happen.

However, the car is tracking even better, and the ride has become better than just the previous "acceptable" now it's bordering on good.

What a relief.

Tread still good. Just 7500 miles on the tires, though.