Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Winterforce UV

Initial Review, 800 Miles on Tires
September 26, 2010

I wouldn't normally post a review until I had put more miles on a set of tires, but thought I would in case there's anyone else out there like me not wanting to spend a fortune on tires but still wanting good handling. Frankly, Firestone would have been the last brand I would normally have bought due to my perception that the company has had too many quality problems, but I honestly don't know if that's accurate or not. At any rate, being in a low budget mode right now I went for these due to the incredible price, the outstanding reviews by owners on this site, and with winter coming up. The reviews are what convinced me. Living in middle Tennessee we don't get the serious snows like in other parts of the country, but last year we got several that were pretty heavy for our area and with some serious ice a couple of times. Nice to know reviewers rank these very high for that type driving in case we get some this year. The tread on these is very deep and aggressive, and look great on the truck in the blackwall. A little squirm when cornering but to be expected on a new tire with deep tread. Rain handling is awesome. They do have a little highway hum, to be expected with a winter tire, but I have a louder than stock exhaust so who cares? The ride quality is pretty good, and this truck has a pretty stiff suspension. They make them in an LT (light truck) 10-ply model, but I got the passenger rated ones since I don't haul much or tow anything. And if anyone is considering going one size wider than the stock 255-70/17's on a 2007 F-150, the 265-70/17's I bought fit fine and with plenty of clearance at the rear shocks and the front suspension arms, and a very minor amount taller. I'll come back and do a follow-up after more miles and more weather. (If you're going to order from these guys, check out Spencer at extension 690, a really professional guy . Got the order right and to me in two days.)