Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires A Tire for All Seasons

Hi all,
My 1999 Contour has the OEM Firehawk GTAs. At 41,000 miles they're ready for replacement. I like the dry pavement handling of these tires, but whoever gave them the M&S rating should have their sanity checked. . .they are simply the worst thing I've ever driven on in Minnesota's winters (including the bald bias plys on my old 67 Chrysler!). What tire would anyone suggest for good dry pavement handling that will perform excellent in the salt, snow, slush, and ice that cover our roads here every winter. I can't really afford separate winter tires, so I need to compromise. I have the 205/60R15s and would prefer to keep the size.
Thanks,
Lefty

Dunlop SP5000's are one of the most recommended.

I installed Michelin MXV4's in place of the Firestones with 32,000 miles on the car, and that made a big difference when wet. I also have 205/60/15's. They were not cheap at $99 each from Costco, but well worth it for the wet weather handling.

I am currently looking for almost the same thing for my car now (2000 SE) 38,000 Miles and while I did think the dry handeling was ok on the stocks I hated the wet/snow handeling so much that I had to drive way slow when it started to rain out there. I am currently looking at getting Comp T/A HR4-2 from tirerack http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bfg/bf_tahr4.jsp mostly because of the free gtech-pro if bought before the end of the month but also because they are slitly better in the rating on tirerack in both the wet and snow stuff now if you look at the highest rated one the the all-season high performance tire you will see it is the Potenza RE950 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone/bs_re950.jsp they are more expensive but look to be better tires the the Comp T/A HR4-2 I am also looking for something that might wear better than the OEM firerocks and am hopign that the Comp T/A HR4-2 will do that for me (so anyody with comments is welcome to give them to me also) err yeah I know I talk to much why do you ask ?

moxnix

thanks moxnix for the info on Bridgestone, I was all set to get the SP 5000 from Dunlop, when you mentioned Bridgestone. So, I took a look at it and liked the ratings and looks of the tire. Checked my local store and was actually cheaper than the Dunlops'. So I am getting them next weekend. Hope it's as good as they say.
I am replacing my stock Firehawks, because I am complaining about some grinding noise I here. I thought it was the wheel bearing, but two mechanics said I need new tires as well, so it's better to replace that first, in case that is the problem. HOPE it is!! I heard the Firehawk stock sucks and that anyone who has them should have it replaced. Due to noise and performance problems.

Replaced my crap Goodyear f-1's with Bridgestone Potenza's. they are simply the best tire in the rain,IMO and they are very quiet.

If you're on a strict budget (like myself), take a peek at Cooper Cobra's. They aren't an "all handling" tire like others mentioned, but for a good, all around tire that won't cost an arm and a leg, Cooper makes a decent tire. Just my opinion, but my Cobra's outperform the original Firestones. I drive quite a bit for work, and with Michigan's winter weather, I never regretted buying the Cooper's.

ngm- funny you bring up Coopers. After reading all the responses and investigating all the options, I went with Cooper. (I used to live in Saugatuck so I know all about MI winters and lake effect snow!) I didn't get the Cobras, I went with Lifeliner Touring LTEs. So far, I like them alot, they're a little better than the Firerocks on dry pavement and great in the rain. I'll have to wait for winter testing, but in MN, that could be next week!!! Thanks for the input.

I just put on Potenza RE-950's and so far I am very happy. The car is very sticky and has good wet and snow traction according to the Tire Rack surveys (havent tested it yet)

Oops, a little typo there. It should be Lifeliner Touring SLEs not LTEs. Fortunately for me, I drive better than I type!!!!