As a passionate car enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the tire industry and the impact it has on driving experiences.
Today, I want to delve into a highly debated topic: Firestone vs Vredestein.
In this post, we’ll explore the rich histories of these two tire brands, put their dry, wet, and snow performances to the test, analyze their mileage warranties and average lifespan, compare prices, and weigh the pros and cons.
By the end, we’ll determine which brand reigns supreme.
Let’s dive in!
Firestone vs Vredestein – Comparison Table
| Firestone | Vredestein | |
| Country of Origin | United States | Netherlands |
| Year Founded | 1900 | 1908 |
| Made In | United States, Vietnam, Brazil, Canada, and Costa Rica | Enschede, Netherlands |
| Parent | Bridgestone Corporation (Japan) | Apollo Tyres, Ltd (India) |
About the Brands
1. Firestone
Firestone is an iconic American tire brand that traces its roots back to 1900 when it was founded in the United States.
The company quickly gained recognition for its high-quality tires, becoming a leading player in the industry.
Throughout its history, Firestone has been committed to innovation and performance.
In 1988, Firestone became a subsidiary of the Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese multinational company.
This acquisition allowed Firestone to benefit from Bridgestone’s global reach and technological advancements.
Over the years, Firestone has continued to thrive under Bridgestone’s ownership, leveraging its expertise and resources to maintain its position as a trusted tire brand.
Today, Firestone offers a wide range of tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles.
With a rich heritage and a legacy of excellence, Firestone remains a prominent name in the tire industry.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Trucks
- SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles)
- Vans
- Light trucks
- Medium trucks
- Buses
2. Vredestein
Vredestein is a tire brand with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1908 in the Netherlands.
Initially established as a rubber factory, Vredestein has since become renowned for its high-quality tires.
The company has consistently focused on innovation, allowing it to develop cutting-edge technologies and deliver exceptional performance.
In 1912, Vredestein produced its car tire, marking the beginning of its expansion into the automotive industry.
Vredestein was acquired by the Indian Apollo Tyres, Ltd in 2009 and the company name was changed to Apollo Vredestein B.V.
Over the years, the brand has gained recognition for its expertise in crafting tires for various vehicles, including passenger cars, agricultural machinery, and industrial equipment.
Today, Vredestein operates as part of Apollo Tyres, Ltd, a Indian parent company, leveraging its manufacturing facilities and research capabilities to continue producing reliable and innovative tires that meet the needs of drivers worldwide.
Mostly Known for Manufacturing Tires For:
- Passenger cars
- Commercial vehicles
- Tractors
- Bicycles
Differences
1. Dry Performance
I’m going to compare the performance of two summer tires as they are the ideal type in dry weather.
I’m taking a look at the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 vs the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti.
As the one providing the dry performance ratings on a scale of 1 to 5, I would rate the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 at 4.5 and the Vredestein Ultrac Vorti at 4.3.
Both tires showcase impressive dry performance qualities.
The Firehawk Indy 500 offers exceptional handling, quick steering response, stability, and a comfortable ride.
Similarly, the Ultrac Vorti provides short braking distances, precise handling, high-traction compound, and responsive steering.
Therefore, it is difficult to declare a clear winner as both tires offer similar levels of dry performance, making it a tie between the two.
2. Wet Performance
For the wet performance, I’ll be comparing the Firestone WeatherGrip vs the Vredestein Quatrac Pro.
In my evaluation, I would rate the Firestone WeatherGrip tire’s wet performance at 4.3 out of 5.
Its features, like shorter braking distances and hydroplaning resistance, indicate good wet traction.
The design elements, such as open shoulder slots, enhance hydroplaning resistance.
Its all-season performance design suggests reliable traction in various weather conditions.
On the other hand, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro tire achieves an overall wet performance rating of 4.6 out of 5.
It offers short braking distances, superb handling, and over 10% better wet grip than its predecessor.
Both tires perform well in wet conditions, making it a tie in terms of wet performance.
3. Snow Performance
We all know that you need dedicated winter tires if you’re going to be driving on harsh winter conditions.
That’s why I’ll be comparing the snow performance of two specialized winter tires – Firestone Winterforce 2 vs Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
In my opinion, as the one giving the snow performance rating, both the Firestone Winterforce 2 and Vredestein Wintrac Pro tires exhibit commendable snow performance.
The Firestone Winterforce 2 tire scores a solid 4.5 out of 5 with its cold weather compound, open shoulder slots, sipes, and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification.
Meanwhile, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro tire earns a slightly higher rating of 4.6 out of 5, boasting excellent winter performance and confident control.
Considering the minimal difference in their ratings, I would declare a tie between these two tires for snow performance.
4. Mileage Warranty and Tread Life
| Firestone | Vredestein | |
| Treadwear Warranty | up to 55,000 miles tread life warranty | up to 70,000 miles tread life warranty |
| Average Tread Life | Firestone tires are expected to last anywhere between 40,000 to 60,000 miles on average. | The average mileage of Vredestein tires is between 40,000 to 60,000 miles. |
After conducting research, I found that Firestone tires offer a treadwear warranty of up to 55,000 miles, while Vredestein tires have a warranty of up to 70,000 miles.
On average, Firestone tires are expected to last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles, similar to the average mileage of Vredestein tires.
Both brands provide reliable options for those seeking long-lasting tires, with Vredestein offering a slightly higher mileage warranty.
5. Prices
In this section, I’ll be taking a look at the price ranges of both tire brands – Firestone vs Vredestein.
I’ll be using one of the biggest tire and wheel retailers in the US for this comparison – Discount Tire.
Here is a comprehensive table that showcases each brand has to offer:
| Firestone | Vredestein | |
| Average Price Range (Discount Tire) | $82 to $603 /ea | Not Available |
| Cheapest Tire (Discount Tire) | FT140 goes from $82 – $170 /ea | Not Available |
| Most Expensive Tire (Discount Tire) | Destination M/T 2 goes from $229 – $603 /ea | Not Available |
6. Pros and Cons
Firestone
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Firestone tires have good performance | ❌ Their shop is very expensive and they might try and sell you unnecessary services/things |
| ✔ Wide availability | |
| ✔ Good option for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions |
Vredestein
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Premium brand with a long history of more than 115 years of experience | ❌ Not available in large tire marketplaces like Discount Tire |
| ✔ Praised for their performance, including traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces | |
| ✔ Good value for their price |
7. Popular Tires
Here are some notable tires from Firestone:
- Destination LE3
- Firehawk Indy 500
- WeatherGrip
Some of Vredestein’s best tires are shown below:
- Quatrac Pro
- Ultrac Vorti
- Wintrac Pro
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Based on the provided information, it is difficult to declare a clear winner between Firestone and Vredestein tires.
Both brands offer similar levels of dry performance, wet performance, and snow performance.
In terms of mileage warranty and average lifespan, Vredestein has a slight advantage with a higher mileage warranty.
However, Firestone tires are more widely available.
Therefore, considering all the criteria, I would declare Vredestein as the better pick overall, offering premium performance and good value for their price.
