Switzerland
Description
Live winter to the fullest
- Excellent wet braking
- Improved snow traction*1
- Outstanding performance on snow
- Shorter stopping distance vs predecessor *2
Make the most out of winter with the Firestone Winterhawk 4. This new generation winter tyre provides optimal control and handling in cold and unpredictable conditions. Designed for a safe and cost-efficient ride, the Winterhawk 4 will keep you in control on winter roads. The tread pattern relies on unique sipes, grooves and angular edges to attain traction on snow, while the innovative compound and tread design help the tyre stop 4% faster on wet roads than its predecessor.
*1 Tests carried out by Bridgestone in March 2020 at Arctic Falls Pitea proving ground (indoor) in Sweden, with VW Golf, on tyre size 225/45 R17. Winterhawk 4 compared to the performance of predecessor Winterhawk 3. Snow braking distance (40 km/h to 5 km/h) in meters: Firestone Winterhawk 4 (15.2), Firestone Winterhawk 3 (15.2). Snow acceleration/traction (10 km/h to 35 km/h) in seconds Firestone Winterhawk 4 (2.72), Firestone Winterhawk 3 (2.92).
*2 Test carried out by TÜV SÜD on the request of Bridgestone in March 2020 at ATP Papenburg proving ground in Germany, with VW Golf, on tyre size 225/45 R17. Winterhawk 4 compared to the performance of predecessor Winterhawk 3. Report No. 713183177. Wet braking distance (80 km/h to 20 km/h) in meters: Firestone Winterhawk 4 (28.3), Firestone Winterhawk 3 (29.4).
Manufacturer information
EU Tyre Label
The Tyre Labelling Regulation determines the information that must be provided with regard to tyres' fuel efficiency, wet grip and external rolling noise. Information is also provided on the product's performance in wintery driving conditions.
Regulation EU 1222/2009, which has been in force since 01/11/2012, has been revised and will be replaced from 1 May 2021 by Regulation EU 2020/740, from which point new standards will apply. The assessment categories for fuel efficiency, wet grip and external noise have been changed and the layout of the EU label has been changed accordingly. The manufacturers' product data sheets, stored in the EU database, can be downloaded via a QR code integrated into the label. It also includes information on snow grip and ice grip for tyres that meet these criteria.
The following tyres are exempt from the regulation:
- Tyres designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990
- Remoulded tyres (until Regulation EU 2020/740 has been widened accordingly)
- Professional off-road tyres
- Racing tyres
- Tyres with additional devices to improve traction, e.g. studded tyres
- Temporary-use spare tyres (T-type tyres)
- Tyres with a speed rating below 80 km/h
- Tyres with a nominal rim diameter of 254 mm or less and 635 mm or more
Firestone
18055
215/55 R17 98V
C
Overview of criteria and valuation classes
Fuel efficiency
Fuel consumption is dependent upon the rolling resistance of the tyres, the vehicle itself, driving conditions and driving style. The measured rolling resistance (rolling resistance coefficient) of the tyre is categorised in classes A (most efficient) to E (least efficient).
Fitting a vehicle with class A tyres all round can lead to a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 7.5%* in comparison to the same vehicle with class E tyres all round. Commercial vehicles may have even greater reductions.
(Source: Impact analysis of the European Commission
* if measured in accordance with the stated procedures in EU Regulation 2020/7400)
Please note:
Fuel consumption depends to a great extent on the individual driving style and can be reduced considerably by driving in an environmentally friendly manner. To improve fuel efficiency, tyre pressures must be checked regularly.
Wet grip
Wet grip is categorised in classes A (shortest braking distance - E (longest braking distance).
A car fitted with class A tyres can have a braking distance which is 18 m shorter than that of a car fitted with class E tyres when performing an emergency stop at 80 km/h (in average road grip conditions). *
*Source: wdk Wirtschaftsverband der deutschen Kautschukindustrie e.V. (Professional association of the German rubber industry)
Please note:
Road safety is highly dependent upon individual driving style. Stopping distances must always be observed. To improve road grip in wet conditions, tyre pressure must be checked regularly.
External rolling noise
The noise emission of a tyre has an effect upon the total noise of the vehicle and influences not only driving comfort, but also environmental noise pollution. The EU tyre label categorises extrnal rolling noise in the classes from A (quietest rolling noise level) to C (loudest rolling noise level). This is measured in decibels (dB) and compared to the European noise emission limit values for external tyre rolling noise.
A
The pictogram with the classification "A" shows that the external rolling noise of the tyre falls below the 2016 EU limit value by more than 3 dB.
B
Classification "B" means that the external rolling noise of the tyre falls below the 2016 EU limit value by up to 3 dB.
C
Classification "C" means that the specified limit value has been exceeded.
Grip in snow, winter-suitability
Tyres labelled with the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake, or "3PMSF" symbol, must display a specified braking or traction characteristic on a solid bed of snow in comparison to a standardised reference comparison tyre (a so-called "SRTT" - standard reference test tyre).
Please note:
For all winter and all-year tyres manufactured from 1/1/2018, the Alpine symbol is mandatory. Tyres labelled as such are tested for their snow characteristics in a standardised and globally recognised test procedure and must fulfil specified minimum requirements. These tyres provide particularly good performance with regard to safety and driving control in winter conditions - snow, icy roads and low temperatures.
Test results
(Issue: ADAC Test 2024: Winterreifen 215/55 R 17)
(16 products tested, 3x good, 7x satisfactory, 3x sufficient, 3x poor)
*according to German school grading system
