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Last updated 10/04/2024 - Originally published 10/04/2024
Written by SimpleTire
All-weather tires form a brilliant category as they provide suitable alternatives to those who want extra traction in moderate to severe winters, but without sacrificing traction for the rest of the year. They fill up a role where all-season tires will never be quite up to the job but also aid buyers who don’t want to maintain and store specialized winter tires. All-weather tires are made to provide enhanced winter traction with redesigned tread formulations, optimized siping patterns, more aggressive tread patterns, and other features for confidence in slush and snow. This comparison piece is all about a battle between the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S and Firestone Weathergrip to tell you which is the better tire as per your needs.
At SimpleTire, we’ve come up with a rating system called `SimpleScore with the aim to give you a quick at-a-glance idea of a tire’s performance and other capabilities. The scores are given after going through every tire’s reviews, spec sheet, manufacturer information, and other data points and we rate parameters such as traction, handling, and longevity. To give you an overall idea, we also provide an average SimpleScore with every tire. Here’s a look at the scores for the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S and Firestone Weathergrip:
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S
- Traction: 8.5
- Handling: 8.6
- Longevity: 9.0
- Overall average SimpleScore: 8.7
Firestone Weathergrip
- Traction: 8.6
- Handling: 8.6
- Longevity: 9.2
- Overall average SimpleScore: 8.6
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S tires
Yokohama is a Japanese tire company that sells tires in a variety of categories, but its tires are not as well-known and are less expensive than similar tires by the top tier of manufacturers, including Bridgestone and Pirelli. Designed for SUVs and CUVs, the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S showcases a strong and long-lasting structure that contributes to its extended lifespan. Along with improved performance and versatility, you can expect a pleasant and adaptable ride. While the durable construction ensures high longevity, high tread depth and the advanced tread design result in great traction. This tire is also available with a healthy mileage warranty, the details of which will be given later. The true difference becomes apparent in the SimpleScore ratings, and the Geolandar CV4S receives an average SimpleScore of 8.7.
Firestone Weathergrip tires
The Firestone WeatherGrip is an all-weather tire that tends to be underrated at times. Firestone is owned by Bridgestone now, so you can be sure of the superior quality. This tire is packed with cutting-edge features, one of which is a Hydro-Grip Technology Package that consists of a thick, rounded contact patch, full-depth grooves, chamfered shoulder blocks, and open shoulder slots that come together to provide a noticeable grip and performance advantage. Yet another feature is Firestone's Snow Traction Claw Technology, which consists of a pattern of snow vices on the high-density zigzag sipes, intermediate ribs, and interlocking grooves.
Expect the interior structure of this tire to sport a single-ply nylon casing that is reinforced with nylon and capped by a steel belt package. Much like the Geolandar CV4S, this is also available with a healthy limited manufacturer warranty. Predictable steering response and accurate braking forces make driving on these tires a breeze. As per the features and benefits, we found this tire suitable for an average SimpleScore of 8.6.
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S vs Firestone Weathergrip tires on traction
The main reason to opt for an all-weather instead of an all-season tire is to confidently negotiate through moderate to heavy ice and snow, with the latter providing suitable grip only in light snow. Both, the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S and the Firestone WeatherGrip feature the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol rating for severe winter service. An advanced tread design makes it easier to grip on the Geolandar CV4S and the tread depth is marginally higher than the Weathergrip. Apart from the above, we feel that an asymmetric tread pattern on the Yokohama is better for grip than the symmetric tread pattern on the Firestone.
While the Yokohama features triple 3D sipes, there are full-depth 3D sipes on the Firestone for keeping uneven wear at bay. Additionally, Snow Traction Claw technology on the Firestone is most useful for traction, especially on snow and ice. Open-shoulder slots prevent hydroplaning and lead to good wet traction. While the Yokohama tires are suitable for an average traction SimpleScore of 8.5, the Firestone does better with an 8.6.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Weathergrip
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S vs Firestone Weathergrip tires on handling
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S has been specially designed for wet performance and hydroplaning resistance. Available in H, T, and V speed ratings, it displays a slightly higher tread depth than the Firestone Weathergrip. The Firestone Weathergrip is sold in the same speed ratings and wet performance is better than dry performance. A brand-new polymer blend has been used to enhance performance and traction on the Geolandar CV4S. You’ll find cornering, steering response, and braking on the Weathergrip to be imperial and predictable. In terms of average handling SimpleScores, we have the Geolandar CV4S and the Weathergrip scoring the same- 8.6.
ADVANTAGE: Tie
Yokohama Geolandar CV4S vs Firestone Weathergrip tires on longevity
Buyers will receive limited manufacturer warranties on both tires, though the figure is slightly higher for the Weatherstone. While the Geolandar CV4S features a 60,000 mile warranty, the Weathergrip is good enough for 65,000 miles. Triple 3D sipes on the Yokohama and full-depth 3D sipes on the Firestone help keep uneven wear at bay. Expect a new polymer blend on the Yokohama to enhance rolling resistance for long-lasting wear. A prominent sidewall design results in a more aggressive appearance while ensuring protection in harsh weather conditions. Expect the Weatherpeak to be good enough for an average longevity SimpleScore of 9.2 and the CV4S to be 9.0.
Based on the above, the Yokohama has an average longevity SimpleScore of 9.0, compared to which the Firestone receives a 9.2.
ADVANTAGE: Firestone Weathergrip
When to use each
Both the Geolandar CV4S and the Weathergrip are Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certified, which means that they can be driven in moderate to severe winter weather, at temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, do not make the mistake of using them in extremely low temperatures and heavier snow for more than 6 months, for which winter tires would be a better choice. Sipes are available on both tires for adequate dry, wet, and snow traction, and for uniform wear. Expect the asymmetric tread pattern on the Yokohama to be better for grip than the symmetrical tread pattern on the Firestone. If more warranty is what you need, the Weathergrip would definitely be the better option.
As we noted up top, all-weather tires are a good choice when you have to deal with difficult winter weather but not the extreme type. These tires prevent the use of winter tires, taking the headache of dismounting them and finding a place to store them for the next nine months until winter returns away from you.
Which one should you choose?
For most buyers, the Firestone tire coming out on top across most parameters might come across as a surprise. Apart from the criteria above, we would be interested to tell you the starting prices of both tires to give you the complete picture. While the Geolandar CV4S is priced at $167.99 ($671.96 for 4), the Weathergrip is available for $126.99 ($507.96 for 4). To summarize,
The reasons for purchasing the Yokohama Geolandar CV4S include:
- More faith in the Yokohama brand
- Better traction and performance with the newest polymer blend
- Better wet performance
Compared to the above, you must purchase the Firestone Weathergrip for:
- Getting the cheaper tire
- Higher warranty
- Longer tread life
Still not sure which tire to buy? Fortunately, SimpleTire is here to help as our helpful agents will be more than happy to assist you in selecting the right tire for your ride and budget.