Firemax Winter Tire Review
The Firemax winter range has quickly rose to prominance as the go-to winter tire choice for budget-concious consumers in Calgary & Edmonton.
Renound for the excellent performance they provide in Alberta winters, combined with longevity which matches that of name-brand tires, it’s no wonder Firemax was our most popular winter tire in 23/24 selling over 10,000 units in Calgary alone.
The Firemax Winter Range
The winter range currently consists of the Firemax FM805+, FM806, FM808 and FM809.
These tires combine affordability with impressive performance metrics, making them an attractive choice for drivers seeking reliable winter performance without breaking the bank.
In this blog post, we will delve into the unique characteristics of the Firemax tires, exploring how their soft rubber compound and specialized tread design make them a formidable contender against its more expensive counterparts.
What Makes The Firemax Winter Range So Popular?
If you’ve just discovered Firemax tires, you may not know it yet – but these tires have a huge cult following.
It’s not hyperbole to say the level of performance offered by Firemax tires often matches, or exceeds, the performance of winter tires from well-known manufacturers such as Goodyear or Michelin.
Tests of the Firemax FM805 saw it beat Michelin and Nexus specalised winter tires in categories such as Dry Braking and Wet Handling.
Considering a Michelin X-Ice Snow is almost four times as expensive as the Firemax FM805, this is a hugely impressive feat.
One Common Denominator: Rubber Engineered For Cold
All of the tires in the Firemax winter range use the same specialist rubber compound which has been engineered specifically to stay soft and flexible in extreme cold.
Typical rubber in tires will harden at cold temperatures (around 7C), which hugely reduces the grip and traction the tire provides when braking and cornering.
Thanks to the rubber used in this tire, there is no loss in traction or grip, even in the extremely cold temperatures we can see in Alberta in the winter.
Firemax FM805+
The original Firemax winter tire that started the legacy. Created with speciality rubber compound that maximises traction in exterme cold temperates, and a tread pattern engineer to offer maximum grip on slush, snow and ice.
- Four grooves + 1 semi groove provides excellent water drainage and anti-hydroplaning performance
- The quitest of the Firemax range at only 67dB driving noise.
- Transverse and lateral grooves help to evacuate slush and water, maximising grip and control
Firemax FM805+ Tread Profile
Sporting an asymmetrical design, this tire capitalizes on the uneven nature of snow-covered surfaces. The asymmetry allows the tire to bite into the snow, providing enhanced grip and stability.
Additionally, the incorporation of serrated blocks along the tire’s sides serves a dual purpose. Not only do these blocks aid in noise absorption, contributing to a quieter ride, but they also play a crucial role in water dispersion. As snow melts or encounters wet conditions, the serrated blocks work efficiently to channel water away from the tire’s surface.
This proactive water evacuation mechanism significantly reduces the risk of aquaplaning, ensuring that the FM805 Firemax maintains its grip on the road, even in slushy or wet conditions. In essence, the thoughtful design of the FM805 Firemax tire is a testament to its commitment to delivering a comprehensive winter driving experience that encompasses both traction and safety.
Firemax FM806
A popular style due to their more aggressive tread, the FM806 tire effortlessly combines style with performance.
- A huge 9.6mm of tread depth ensures tire longevity comparable to name-brands.
- Multi-directional high density siping increases flexibility of the tire, greatly assisting in traction.
- Directional tread designed to give maximum traction on uneven patches of snow and ice.
Firemax FM806 Tread Profile
The Firemax FM806 tire showcases a purposeful tread pattern designed to excel in snowy conditions. Boasting deep and directional grooves, the tread acts as a set of winter boots for your vehicle, ensuring optimal traction on snow-covered roads. These aggressive grooves create channels that effectively grip and navigate through snow, providing stability and control even in challenging winter terrains. Additionally, the tire features numerous microscopic sipes within the tread, akin to miniature claws, significantly increasing the contact patch. This design enhances grip on snowy surfaces, reducing the risk of skidding and promoting a secure driving experience.
In snowy conditions, the benefits of the Firemax FM806 tread pattern become evident. The tire’s ability to effectively dig into snow, coupled with the microscopic claws formed by the sipes, results in superior traction and stability. This translates into shorter stopping distances and improved handling on snow-covered roads, offering drivers a heightened sense of confidence and control. The FM806’s thoughtful tread design goes beyond aesthetics, providing tangible advantages that make it a reliable choice for those navigating winter’s challenges.
Firemax FM808
The Firemax FM808 combines the directional advantages of the FM806 with the performance features of the 805.
- Specially formulated rubber compounds keeps rubber flexible for maxmimum performance in extereme cold temperature.
- Multiple serrated blocks on the side-wall and inner-tire provide increase surface contact area to provide traction in wintery conditions.
Tread Profile
Sporting an asymmetrical design, this tire capitalizes on the uneven nature of snow-covered surfaces. The asymmetry allows the tire to bite into the snow, providing enhanced grip and stability.
Additionally, the incorporation of serrated blocks along the tire’s sides serves a dual purpose. Not only do these blocks aid in noise absorption, contributing to a quieter ride, but they also play a crucial role in water dispersion. As snow melts or encounters wet conditions, the serrated blocks work efficiently to channel water away from the tire’s surface.
This proactive water evacuation mechanism significantly reduces the risk of aquaplaning, ensuring that the FM805 Firemax maintains its grip on the road, even in slushy or wet conditions. In essence, the thoughtful design of the FM805 Firemax tire is a testament to its commitment to delivering a comprehensive winter driving experience that encompasses both traction and safety.
Firemax FM809
The newest addition to the Firemax winter range. The FM809 incorporates a sleek, professional design with optimum winter performance.
- Reverse zig-zag grooves on the sidewall help give traction in corner, especially on slipery surfaces.
- The linear tread provides a quiet ride, measuring at only 68dB.
- Three circumferential grooves (two straight, one zig-zag) run around the tire to assist in slush and water evacuation, reducing the chances of aquaplaning.
Tread Profile
The Firemax FM809 boasts a tread pattern specifically engineered to excel in the demanding winter conditions of Alberta. The design incorporates strategically placed, reverse zig-zag sipes that function like microscopic ice axes, enhancing traction on frozen surfaces.
Three main grooves, two linear and one central zig-zag, effectively channel water away from the tire, thereby reducing the risk of aquaplaning on snow and slush. Furthermore, the FM809 utilizes a computer-optimized linear tread design that minimizes noise generation without sacrificing grip performance.
This combination of features ensures confident handling, superior winter performance, and a comfortable driving experience in Alberta’s harshest winter weather.
