Firestone Tyres Still Popular

From Ohio to Halifax: The Story of Firestone Tyres

When you spot a car in Halifax with Firestone tyres, you might not realise its roots stretch back over a century — and cross the Atlantic three times over. Firestone’s journey is one of innovation, ambition, ups and downs, and now a lasting legacy under Bridgestone’s wing.

The early days in Akron, Ohio

Firestone was founded in Akron, Ohio, on 3 August 1900, by businessman Harvey S. Firestone. Originally, Firestone produced rubber goods for horse-drawn carriages and buggies — harnesses, pads, bits of rubber gear — before turning to pneumatic (air-filled) tyres as motor cars started to take off. firestonetire.com + 2 Wikipedia + 2

By 1903, Firestone was manufacturing its own tyres. In 1906, it struck gold: a major supply deal with Henry Ford’s new Model T. That relationship helped Firestone become one of the first mass producers of automobile tyres in the U.S. Wikipedia + 3 Encyclopedia Britannica + 3 firestonetire.com + 3

Innovation wasn’t lacking. In 1908, Firestone released its first tyres with non-skid tread designs, greatly improving grip. firestonetire.com + 1 Over the next decades they expanded globally, built factories, and even entered motorsport. firestonetire.com +2 commercial.bridgestone.com + 2

Acquisition by Bridgestone & global growth: Firestone Tyres Still Popular

In 1988, Bridgestone Corporation acquired Firestone, making it part of the wider Bridgestone family of tyre brands. Wikipedia + 2 commercial.bridgestone.com + 2 That move strengthened Bridgestone’s presence globally, particularly in America, and gave Firestone access to Bridgestone’s research, technology, and distribution muscle.

Despite the acquisition, Firestone kept its brand identity. Many of its tyre lines—Roadhawk, Firehawk, etc.—continue to be recognised in the UK and Europe.

Firestone and challenges in its history : Firestone Tyres Still Popular

No story is without its bumps. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Firestone was involved in a major safety recall controversy tied to tread separation on certain Firestone tyres fitted to Ford Explorers and similar models. Wikipedia + 2 Wikipedia + 2 The fallout strained the relationship with Ford, and Firestone’s parent, Bridgestone, eventually ended its century-long pact with Ford. WIRED + 2 Wikipedia + 2

That episode remains a cautionary tale in the tyre world — about quality control, manufacturing oversight, and the importance of safety, especially at higher speeds.

Firestone tyres in the UK and Halifax

Here in the UK, Firestone tyres are widely available and often considered a reliable mid- to upper-mid choice. You’ll see them listed on tyre seller sites, often in ranges like Roadhawk, Firehawk, Multihawk, and several all-season or van/4×4 models. etbtyres.co.uk + 3 Setyres + 3

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre Halifax, we’ve fitted Firestone tyres on many makes and models over the years. They strike a nice balance: good performance, decent longevity, and reasonable cost — especially for local drivers not wanting premium brand prices but still wanting a dependable tyre.

For example, for people doing the school run through Savile Park or commuting between Halifax and Elland via the hills, Firestone’s road grip in wet weather often gets compliments. The Roadhawk is a model people ask about when they want safer wet braking around town.

For those doing longer trips—say, Leeds or Manchester—the Firehawk and similar models have been chosen by customers looking for tyres that perform well on motorways but still cope with local hills and side roads on the return.

Why consider Firestone today : Firestone Tyres Still Popular

Solid balance of value and performance: It’s not always about having the most expensive brand. Many local drivers prefer a tyre that gives reliable braking, decent durability, and good braking in rain without breaking the bank.

Backed by Bridgestone technology: Because Firestone is part of Bridgestone, many of its tyres benefit from engineering improvements and R&D shared across the group.

Availability: You’ll find Firestone tyres across UK tyre fitting centres and tyre chains.

That said, for drivers who push hard or want ultra-premium grip, Firestone may not always match the absolute top-end brands — but in everyday driving around Halifax, it’s often a more than decent pick.

📍 Local wrap-up

From its start in Akron, Ohio, in 1900 to becoming part of the Bridgestone tyre family, Firestone has built a long legacy. It’s a story of innovation, a few stumbles, and steady reinvention—and it’s one that fits nicely into your garage’s toolkit here in Halifax.

If you’re looking for reliable tyres that meet the demands of both local drives and longer journeys, Firestone’s range is worth a glance. And, of course, if you want to talk through what’s best for your car, just pop in at Pellon — we’ll help you pick something that handles your roads, weather, and budget best.