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Last updated 10/30/2024 - Originally published 10/30/2024
Written by SimpleTire
The Firestone Tire Company was established with the aim of providing the quality and service necessary to win the race, no matter where it took place. This belief made the employees establish the non-skid tread pattern as an industry standard as early as 1909. Since then, Firestone tires have helped drivers win the Indianapolis 500 over 60 times and more. Though racing was the original reason for the company's popularity, it was taken over by top manufacturer Bridgestone in May 1988 and has been making tires across different segments since then. Firestone tires were brought under the Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1988 and allowed Bridgestone to take over several production sites in North, South, and Central America.
Originally a Japanese company, Bridgestone has its own manufacturing facilities in the US, and all its products are collectively under the Bridgestone Americas umbrella. Today we shall be talking about the Firestone Transforce HT3, an all-season tire for commercial trucks that features a heavy-duty construction for carrying out demanding tasks. Expect high durability from the tough sidewall here and a solid ply rating for lifting heavy loads without wilting under pressure. This is an all-season tire meant to provide commercial heavy-duty truck drivers with peace of mind over the long haul. Strength and durability are the main characteristics that help these tires perform their functions over several years. Take a closer look at the benefits of the Transforce HT3 to see how hard it works to help you meet tight deadlines.
Benefits of the new and improved Firestone Transforce HT3
Our SimpleScore algorithm has been used to rate every tire on SimpleTire. This rating system was developed to inform you of the handling, traction, and longevity ratings of various tires, along with an average SimpleScore. As per our calculations, we found the Firestone Transforce HT3 suitable for a great average SimpleScore of 8.0, a decent rating that reflects Firestone's constant commitment to quality and innovation. The state-of-the-art innovations and great handling qualities on this tire redefine drivers' expectations from an all-season tire meant to fit commercial trucks. Commercial drivers will always be keen on tires that provide them confidence and control in any kind of weather, and this one fits the bill perfectly.
Launched in October 2024, the Firestone Transforce HT3 has been built to provide unique benefits to commercial drivers. It is available in LT sizes and is meant to fit high rim diameter heavy-duty fleet trucks. Together with the Transforce CV2, it meets the varied demands of the commercial vehicle market. Here’s a look at the Transforce HT3’s features and benefits:
- Long tread life: The wear-resistant tread compound in the Transforce HT3 allows it to handle fully loaded trucks by keeping irregular wear at bay, leading to a long tread life and an average longevity rating of 7.5.
- Great traction: An advanced tread pattern and the unique tread compound boost traction on the tire, resulting in a healthy average score of 8.2.
- Confident on wet surfaces: The advanced tread pattern on the Transforce HT3 will give you confidence on wet surfaces.
- Handles the toughest loads: A 10-ply rating, a robust design, and heavy-duty construction with reinforced materials enable this tire to handle very heavy loads.
- Protection from damage: No matter what kind of load you’re carrying, the sturdy sidewall here protects the tire from damage.
- Great handling: Considering that this is a tire meant to be used on highways for long distances, the tread compound ensures long-lasting performance that results in an average score of 8.5.
- Good resiliency and stiffness: Interlocking 3D sipes ensure high resiliency and stiffness as well as great traction while the vehicle is loaded.
High wet traction, great sidewall durability, and great comfort allow commercial drivers to focus on the tasks at their hands instead of their vehicles. As a result, these tires are bound to increase efficiency for every fleet owner. The drivers feel safe since Firestone Transforce HT3 prevents the hassle of hauling heavy loads in the rain, being available with a high see-through void and open shoulder slots for better water evacuation. The off-shoulder sidewall designs get noise abatement, making it more aggressive but quieter on the road. Quiet rides mean less fatigue during the routes for drivers.
The correct tire can make light work of even the most difficult tasks, whether you're transporting heavy machinery to a construction site or a boat to a lakeside destination. A long-lasting, heavy-duty truck tire designed to succeed in tough jobs and your everyday drive, thy name is Firestone Transforce HT3. However, if you are looking at tires that have to get into deep slush or mud, whether for work or leisure, it would be a better idea to buy mud-terrain tires.
But, what improvements does the Transforce HT3 boast over the Transforce HT2?
A high rim diameter of 16–20 inches is standard on the HT3. Quieter and more menacing looking, it has a noise-absorbing off-the-shoulder sidewall design. Along with CV2, the HT3 is the first tire to feature Bridgestone’s ENLITEN technology that ensures top-quality wear and wet performance for hardworking commercial fleets. This tire fulfills Firestone’s aim of creating a surefooted commercial highway tire that maintains a great balance between quiet, long-riding experiences and strenuous fleet duties.
On the other hand, the Transforce 2 has been built with features for light trucks. Compared to the HT3, it has fewer innovations and may not be the best in rainy and light snow conditions. In order to enhance sustainability, the Transforce HT3 has been engineered to provide wet-weather performance, low-speed refinement, assured high-speed handling, and remarkable wear life. A lowered shoulder slot angle enhances snow traction and improves tread life here.
After conducting the road test post the Firestone Transforce HT3 new tire launch, we found that wet performance was at a higher level than dry performance. With a wear-resistant tread compound, we were able to do light off-roading as well. Fuel efficiency was also good, which means you’ll have to make fewer trips to the gas station.
Who is the Transforce HT3 best suited for?
Firestone offers the Transforce HT3 tire to commercial vehicle drivers who have large trucks with rim diameters between 16 and 20 inches. It's ideal for commercial highway vehicles because of its long wear life, resistance to damp conditions, and ability to manage both high and moderate speeds. Trucks that tow boats or heavy machinery are ideal candidates for the Transforce HT3. In other words, those who travel to construction sites and trails regularly for work would benefit from these tires.
In 2024, the Ford F-Series of trucks completed 48 years of being the most popular light and heavy-duty trucks in the US. Apart from it, some of the names commonly seen in the commercial light truck category include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, RAM 1500, Toyota Tundra, and Nissan Titan.
Drawbacks of the Transforce HT3
- This is not a tire designed for hard cornering and aggressive maneuvering, especially considering the fact that it fits into commercial HD trucks.
- These tires will not provide the necessary grip and performance on rugged terrain.
- You may find them to be expensive.
As per our SimpleScore system, the tires that score 9.0 and above across all parameters are truly outstanding purchases. However, you may notice that there are almost no tires fitting into commercial trucks that score so high. Despite the above, a tire like the Firestone Transforce HT3 that manages an 8.5 in handling and an overall score of 8.0 is pretty good. This is a tire fully capable of performing year-round in wet, dry, light winter conditions. Since commercial truck drivers might spend the largest amount of time traveling from one end of the country to another, it makes perfect sense to hand them good-quality all-season tires. Though it may be a touch expensive, it carries heavy loads as per a 10-ply rating throughout the year — clearly a welcome advantage!
Most customers have found Firestone Transforce HT3 tires to be very long-lasting and it is expected from a highway-terrain tire. As commercial light truck tires, they're available in sizes that fit such vehicles perfectly.
Every tire is designed for a particular purpose, and this is not one for fitting into passenger cars since it is sold only in LT sizes. As a tire that can deliver the performance expected from a heavy-duty product, it provides commercial fleet owners complete peace of mind. With respect to carrying heavy loads and the comparative comfort, we’re pretty sure that these tires will keep you in a happy space.