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Firemax FM601

Touring Summer

The Firemax FM601 is a budget summer touring tire that prioritizes a low purchase price, but it comes with major compromises. Across both independent testing and real-world reviews, wet-road performance stands out as the critical weakness, with frequent reports of sliding and aquaplaning echoed by very poor wet braking results in tests. Dry behavior can be acceptable for gentle driving once the tire is warmed up, but overall performance remains well below mainstream alternatives.

The quick answer

Owners say 46% from 12 owner reviews 17% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 45th average finish across 3 independent tests Latest: P44 of 55 · 2024 See every test

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated October 2026.

  • 12owner reviews
  • 67,500miles driven
  • 3professional tests
Firemax FM601 1 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Firemax FM601

4.5/10

Better than 11% of summer tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 3 tests
  • 12 owner reviews
Scores of the 406 summer tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests3 tests · 1 publication · 2021-2024 12% 87%
Owner reviews12 owner reviews · rated 46% 7% 13%
Combined 11% 4.5

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other summer tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 12% 53% 3
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 27% 47% 3

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 13% 3

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 90% of the test figure. The other 10% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

  1. 2024 2024 Summer Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P44 / 55
  2. 2022 2022 Summer Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 215/55 R17 P49 / 50
  3. 2021 2021 53 Summer Tire Braking Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P43 / 53
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 3 times by independent publications, the Firemax FM601 averages a finish of 45th.

3 Tests
0 Test Wins
45th Average
43rd Best
49th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20212024

Finishing position in each test

YearTestResultAward
20242024 Summer Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P44 / 55
20222022 Summer Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 215/55 R17P49 / 50
20212021 53 Summer Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P43 / 53

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

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Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range149 sizes available

155-295Width30-80Profile13-22Rim73-112 T-YLoad/Speed Index2015First On Market

EU LabelAcross 149 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

69-75dB

Popular sizes205/55 R16215/45 R17165/65 R13225/45 R18215/55 R16255/35 R19
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Firemax FM601 in the wet?
Across the 3 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Firemax FM601 stops 23.5% longer than premium rivals, 18.3% longer than mid-range rivals and 4.6% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 12/100, and owners rate it 4.5/10 in the wet from 12 reviews.
How good is the Firemax FM601 in the dry?
Across the 3 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Firemax FM601 stops 8.2% longer than premium rivals, 5% longer than mid-range rivals and 1% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 27/100, and owners rate it 5.8/10 in the dry from 12 reviews.
How many miles does the Firemax FM601 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Firemax FM601 is expected to last around 14,333 miles (23,067 km).
What do owners say about the Firemax FM601?
Across 12 owner ratings the Firemax FM601 averages 46%. Owners rate Comfort highest at 6 out of 10 and Wear lowest at 3.4. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 8% of owners score it 70% or better.
What is the Firemax FM601's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Firemax FM601 most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, B for wet grip and 69 dB for noise.
More questions about the Firemax FM601 (5)
How comfortable and quiet are the Firemax FM601?
Owners rate the Firemax FM601 6 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 12 reviews.
How well do the Firemax FM601 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Firemax FM601 3.4 out of 10 for wear across 12 reviews. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 4,250 miles.
Would owners buy the Firemax FM601 again?
17% of owners say they would buy the Firemax FM601 again, based on the 12 owner reviews that answered the question. 0% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Firemax FM601's tread life?
Of the 11 owner reviews analyzed for the Firemax FM601, 8 mention tread life: 0 praise it (long-lasting) and 8 criticise it (wears quickly). One owner wrote: "only 17000 miles driven and the front tires are worn out to the 1.6 legal limit". Read those reviews
What sizes does the Firemax FM601 come in?
The Firemax FM601 is available in 390 sizes, ranging from 155-295/30-80 R13-22.
Owner Questions
Ask a question
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Firemax FM601 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 11 reviews

Driver feedback on the Firemax FM601 is largely negative to mixed, with many reporting rapid wear and weak traction-especially in wet conditions where sliding and aquaplaning are recurring complaints. A smaller number of users say it can be acceptable in the dry once warmed up and appreciate the low purchase price, with one high-scoring review calling it great value. Overall, most experiences suggest the FM601's low cost often comes with significant compromises in longevity and wet-road safety.

What owners mention most counted across 11 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 12 ratings

  • Owner score 46%
  • Comfort 60%
  • Dry Grip 58%
  • Road Feedback 51%
  • Handling 48%
  • Wet Grip 45%
  • Wear 34%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 49%

“Tires worn to legal minimum limit in less than 10 000 km. I'v been using Chinese tires before. For example Triangle ones (drove 3 seasons, then sold the car and probably new owners is still using those). But Firemax -...”

  • BMW 535xd
Read full review → 865 found this helpful
Most critical 27%

“I was in a bit of a problem with cash needed to get some tires for mot. local tire company said these were high end of budget range. these are terrible tires i would never buy them again. slides in wet very low traction...”

  • Ford Focus MK3
  • 3,000 miles
Read full review → 1,033 found this helpful
Longest term 53%

“After reading the reviews on these tires, which are mostly negative, I must say I did not experienced any drama on any road surfaces in the dry or in the wet. The Firemax were fitted (new) when I purchased the car from...”

  • Ford Fiesta Titanium X Turbo MHEV A
  • 17,000 miles
Read full review → 4 found this helpful

All 12 Firemax FM601 reviews

Score spread across 12 written reviews
53%
Hasta la Fiesta Baby
Initial Impressions

After reading the reviews on these tires, which are mostly negative, I must say I did not experienced any drama on any road surfaces in the dry or in the wet. The Firemax were fitted (new) when I purchased the car from Furrows, they are quiet both in town and on the motorway, I drive safely and respect speed signs and average 47 miles per gallon, for me, the worst aspect is wear, only 17000 miles driven and the front tires are worn out to the 1.6 legal limit while the rear tires still have some tread, I will not buy these budget tires again. I will put the Falken ZIEX ZE320 on the car since they have excellent reviews and are very well priced, I will review the Falken after I drove a few thousands miles.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 3
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 4
57%
Member
Initial Impressions
Simple budget tires that do the job. Totally adequate proposal. I chose these ones because of a mix between low price and lower noise! This last one is a very important detail. These tires are rated at 69 dB. I should have gone for even quieter tires, but the price would go up substantially!
Would I buy it again? Probably not, mostly because of low (shallow) tread and noise level (69dB). I would prefer to settle with 67dB tires. The regular >70dB make my old car sound like a tractor...
The tires come with the proper red and yellow dot markings for assembly reference. I assemble my own tires, so it's worth mention. They are rather easy on you, assembly wise.
On the road: Now start the mix feelings. Under dry conditions, it's an absolutely decent set of tires. With some (normal) initial oversteering effect. That usually will soon turn more neutral with the increased km's. This should not be any different. On dry environment quite positive outcome, The road feedback is quite good and so on.
Now the real issue, wet conditions. It's worth notice that when I say wet, it was in fact pouring! With considerable puddles of water, not just wet spots.
Any tire would struggle under such conditions! These tires have really shallow treads! While they don't catch many stones between the treads. On "real" water puddles I felt more than once aquaplaning! Nothing terribly negative, but surely a good tell tale that their limits were showing!
Budget wise, it is a honest and rather decent choice! Recommended with the mentioned compromises.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 4
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 6
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 5
Helpful 64
27%
Member
I have the firemax 195/50/15.
Very soft everything puncture the tire.
On the wet road it doesn't grip
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 1
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 3
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 212

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696 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
49%
Member
Tires worn to legal minimum limit in less than 10 000 km.
I'v been using Chinese tires before. For example Triangle ones (drove 3 seasons, then sold the car and probably new owners is still using those).
But Firemax - never again.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 865
93%
Member
great value for money
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 9
Helpful 925
47%
Member
Not durable. Worn close to legal limit after 20000 miles (10000 miles on front axle and 10000 miles on rear axle) of day-to-day driving within 2 years. Better stick with mid range tires.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 756
23%
Member
Worst tire ive ever owned. Worn significantly after 5000km. Traction control light comes on constantly with them under the mildest steering. Do not buy these
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 3
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 3
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 2
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,029
67%
Member
A good cheap tire that will stick well in dry conditions once up to temperature. Doesn't shed water like a Michelin PS4 but you do realize this is a Firemax tire. An excellent tire if you need a set to last for a while without paying a Frenchman's mortgage. Adjust expectations accordingly.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 8
Helpful 905
27%
Member
I was in a bit of a problem with cash needed to get some tires for mot. local tire company said these were high end of budget range. these are terrible tires i would never buy them again. slides in wet very low traction they squeal in dry conditions even at low speed around a roundabout but grip is ok wearing fast done about 3000 miles i would guess about 1/3 down on front. i drive a 1.0 ford focus so not a very fast car and can really tell these are poor on it. paid £280 for 4 tires which isn't a lot and yes they are budget but should have paid a few more quid and got a mid range tire.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 4
  • Wet Grip 2
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 2
  • Wear 2
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,033
43%
Member
Overall not to good. Slides in the wet it’s the worst budget tire I ever had. Mileage 6000 , dry fair. I do 30000 miles a year most Tiers I get 25000 to 26000 out of a Tiers. Working out the price. I would need 4 tiers to do the at least to do my 25000 two tiers that’s a cost £580 . Would be better to buy tow top of the range one. And save money cost £300. Do not buy is what I say.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 2
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 3
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 948
10%
Member
  • 165/65 R13
Not worth the money perished after one year .
29%
Member
Thought I would try a set of cheap budgets on my car and ended up with these. They are a terrible tire. Traction control light would start flashing on my car when it never used to - that is in the dry too. Didn't even need to try particularly hard in order for it to happen! Bear in mind I drive a petrol Toyota Avensis, which is not exactly a powerful car. Do not buy these. If you do need to buy budgets because you are low on cash, there are better brands to get than these.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 3
  • Wet Grip 2
  • Road Feedback 2
  • Handling 2
  • Wear 5
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 1,058
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