Federal SS595 SUPER STEEL review
The Federal SS595 Super Steel is a polarizing budget-oriented ultra-high-performance tire that is widely praised for its exceptional value and dry-weather grip but heavily criticized for significant road noise and inconsistent wet-weather performance. While many users appreciate its stiff sidewalls and longevity, a substantial portion of owners report that the tires become excessively loud and prone to vibration as they age, leading to a mixed consensus on their suitability for daily driving.
Two scoring systems, side by side
Owner scores come from reviews on retailer and review sites; road-test scores come from instrumented tests. Where they disagree, it is usually a discipline owners rarely push to the limit.
By owner reviews
56%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 136 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Federal SS595 Super Steel is a polarizing budget-oriented ultra-high-performance tire that is widely praised for its exceptional value and dry-weather grip but heavily criticized for significant road noise and inconsistent wet-weather performance. While many users appreciate its stiff sidewalls and longevity, a substantial portion of owners report that the tires become excessively loud and prone to vibration as they age, leading to a mixed consensus on their suitability for daily driving.
Pros
- Excellent value for money and affordability
- Strong dry-weather traction and cornering grip
- Stiff sidewalls providing direct steering feedback
- Good tread life and durability for the price point
Cons
- Excessive and intrusive road noise (often described as a droning or humming sound)
- Poor and unpredictable wet-weather grip and high hydroplaning risk
- Tendency to develop vibrations or uneven wear patterns over time
- Hard compound can feel 'wooden' or lack grip in cold temperatures
Worth knowing
- Users with heavier vehicles or those with sensitive cabin insulation often report the road noise as unbearable, sometimes mistaking it for failing wheel bearings.
- Drivers of high-torque or RWD performance vehicles frequently note that the tires struggle to maintain traction during aggressive acceleration, particularly in damp conditions.
- Some users observed that the tires appear to run wider than their stated size, which is appreciated for aesthetic purposes but can lead to fitment concerns.