Federal Super Steel 657 review
The Federal Super Steel 657 is a budget-oriented tire that receives polarized feedback, primarily praised for its exceptional tread longevity and value, but heavily criticized for its poor performance in wet and wintry conditions. While some users find them adequate for basic commuting, many report significant safety concerns regarding grip and structural integrity.
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
55%What owners like and dislike
Themes extracted from 8 owner reviews across retailers and review sites.
The Federal Super Steel 657 is a budget-oriented tire that receives polarized feedback, primarily praised for its exceptional tread longevity and value, but heavily criticized for its poor performance in wet and wintry conditions. While some users find them adequate for basic commuting, many report significant safety concerns regarding grip and structural integrity.
Pros
- Exceptional tread life and durability
- Highly competitive price point
- Acceptable performance on dry, smooth road surfaces
Cons
- Poor traction and frequent skidding in wet conditions
- Unreliable performance in snow and ice
- Susceptibility to structural issues such as tread separation or bubbling
- Tendency to track poorly in road grooves
Worth knowing
- Users with 4x4 vehicles, such as the Mazda Bongo, reported surprisingly capable traction in deep snow, contradicting the experiences of standard passenger car owners.
- High-mileage commuters on motorway-heavy routes noted that the tires can exceed 35,000 miles of tread life.