Bridgestone DriveGuard Run Flat Tire is a tire that allows you to keep going even when there is no air pressure in the tire. This ensures that you won’t have to change your tire under extreme conditions (sub-zero temperatures, busy streets, etc.). You will have no problem getting to the necessary place where you can either change the tire yourself or with the help of professionals. This technology was developed by Bridgestone in 1987.
The tread contains a silica compound that increases tire life, traction, and handling. The side walls and steel belts with nylon coating inside make the tires extra durable.
This tire model is manufactured in sizes 15 to 19 inches and comes with a tread warranty. “Shoe” in such tires can be medium-sized sedans, sports sedans, and crossovers.
Among the disadvantages should be mentioned low driving comfort because of the rigid sidewalls.
In this article, you will learn about the main features of these tires, learn about the quality of traction on dry, wet, and snowy roads and much more.
Pros
- Driving even with a flat tire.
- Quiet driving on the highway.
- Good traction on dry and wet surfaces.
- Warranty.
Cons
- Cornering handling.
Overall thoughts
The tire performs well on both dry and wet surfaces. It is worth mentioning that even in winter the grip remains stable, although it could have been better. This model is characterized by soft corners at high speeds, so it will be a problem for those who like aggressive driving.
The company gives customers a month to test the tires, during this time you can either return them or exchange them. Customers can also replace a tire within a year or 12,000 miles if it doesn’t belong for repair.
If you want to be 100 percent sure of your safety after a punctured tire, don’t hesitate to buy DriveGuard.
The company recommends driving with a punctured tire at speeds up to 50 miles per hour for up to 50 miles. These conditions are standard for all such tires because without pressure inside the tire does not provide as safe performance as with it.
In order to support the weight of a car, the company used dual steel belts with nylon wrap inside the tire, as well as reinforced sidewalls made with NanoPro-Tech Sidewall technology.
All of this is done with the sole purpose of providing comfort to drivers, as this compound makes the tires more flexible, thereby improving driving.
In addition to all of the above, these tires are all-season, which means that they guarantee you good driving, stability, and excellent traction all year round, regardless of weather conditions
The tire tread has an asymmetric tread pattern with circular and cross grooves, which helps channel water away from under the tire and make wet traction more reliable and stable.
Service indicators
These tires have conventional indicators that can help drivers know when a tire needs to be replaced. This should be done when the indicators and the tire tread are at the same level. If the tires are not replaced, you put yourself in danger, and grip in extreme conditions will be much worse.
The manufacturer promises customers a 5-year or 60,000-mile tread (H-, V-, T-Speed Rated Models) or 50,000-mile (W-Speed Rated Models) warranty. These are good indicators considering the class and cost of the tires.
How does the tire perform on dry, wet, and snowy surfaces?
These tires have been designed for driving comfort. The company presents tire series for sports sedans and executive class sedans with powerful engines.
Despite this, the tires do not have very good cornering control, so if this is the main indicator for you, it is better to choose other tires.
But for a relaxed daily ride, these tires are just right. DriveGuards provide good braking and traction on dry roads. If you are not one of those drivers who can take turns at all speeds, these tires will be perfect for you.
DriveGuard provides excellent driving on wet roads. Thanks to the durable tread, the tires have good aquaplaning resistance and provide good braking.
Many manufacturers say their tires are the best when it comes to driving on snow. The situation with DriveGuard is a bit similar. In fact, the tires show a fairly average performance when driving on snow. It is better not to expect anything supernatural. And it’s good to know that these tires are not prepared for the harsh winters.
What about comfort?
The main negative feature of most run-flat tires is poor ride quality. But here we can praise the DriveGuard tires, as their driving is almost the same as normal tires. Small vibrations can sometimes be felt, but they do not affect the overall driving experience. It is worth noting that the tires also use a good noise reduction system.
Should you buy a Bridgestone DriveGuard?
Undoubtedly. It is one of the best run-flat tires in its category.
Customer reviews
Unfortunately, the tires have enough bad reviews. Many buyers reported high noise levels on hard and uneven roads. Most drivers had their tires broken almost immediately after purchase. Among the pluses, buyers noted smooth driving, good handling, and excellent grip on dry roads.
Tire Sizes
15″
195/60RF15 88H BW
195/65RF15 91H BW
16″
195/55RF16 87V BW
205/55RF16 91V BW
205/60RF16 92V BW
205/65RF16 95H BW
215/55RF16 93V BW
215/60RF16 95V BW
225/60RF16 98V BW
225/65RF16 100H BW
235/65RF16 103T BW
17″
205/45RF17 88W XL BW
205/50RF17 93W XL BW
215/45RF17 91W XL BW
215/50RF17 95V XL BW
215/55RF17 94V BW
225/45RF17 91W BW
225/50RF17 94W BW
225/55RF17 97V BW
225/60RF17 99H BW
225/65RF17 102H BW
235/45RF17 94W BW
235/50RF17 96W BW
235/60RF17 102H BW
235/65RF17 104H BW
245/40RF17 91W BW
245/45RF17 99W XL BW
255/40RF17 94W BW
18″
215/45RF18 93W XL BW
215/55RF18 95H BW
225/40RF18 92W XL BW
225/45RF18 95W XL BW
225/50RF18 95W BW
235/40RF18 95W XL BW
235/45RF18 98W XL BW
235/50RF18 97W BW
235/55RF18 100V BW
245/40RF18 97W XL BW
245/45RF18 96W BW
255/35RF18 94W XL BW
255/40RF18 99W XL BW
255/45RF18 99W BW
19″
245/40RF19 98W XL BW