Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Review: The Tire That Stops Punctures in Their Tracks

Don’t know the correct size tire to purchase? Start here!

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a revolutionary tire designed to provide exceptional safety and peace of mind on the road. Unlike traditional tires, the DriveGuard Plus features run-flat technology, allowing you to continue driving even after a complete loss of air pressure.

This innovative design eliminates the need for a spare tire, reducing vehicle weight and saving valuable trunk space. The DriveGuard Plus is engineered with a reinforced sidewall construction and a proprietary cooling system that dissipates heat buildup during run-flat operation.

This ensures you can travel up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a puncture, giving you ample time to reach a safe location for a tire change or repair. In addition to its run-flat capabilities, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus offers impressive all-season performance.

Its advanced tread compound and optimized tread pattern provide reliable traction in various weather conditions, from dry and wet roads to light snow. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a family road trip, this tire delivers a confident and comfortable driving experience.

Design and Construction

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is engineered with a unique tire design and construction that sets it apart from conventional tires.

At the core of its design is Bridgestone’s proprietary run-flat technology, which allows the tire to continue functioning even after a complete loss of air pressure.

The tire’s internal structure features reinforced sidewalls and a specialized rubber compound that provides structural integrity and support when the tire is deflated.

This design enables the DriveGuard Plus to maintain its shape and prevent the rim from making direct contact with the road surface, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a safer driving experience.

Additionally, DriveGuard Plus incorporates Bridgestone’s NanoPro-Tech technology, which involves the use of advanced silica compounds and polymers in the tread compound.

This innovative material composition enhances the tire’s grip and handling characteristics, particularly in wet conditions, while also contributing to improved fuel efficiency and extended treadlife.

The tire’s tread pattern is engineered with a directional design and optimized siping (small slits in the tread blocks) to enhance water evacuation and provide reliable traction on both dry and wet surfaces.

The tread blocks are strategically positioned and reinforced to promote even wear and prolong the tire’s overall lifespan.

Bridgestone’s manufacturing process for the DriveGuard Plus involves advanced techniques and stringent quality control measures to ensure consistent performance and reliability across every tire produced.

The combination of cutting-edge design, advanced materials, and meticulous construction methods results in a tire that delivers exceptional performance, safety, and durability.

Run-Flat Technology

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is equipped with an innovative run-flat technology that allows you to continue driving even after a complete loss of air pressure in the tire. This technology is designed to provide peace of mind and safety in the event of a puncture or sudden air loss.

The run-flat technology in the DriveGuard Plus utilizes a reinforced sidewall construction and a special inner lining. When a tire loses air pressure, the reinforced sidewall and inner lining support the weight of the vehicle, allowing you to drive for a limited distance until you can safely replace the damaged tire.

This feature eliminates the need for a spare tire, saving valuable trunk space and reducing overall vehicle weight. It also means you don’t have to change a tire on the side of the road, which can be dangerous and inconvenient.

The run-flat capability of the DriveGuard Plus allows you to travel up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a complete air loss. This distance and speed limit are designed to provide enough range to reach a safe location for tire replacement while minimizing the risk of further damage to the tire or vehicle.

Overall, the run-flat technology in the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus offers enhanced safety, convenience, and peace of mind for drivers.

It eliminates the need for a spare tire and allows you to continue driving for a limited distance, even in the event of a puncture or sudden air loss, ensuring you can reach your destination or a service location without being stranded on the side of the road.

Performance on the Road

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is designed to provide reliable performance in a wide range of driving conditions. On dry roads, the tire delivers a confident and responsive driving experience, with excellent traction and handling capabilities.

The advanced tread compound and optimized tread pattern work together to enhance grip, cornering stability, and braking performance.

In wet conditions, the DriveGuard Plus shines with its advanced hydroplaning resistance. The tire’s unique tread design and deep grooves effectively evacuate water from the contact patch, ensuring maximum grip and control on slippery surfaces.

This feature instills confidence in drivers during heavy rain or when encountering standing water on the road. While not specifically designed for winter conditions, the DriveGuard Plus offers decent performance on light snow and icy roads.

The tire’s compound and tread pattern provide a reasonable level of traction, allowing for controlled acceleration, braking, and cornering in mild winter weather. However, for more extreme winter conditions, dedicated winter tires may be a better choice.

Overall, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus delivers reliable and predictable performance across various driving scenarios, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience in both dry and wet conditions, while providing adequate traction on light winter surfaces.

Durability and Treadlife

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is engineered to deliver exceptional durability and treadlife. Its advanced compound and tread design contribute to its impressive longevity on the road. With proper maintenance and rotation, these tires can easily surpass the industry-average treadlife, providing reliable performance for many miles.

The tire’s unique tread pattern is optimized for even wear distribution, reducing the risk of premature wear or irregular tread degradation. The sturdy construction and high-quality materials used in the DriveGuard Plus ensure that the tires maintain their structural integrity even under demanding driving conditions.

Bridgestone’s commitment to quality control and rigorous testing protocols further enhances the tire’s durability. The DriveGuard Plus undergoes stringent evaluations to ensure it can withstand the stresses of various road surfaces, temperatures, and driving styles.

While the exact treadlife can vary depending on factors such as driving habits, vehicle load, and road conditions, many drivers report achieving impressive mileage from their DriveGuard Plus tires. With proper care and maintenance, these tires can provide reliable performance for several seasons, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Noise and Comfort

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires deliver an exceptionally comfortable and quiet ride, even on rough road surfaces. Their advanced design and construction help minimize road noise, providing a serene driving experience.

On smooth highways, these tires are virtually silent, allowing you to enjoy your music or conversations without any distracting tire roar. When it comes to ride quality, the DriveGuard Plus excels in absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road.

The tires’ unique rubber compound and internal structure work together to dampen vibrations, resulting in a smooth and well-cushioned ride. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the open road, these tires offer a level of comfort that enhances the overall driving experience.

Moreover, the DriveGuard Plus tires maintain their exceptional noise and comfort levels even as they wear down. Unlike some tires that become noisier and harsher as the tread depth decreases, these Bridgestone tires retain their smooth and quiet characteristics throughout their lifespan, ensuring a consistently pleasant ride.

Fuel Efficiency

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires are designed with a low rolling resistance compound and an optimized tread pattern, which can contribute to improved fuel efficiency. This is an important consideration for many drivers, as better fuel economy can translate into cost savings over the life of the tires.

Compared to some other all-season touring tires, the DriveGuard Plus performs relatively well in terms of fuel efficiency. Independent testing has shown that these tires can provide a noticeable improvement in fuel economy compared to tires with higher rolling resistance.

However, the exact fuel savings will depend on various factors, such as your driving habits, vehicle weight, and driving conditions. It’s worth noting that while the DriveGuard Plus tires prioritize fuel efficiency, they don’t necessarily lead the pack in this category. Some eco-focused tire models from other manufacturers may offer slightly better fuel economy ratings.

However, the DriveGuard Plus strikes a balance between fuel efficiency, durability, and overall performance, making it a solid choice for drivers seeking a well-rounded tire. Overall, if fuel efficiency is a top priority for you, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires can be an excellent choice.

While they may not be the absolute best in terms of fuel economy, they offer a compelling combination of fuel savings, run-flat capabilities, and all-season performance, making them a practical option for many drivers.

Pricing and Value

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires are positioned as a premium offering in the run-flat tire segment. While the exact pricing can vary based on factors like tire size and location, they generally come with a higher price tag compared to standard tires or even some other run-flat options.

However, it’s essential to consider the value proposition that the DriveGuard Plus offers. With its advanced run-flat technology and extended mobility capabilities, these tires can potentially save you from costly roadside assistance or towing expenses in the event of a puncture or air loss.

Additionally, they provide peace of mind and enhanced safety by allowing you to continue driving for a limited distance until you can reach a repair facility. When compared to competitors in the same run-flat tire category, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is priced competitively.

While there may be slightly cheaper options available, the DriveGuard Plus offers a balance of performance, durability, and advanced features that justify its premium positioning. It’s worth noting that the initial investment in these tires may be higher, but their potential to mitigate the costs associated with unexpected tire failures could offset the upfront expense over the long run.

Additionally, the DriveGuard Plus tires come with a comprehensive warranty and support from Bridgestone, further enhancing their value proposition. Ultimately, the decision to invest in the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires should be based on your specific needs, driving habits, and the value you place on the added safety, convenience, and peace of mind that these tires offer.

Warranty and Support

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires come with an impressive warranty that reflects the company’s confidence in their product. Bridgestone offers a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty on the DriveGuard Plus, which is a testament to the tire’s durability and longevity.

This warranty ensures that if the tires wear out prematurely, you can get a prorated replacement or a refund based on the remaining tread depth. In addition to the treadwear warranty, Bridgestone also provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.

This warranty covers any manufacturing defects or issues that may arise during the life of the tire, ensuring that you are protected against any unforeseen problems. Bridgestone also offers excellent support and services to DriveGuard Plus owners.

The company has a nationwide network of authorized dealers and service centers that can assist with tire installation, balancing, rotation, and any other maintenance or repair needs. These service centers are staffed with trained professionals who are knowledgeable about Bridgestone products and can provide expert advice and recommendations.

Furthermore, Bridgestone provides a roadside assistance program for DriveGuard Plus owners. If you experience a flat tire or any other tire-related issue while on the road, you can call the Bridgestone roadside assistance hotline, and they will dispatch a service vehicle to assist you.

This service is available 24/7, ensuring that you are never stranded due to a tire-related problem. Overall, the warranty and support provided by Bridgestone for the DriveGuard Plus tires are excellent, giving you peace of mind and ensuring that you can enjoy worry-free driving for years to come.

Best Use Cases

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize safety and peace of mind on the road. Its run-flat technology makes it ideal for vehicles that frequently travel long distances or in remote areas where immediate tire assistance may not be readily available.

The tire’s durable construction and extended mobility capabilities ensure that you can continue driving for a limited distance even after a puncture or complete air loss, allowing you to reach a safe location for repair or replacement.

Additionally, the DriveGuard Plus is well-suited for families and individuals who value the convenience of not having to change a flat tire on the side of the road. This feature can be particularly beneficial for those who may not feel comfortable or capable of performing a tire change themselves.

While the DriveGuard Plus is designed for various vehicle types, it is particularly well-suited for sedans, crossovers, and smaller SUVs that prioritize a comfortable and quiet ride. Its all-season tread compound and design make it a versatile choice for different driving conditions, including wet and light snow.

Overall, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is an excellent option for drivers seeking a tire that combines safety, convenience, and versatility, making it an ideal choice for daily commuters, road trips, and families who value peace of mind on the road.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional run-flat capabilities allowing you to drive up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a complete air loss
• Durable construction with reinforced sidewalls for added protection against punctures and impacts
• Excellent wet and dry traction performance with a specialized tread compound
• Comfortable and quiet ride quality, even after a puncture
• 60,000-mile treadwear warranty for V/H/V speed ratings
• Available in a wide range of sizes to fit most vehicles

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to standard all-season tires
• Slightly reduced tread life compared to some competitors
• Limited availability for certain vehicle fitments
• Ride may feel slightly stiffer than traditional tires due to reinforced construction
• Reduced performance in severe winter conditions due to lack of dedicated winter compound

Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Video Review

Videos created by Tire Rack

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a remarkable tire that offers exceptional safety and peace of mind for drivers. Its run-flat technology allows you to continue driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a complete air loss, giving you ample time to reach a safe location for a tire change or repair.

This feature alone can be invaluable in situations where a flat tire could leave you stranded in a dangerous or remote area. Beyond its run-flat capabilities, the DriveGuard Plus delivers impressive all-season performance.

Its advanced tread compound and design provide reliable traction in both wet and dry conditions, while the reinforced sidewalls and internal construction ensure durability and resistance to road hazards.

While the DriveGuard Plus may come with a higher price tag compared to some conventional tires, its added safety features and longer treadlife can make it a worthwhile investment, especially for those who prioritize peace of mind and value long-term cost savings.

If you frequently drive in areas with poor road conditions, travel long distances, or simply want the added security of knowing you can continue driving after a puncture, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is an excellent choice.

It’s also a great option for families, as it can help prevent roadside emergencies and keep your loved ones safe in the event of a flat tire. However, if you primarily drive in urban areas with easy access to tire services and prioritize a quieter ride over run-flat capabilities, a conventional all-season tire might better suit your needs and budget.

Ultimately, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a premium tire that delivers exceptional safety, performance, and durability. While it may not be the most affordable option, its run-flat technology and overall quality make it a wise investment for those seeking peace of mind and reliable all-season performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

LIST OF OTHER TIRE REVIEWS

• Kumho Road Venture AT51 Review
• Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT Review
• Continental PureContact LS Review
• Dick Cepek Trail Country Exp Review
• Ironman Tires Review: 5 Best Ironman Tires – Buyer’s Guide
• Top 11+ Best All-Season Tires for Snow
• Top 10 Best Jeep Patriot Tires: Buying Guide and Review
• Toyo Proxes 4 Plus Review
• Falken Wildpeak AT3W Review
• Nitto Ridge Grappler Review