Bridgestone DriveGuard Review: The Tire That Keeps You Moving After a Flat

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The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are a game-changer in the world of automotive tires. These innovative tires are designed to provide exceptional safety and peace of mind on the road, thanks to their unique runflat technology. Unlike traditional tires, the DriveGuard tires can continue to be driven for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph, even after a complete loss of air pressure.

This revolutionary feature eliminates the need for immediate roadside assistance in the event of a puncture or sudden air loss, allowing you to safely reach your destination or a repair facility. The DriveGuard tires are engineered with reinforced sidewalls and a specially designed inner liner that supports the weight of the vehicle when deflated, preventing the tire from collapsing and ensuring a stable ride.

In addition to their exceptional runflat capabilities, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires offer a range of other benefits. Their advanced tread design provides excellent traction and handling on both wet and dry surfaces, ensuring a confident driving experience in various weather conditions. The tires’ construction also contributes to improved fuel efficiency, helping you save money at the gas pump while reducing your environmental impact.

Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip or simply commuting to work, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires provide unparalleled safety, convenience, and peace of mind. With their innovative technology and superior performance, these tires are a must-have for drivers who value reliability and want to be prepared for any unexpected situation on the road.

Runflat Technology

Bridgestone’s DriveGuard tires feature an innovative runflat technology that allows drivers to continue traveling for a limited distance even after a complete loss of air pressure. This technology is designed to provide peace of mind and enhance safety on the road.

At the heart of the runflat system is a reinforced sidewall construction that incorporates high-strength rubber compounds and specialized inserts. These components work together to support the weight of the vehicle and prevent the tire from collapsing or separating from the rim when it loses air pressure.

When a DriveGuard tire experiences a puncture or a sudden loss of air, the reinforced sidewall kicks into action, allowing the tire to maintain its shape and structural integrity. This enables the driver to continue driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph, providing ample time to reach a safe location for a tire change or repair.

The runflat technology offers several advantages over traditional tires. First and foremost, it enhances safety by reducing the risk of sudden tire failure, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and potentially dangerous situations. Additionally, it eliminates the need for a spare tire, saving valuable trunk space and reducing overall vehicle weight.

Furthermore, the runflat design allows drivers to avoid being stranded on the side of the road, which can be particularly beneficial in remote areas or during inclement weather conditions. This added convenience and peace of mind make the DriveGuard tires an attractive choice for those who value safety and reliability on the road.

Tread Design and Durability

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires feature an advanced tread design optimized for both traction and durability. The symmetric tread pattern utilizes a continuous center rib flanked by intermediate and outer shoulder blocks, providing stable and responsive handling on dry surfaces. Numerous lateral grooves and sipes enhance traction on wet roads by effectively evacuating water and improving grip.

Bridgestone’s proprietary NanoPro-Tech compound enhances the tire’s wear resistance and extends its lifespan. This compound incorporates a unique polymer reinforced with silica-based nanoparticles, improving cut and chip resistance while maintaining flexibility even at low temperatures. The tread’s 3D siping technology also contributes to even wear by promoting uniform pressure distribution across the contact patch.

With a UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) treadwear rating of 700, the DriveGuard tires offer excellent durability and long-lasting performance. This rating indicates that the tires should retain their tread depth longer than many competitors, translating to extended mileage capabilities. Overall, the thoughtful tread design and innovative compound technology work together to provide a balance of grip, handling, and longevity for DriveGuard owners.

Comfort and Noise Levels

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires offer a remarkably smooth and quiet ride, even after sustaining a complete loss of air pressure. This is thanks to the innovative runflat technology and reinforced sidewalls that allow the tire to maintain its shape and continue supporting the vehicle’s weight.

During normal operation with proper inflation, the DriveGuard tires provide excellent ride comfort on par with Bridgestone’s premium touring tire models. The tread design and internal construction work together to absorb road vibrations and impacts, resulting in a smooth, comfortable driving experience.

Where the DriveGuard tires truly shine is in their ability to maintain ride quality even when completely deflated. Most conventional tires become extremely uncomfortable and noisy when driven on after a puncture or air loss. However, the DriveGuard’s reinforced sidewalls prevent the tire from collapsing or becoming misshapen, allowing it to roll smoothly and quietly for up to 50 miles at moderate speeds.

This runflat capability not only enhances safety by preventing a sudden blowout, but it also eliminates the jarring, noisy ride that typically accompanies a flat tire. Drivers can proceed to a safe location for a tire change without enduring the harsh ride and potential vehicle damage caused by driving on a completely flat tire.

While there is some minor increase in noise and vibration when operating in the runflat mode, the DriveGuard tires remain remarkably composed and quiet compared to a conventional tire in the same condition. This impressive noise and comfort performance in both inflated and deflated scenarios is a major advantage of the DriveGuard technology.

Fuel Efficiency

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are designed with a low rolling resistance compound and optimized tread pattern, which can contribute to improved fuel efficiency. The reduced rolling resistance means that less energy is required to keep the tires moving, resulting in less fuel consumption.

According to Bridgestone’s internal testing, the DriveGuard tires can provide up to 4% better fuel economy compared to their previous tire models. This may not seem like a significant improvement, but over the course of a year, it can translate into substantial cost savings, especially for drivers who log a lot of miles.

For example, if you drive a vehicle that gets 25 miles per gallon and you drive 15,000 miles per year, a 4% improvement in fuel efficiency could save you approximately $60 in fuel costs annually, based on an average gas price of $3 per gallon. While the savings may not be substantial for a single vehicle, when multiplied across a fleet or for drivers who rack up high mileage, the fuel cost savings can be quite significant.

It’s worth noting that actual fuel efficiency can vary depending on various factors, such as driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and road conditions. However, the DriveGuard tires’ low rolling resistance design can contribute to improved fuel economy, potentially offsetting some of the additional costs associated with these tires’ runflat technology.

Wet and Dry Performance

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires excel in both wet and dry conditions, providing exceptional grip and traction. In dry conditions, the advanced tread compound and optimized siping patterns deliver responsive handling and short braking distances. The tires maintain a confident grip during cornering and lane changes, inspiring driver confidence.

When it comes to wet performance, the DriveGuard tires truly shine. Their unique tread design effectively evacuates water from the contact patch, minimizing the risk of hydroplaning. The tires maintain impressive traction on wet surfaces, ensuring reliable braking and steering response even in heavy rain or standing water.

Independent tests have consistently ranked the DriveGuard among the top performers in its class for wet and dry braking distances. The tires’ ability to shed water and maintain grip on slippery surfaces is truly remarkable, providing an added sense of security for drivers in inclement weather conditions.

Overall, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires deliver exceptional wet and dry performance, combining responsive handling, short braking distances, and reliable traction in a wide range of driving scenarios. Whether navigating dry highways or facing torrential downpours, these tires inspire confidence and ensure a safe, controlled driving experience.

Winter Capabilities

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are not specifically designed for winter conditions, as they lack the specialized tread compounds and patterns found in dedicated winter tires. However, their unique RunFlat technology does provide some advantages in snowy or icy situations.

While the DriveGuard’s tread design is optimized for all-season performance on dry and wet roads, the tire’s internal reinforcement allows it to maintain mobility even after a complete loss of air pressure. This can be a significant safety benefit during the winter months when potholes, debris, or even ice can cause sudden punctures or deflations.

With traditional tires, a flat would leave you stranded, but the DriveGuard’s RunFlat construction means you can continue driving at reduced speeds for up to 50 miles to reach a safe location for a repair or tire change. This added peace of mind can be invaluable when driving in challenging winter conditions.

That said, the DriveGuard’s all-season tread compound will still struggle to provide optimal traction on packed snow or ice compared to a dedicated winter tire. The lack of aggressive siping and biting edges means these tires are better suited for milder winter conditions or as an emergency backup rather than a primary winter driving solution in areas with heavy snowfall or extreme cold temperatures.

If you live in an area with harsh winters, a set of separate winter tires may still be recommended for maximum control and safety during the peak months. But for those who experience more moderate winter weather, the DriveGuard’s RunFlat capabilities can add an extra layer of security when navigating slippery roads or unexpected punctures.

Warranty and Guarantees

Bridgestone backs the DriveGuard tires with a comprehensive warranty and guarantee package that provides peace of mind to consumers. The tires come with a 60,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, which covers the original purchaser against premature wear under normal driving conditions. If the tires wear out before reaching the specified mileage, Bridgestone will replace them with a new set on a pro-rated basis.

In addition to the treadwear warranty, the DriveGuard tires also come with a 6-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If any tire becomes unserviceable due to a manufacturing defect during this period, Bridgestone will replace it free of charge.

One of the standout features of the DriveGuard tires is the 90-day buy and try guarantee. This allows customers to test the tires for up to 90 days or 4,000 miles, whichever comes first. If they are not satisfied with the performance, Bridgestone will provide a full refund or exchange for a different set of tires.

Furthermore, the DriveGuard tires come with a 1-year or first 2/32″ of treadwear casing guarantee. This means that if the tire suffers a non-repairable casing failure during the first year or before the tread depth reaches 2/32″, Bridgestone will replace it with a comparable new tire at no charge.

Overall, the comprehensive warranty and guarantee package offered by Bridgestone for the DriveGuard tires demonstrates the company’s confidence in the product and provides added value and peace of mind for consumers.

Price and Value

Bridgestone’s DriveGuard tires come at a premium price point compared to many other mainstream tire options. However, their unique runflat technology and overall performance capabilities help justify the higher cost for many drivers. On average, DriveGuard tires can cost anywhere from $150 to $300 per tire, depending on the size and model.

When compared to premium tire brands like Michelin or Continental, the DriveGuard tires are generally more affordable while still offering top-tier performance. For example, a set of four Michelin Premier A/S tires in a common size like 215/55R17 can cost upwards of $800, while a comparable set of DriveGuard tires would be in the $600-$700 range.

It’s important to factor in the added value and peace of mind that comes with the DriveGuard’s runflat capabilities. Being able to safely drive for up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a complete air loss can be invaluable in certain situations, potentially saving you from costly tow truck fees or roadside repairs.

Overall, while the upfront cost may be higher than budget tire options, the DriveGuard tires offer a compelling blend of performance, safety, and value that makes them a worthwhile investment for many drivers, especially those who prioritize peace of mind and want to avoid the hassle and dangers of being stranded due to a flat tire.

Recommended Vehicles and Driving Conditions

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are designed to provide a safe and reliable driving experience for a wide range of vehicles and driving conditions. These tires are particularly well-suited for sedans, coupes, and small to midsize SUVs and crossovers.

For daily commuting and city driving, the DriveGuard tires offer a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to their advanced tread design and construction. Their runflat technology also provides peace of mind, allowing you to continue driving for a limited distance even after a complete loss of air pressure, ensuring you can reach a safe location for a tire change or repair.

These tires are also an excellent choice for highway driving and long-distance road trips. Their durable construction and tread pattern ensure excellent tread life and consistent performance over extended mileage. Additionally, the DriveGuard tires deliver reliable handling and responsive steering, providing a confident driving experience on the open road.

While not specifically designed for severe winter conditions, the DriveGuard tires can handle light snow and occasional icy patches reasonably well. However, for areas with harsh winters and heavy snowfall, dedicated winter tires may be a better option for optimal traction and safety.

Overall, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are versatile and well-suited for a variety of driving conditions, making them an excellent choice for drivers seeking a reliable, comfortable, and safe tire for their daily driving needs.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customer reviews for the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are generally positive, with many praising their runflat capabilities and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can continue driving after a puncture. Owners report being able to drive safely for extended distances on a flat tire, allowing them to reach a service station or their destination without having to change a tire on the side of the road.

Common praises include the tires’ durability, with many users reporting excellent tread life and minimal wear even after tens of thousands of miles. The wet and dry traction are also frequently highlighted, with drivers noting confident handling and short braking distances in various weather conditions.

On the other hand, some customers have criticized the DriveGuard tires for their slightly higher noise levels compared to traditional tires, particularly at higher speeds. A few reviewers have also noted a somewhat harsh ride quality, which may be a trade-off for the tires’ runflat construction.

Overall, the vast majority of customer feedback is positive, with many drivers expressing satisfaction with the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires’ performance, safety features, and value for money.

Comparison to Competitors

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires stand out in the market for their unique runflat technology, which allows drivers to continue driving for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a complete loss of air pressure. This feature sets them apart from most conventional tires, which would require immediate replacement in case of a puncture or blowout.

One of the closest competitors to the DriveGuard is the Michelin Primacy MXM4, which also offers a runflat variant. However, the Michelin tires have a shorter runflat distance of around 30 miles and a lower maximum speed of 45 mph. Additionally, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires generally offer better wet and dry traction performance, thanks to their advanced tread design.

Another notable competitor is the Goodyear RunOnFlat, which, as the name suggests, also features a runflat construction. However, the Goodyear tires have been criticized for their relatively harsh ride quality and higher noise levels compared to the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires.

When it comes to treadwear and durability, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires hold their own against competitors like the Michelin Premier A/S and the Continental TrueContact Tour. These tires are known for their long tread life, but they lack the runflat capability of the DriveGuard.

In terms of pricing, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are generally more expensive than conventional tires but offer better value when considering their added safety and convenience features. They are competitively priced compared to other runflat tire options from Michelin and Goodyear, making them a compelling choice for drivers seeking peace of mind without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Runflat technology allows you to continue driving for up to 50 miles after a complete air loss, providing peace of mind and safety on the road.
• Durable tread compound and reinforced sidewalls enhance the tire’s longevity, ensuring a longer tread life.
• Excellent wet and dry traction, thanks to the specialized tread design, providing confident handling in various weather conditions.
• Comfortable and quiet ride, minimizing road noise and vibrations for a more enjoyable driving experience.
• Fuel-efficient design, helping to improve gas mileage and reduce environmental impact.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to standard tires, which may not fit everyone’s budget.
• Limited winter performance, as the tire’s design is primarily focused on all-season capabilities rather than dedicated snow and ice traction.
• Slightly stiffer ride quality compared to some premium touring tires, which may be less desirable for some drivers prioritizing a plush ride.
• Replacement costs can be higher due to the specialized runflat technology and construction.
• Availability may be limited in certain regions or for specific vehicle models.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The Bridgestone DriveGuard tires offer a unique and innovative runflat technology that sets them apart from traditional tire options. Their ability to continue driving for up to 50 miles after a complete loss of air pressure is a game-changer in terms of safety and convenience. However, it’s important to note that this feature comes at a cost, both in terms of price and potential trade-offs in other performance areas.

While the DriveGuard tires excel in their runflat capabilities, they may not be the best choice for those prioritizing pure driving dynamics or extreme weather performance. The reinforced sidewalls and stiffer construction can result in a slightly harsher ride and potentially more road noise compared to premium touring or performance tires.

That being said, for drivers who value peace of mind and the ability to continue driving safely in the event of a puncture or sudden air loss, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are an excellent option. They offer a level of security and convenience that traditional tires simply cannot match.

Overall, if you frequently find yourself driving in urban or suburban areas where the risk of punctures is higher, or if you value the added safety and convenience of runflat technology, the Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to potentially sacrifice a bit of ride comfort and performance in exchange for the peace of mind they provide.