The tire also features 3D Full Depth Sipe Technology, which enhances wear and snow performance. Open Shoulder Slots reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet roads, while the Asymmetric Pattern and Inboard Design provide responsive handling and stability on wet surfaces.
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire is versatile, providing impressive traction and steering response in dry conditions and a high UTQG rating in wet weather.
It offers commendable light-snow traction but should be used cautiously on ice. The tire’s internal structure, with a nylon cap over a two-ply polyester casing, ensures a comfortable and smooth ride. However, its blocky pattern can generate more road noise in cold weather.
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire has a 65,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, showcasing the manufacturer’s faith in the tire’s durability and longevity. Overall, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire is reliable for drivers seeking safety, comfort, and performance.
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is an excellent tire that offers all-season performance, safety, and convenience. Its innovative design incorporates run-flat technology, allowing vehicles to continue driving even after a flat tire or significant tire pressure loss. This technology enhances driver safety and convenience, reducing the need for roadside tire changes and providing time for tire repair or replacement. Bridgestone has been at the forefront of run-flat tire advancements, and the DriveGuard Plus represents the latest iteration of their commitment to high-performance run-flat tires. This tire review provides valuable insights for those seeking all-season traction, run-flat peace of mind, or a combination of both.
Bridgestone DriveGuard PLUS Tire Technology and Features
All-Season Performance
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires are known for their high level of performance in all weather conditions. This tire was designed to perform well in a wide variety of conditions, including dry roads in the summer, wet streets in the spring, and light snow in the winter. The all-season compound used to make it maintains rubber’s pliability throughout a wide temperature range, giving you the grip you need all year.
Run-Flat Technology Explained
Bridgestone’s groundbreaking run-flat technology is the foundation of their new DriveGuard Plus tire. After a blowout, flat, or considerable pressure loss, run-flat tires allow you to continue driving for a set distance at lower speeds. This innovation is a lifesaver since it delays the need to change tires until you reach a service station or a safer area.
With a flat on the DriveGuard Plus, you can still go fifty miles as long as you keep your speed below 50 mph, thanks to Bridgestone’s cutting-edge run-flat technology. This feature enhances your driving in both safety and convenience.
3D Full Depth Sipe Technology
The DriveGuard Plus tire from Bridgestone has 3D Full Depth Sipe Technology. Siping is the process of cutting narrow grooves or slots into the tread blocks of a tire. The purpose of the sipes is to improve grip in slippery conditions, such as rain or snow. These sipes not only increase traction but also help the tire wear more evenly, which extends the tread’s useful life.
Open Shoulder Slots for Hydroplaning Prevention
When driving in the rain, hydroplaning—when the tire loses contact with the road because of water—can be a serious hazard. The DriveGuard Plus solves this problem by including open shoulder grooves that direct water away from the tire’s contact area. These grooves lessen hydroplaning concerns, so you can drive with greater assurance in rainy conditions.
Asymmetric Pattern and Inboard Design
The tire’s asymmetric tread pattern is a key factor in its ability to function in a wide variety of climates. It keeps the tire in constant contact with the pavement, whether you are driving in dry conditions or light snow. The DriveGuard Plus’s inward shape also helps to reduce road noise, making the journey more pleasant for everyone within.
Full-Depth Main Grooves for Water Evacuation
For safety on rainy roads, water drainage is a must. With its full-depth main grooves, the DriveGuard Plus efficiently disperses water from the tread, lowering the possibility of hydroplaning and improving grip in wet conditions. This innovation helps the tire perform well even in the rain.
Performance in Different Conditions
Dry Performance
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is at its best on dry roads. The firm shoulder blocks and cutting-edge compounds used in the construction of these tires provide for great responsiveness and control on dry pavement. When the weather is nice and you want to get out and enjoy the road, this vehicle tire is a great option because of its solid handling and responsive steering.
Wet Performance
When it rains or there is a lot of humidity, driving on wet roads is a whole new ballgame. Here is where the adaptability of the DriveGuard Plus really shines. The tire’s wide shoulder slots and deep main grooves work together to improve handling in the rain and reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning. You may be certain that your tires will not lose traction on rainy roads, allowing you to continue your journey without incident.
Winter Performance
There is a wide range of possible weather conditions during the winter. The DriveGuard Plus is not a true winter tire, but it still does a good job in a variety of wintry conditions.
Light-Snow Traction: DriveGuard Plus excels in places with mild snowfall because to its excellent traction. Its open shoulder blocks and segmented ribs allow for good biting edges, even in the snow. Even though it does not have the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) grade of true winter tires, it nonetheless provides sufficient light-snow traction for infrequently snowy drives.
Deep-Snow Traction: The DriveGuard Plus has its limits in deeper snow. It may have trouble handling snow deeper than 3–4 inches on account of its small tread depth. The tire can endure the occasional thick snow because of its C- and E-shaped rib lugs, which produce additional horizontal and vertical biting edges. However, a set of winter tires or an all-weather tire with a 3PMSF grade is the safest option in extreme cold.
Ice Traction: The DriveGuard Plus is not a good choice for icy roads because of its tough composition. Dedicated winter tires or all-season tires optimized for cold weather performance are essential if you often drive on slippery roads or in slush.
While not specifically made for driving in the winter, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus nonetheless provides enough grip in light snow and excels in both wet and dry situations. However, a dedicated winter tire is still the best option for assuring safety and control on icy and snowy roads in locations with harsh and extended winters.
Tire Comfort and Noise
Ride Comfort
Modern tire technology has improved ride comfort, including the DriveGuard Plus. The tire’s design determines driving comfort. One nylon cap and a two-ply polyester casing make up the DriveGuard Plus’s meticulously constructed interior structure. This architecture absorbs road pressure and vibrations, making the ride easier for drivers and passengers. The tread depth of the tire also affects riding comfort. A short tread depth makes the DriveGuard Plus more comfortable and less jarring than tires with deeper treads. While not as comfortable as luxury tires, the DriveGuard Plus is outstanding for a run-flat tire.
Road Noise
During long drives or interstate cruises, road noise can ruin the driving experience. The DriveGuard Plus’s tire pattern and shoulder design affect noise. The DriveGuard Plus has asymmetric tread with separated ribs and lugs. This design improves its performance in wet and dry situations, but it can make road noise on some surfaces. The tire’s substantial shoulder blocks help cornering but might increase noise, especially in colder weather. Road noise from the DriveGuard Plus is usually not a problem in warm weather.
Tread Life
Bridgestone’s DriveGuard Plus tire is designed to balance performance and durability, offering extended tread life. However, run-flat tires, such as the DriveGuard Plus, have unique characteristics that can affect tread wear. The stiff compound, aggressive tread pattern, and run-flat technology can lead to increased wear. The aggressive tread pattern, including full-depth sipes and notches, enhances traction but can create additional forces, potentially accelerating wear. Run-flat technology, with thicker sidewalls and reinforced internal structures, can result in a slightly shorter tread life compared to standard all-season tires. Despite this, Bridgestone’s design balances durability and performance, making it a reliable choice for drivers who prioritize safety and peace of mind.
Warranty
Bridgestone’s DriveGuard Plus tire offers a 65,000-mile limited manufacturer tread life warranty, providing coverage for tread wear under normal driving conditions. This warranty covers premature tire wear or non-meeting expected mileage due to manufacturing defects. However, the warranty is subject to specific conditions, including proper tire maintenance, tread depth, road hazards, and coverage period. The warranty covers the tire’s tread life up to the specified mileage or within a specified time frame. Bridgestone’s reputation for quality and durability makes it a solid choice for drivers seeking performance and peace of mind.
Vehicle Fitment
Bridgestone offers the DriveGuard Plus in various sizes for popular sedans and crossovers, including the Audi Q3, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50, Lexus NX, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volkswagen Tiguan, Chevrolet Bolt EV, Infiniti Q50, Toyota Sienna, MINI Cooper S, Toyota RAV4, and Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLB crossovers. Run-flat tires like these are suitable for any passenger vehicle.
Customer Feedback
Many customers said that the tires were an improvement over their prior ones in terms of traction, durability, and general performance. Many have praised the reliability of their run-flat tires, which have prevented them from having flats numerous times. All things considered, these drivers felt that purchasing a set of Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires was money well spent.
Some people found the tires to be noisier than they had hoped, particularly while traveling at higher speeds. Many drivers have complained of feeling uneasy or experiencing vibrations when driving, especially on uneven terrain. A few buyers were also dissatisfied with the tires’ longevity and use, citing difficulties including quick tread degradation and air loss. Customer satisfaction suffered as a result of these drawbacks.
Competition with other Tires
Goodyear’s Assurance ComfortDrive vs. Bridgestone’s DriveGuard Plus Tire
In a head-to-head comparison, Goodyear’s Assurance ComfortDrive emerges as the frontrunner, showcasing superior wet and dry performance with shorter braking distances and faster lap times. Additionally, it offers a more comfortable and quieter ride. Bridgestone’s DriveGuard Plus, while equipped with run-flat technology for extended driving with low air pressure, falls slightly behind in these performance aspects. However, it is essential to note that DriveGuard Plus comes with a longer mileage warranty, but Assurance ComfortDrive offers better value for those seeking enhanced summer driving performance without the need for run-flat capabilities.
Michelin CrossClimate 2 vs. Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus
When comparing the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus, it is important to consider your specific needs. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 stands out for its versatility, excelling in various weather conditions and offering a comfortable ride. In contrast, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus prioritizes safety with its run-flat technology, allowing continued driving after a puncture, but it may sacrifice some comfort and versatility. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize a well-rounded, all-season performance or the added security of run-flat capabilities in emergency situations.
Conclusion
Bridgestone’s DriveGuard Plus tire offers excellent traction and handling in various weather conditions, including dry roads and wet and light winter conditions. Its run-flat technology allows drivers to continue their journey even after a puncture, providing peace of mind. The tire also features 3D Full Depth Sipe Technology, open shoulder slots, an asymmetric pattern and inboard design, and full-depth main grooves. It comes with a 65,000-mile Limited Manufacturer Tread Life Warranty, providing added assurance for the investment.
However, it may not provide optimal performance in extremely cold or icy conditions and may cause road noise in colder temperatures. The best use cases for the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire include warm and squishy regions, durability-focused drivers, and smooth driving for daily commuting and long-distance travel. Despite its limitations, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire is a reliable and trustworthy choice for drivers who prioritize safety and performance in diverse driving conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between DriveGuard and DriveGuard Plus tires?
Its next-gen run-flat features allow fifty miles at 50 mph post-puncture. It grips better than the original DriveGuard and stops forty feet shorter in snow due to its zero-degree draft angles.
How do Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires use run-flat technology?
Run-flat technology allows a tire to sustain a vehicle after a puncture, pressure loss, or flat tire. The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus can drive fifty miles at speeds below 50 mph following a puncture or pressure loss thanks to run-flat technology. Reinforced sidewalls and rand alutionary tire structure protect the vehicle even when ordinary tires flatten.
Should I replace one Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tire if it breaks or all four?
Run-flat tires like the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus should replace all four tires. Run-flat tires have different sidewalls and composition, thus combining them with standard tires might alter vehicle performance. If changing all four tires at once is not possible or required, follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines and consult a tire specialist for safe and balanced performance.
Are Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus run-flat tires more expensive?
Run-flat tires cost more than ordinary tires. Run-flat tires need more materials and engineering to maintain the vehicle’s weight when damaged. If you get a flat tire, they can get you out of the way, but they cost more. Safety and convenience might overcome the initial price difference for many drivers.
Can I use Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires in the snow?
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is an all-season tire that performs well in moderate winter weather, but it is not a winter tire. In harsh winters, convert to winter tires if you often drive in thick snow or ice. Winter tires offer extra safety by providing better traction and handling in icy and snowy weather.
Are Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires available in different sizes?
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires fit coupes, sedans, CUVs, SUVs, and minivans in various sizes. 16″, 17″, 18″, and 19″ diameters are usual. To guarantee compatibility and performance, check your owner’s handbook or a tire technician when choosing a tire size.