Bridgestone is introducing a new line-up of replacement run-flat tires for a wide array of vehicles. No longer is the technology limited to high-end vehicles.
The owners of a Chevrolet Corvette and a Chevrolet Sonic may soon have something in common beyond the “bow-tie” emblem on their vehicles: each can wait up to 50 miles to change a flat tire.
Bridgestone is introducing a line-up of replacement run-flat tires for a broader array of cars and trucks. Several other tire makers such as Michelin and Goodyear have run-flat tires for performance-oriented vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Corvette. Typically, they are original equipment on these vehicles.
However, Bridgestone is the first tire manufacturer to offer the run-flat as a replacement tire in more than 30 different sizes, which will fit on a broad array of vehicles.
The company’s objective is to take niche-market technology and make it more widely available to motorists in the U.S., Bridgestone representatives said, as they demonstrated the utility of the new tire for reporters at the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas.
The launch of the new “DriveGuard” tire will also be accompanied one of the largest marketing campaigns ever mounted by Bridgestone in the U.S., according to Paul Oakley, Bridgestone Americas vice president of communications.
Robert Saul, product line manager for Bridgestone Americas, said the launch of a new line can ease some of the worry, frustration and inconvenience associated with a flat tire. DriveGuard tires from Bridgestone are the first full line of mass-market replacement tires available for coupes, sedans and wagons not originally equipped with run-flat tires, he said.
The new DriveGuard, which Bridgestone will start shipping to dealers next month, offers drivers the ability to continue driving up to 50 miles at maximum speeds of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour if a puncture or loss of pressure should occur and flatten the tire.
The tire will still have to be repaired after it goes flat but the DriveGuard will give the motorist the chance to select when the repair is made instead of being held hostage by the flat.
“There’s never a good time for a flat tire,” Saul said. “With DriveGuard tires, even if a flat tire strikes, drivers are empowered to keep moving. They can avoid the immediate burden and circumstances, and choose when and where to have their tire repaired or replaced.”
A recent survey conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of Bridgestone among over 2,800 U.S. drivers age over the age of 18 shows nearly three-quarters – 74% – of drivers on the road today have experienced a flat tire, and 61% agree getting a flat tire would have a major impact on their day.
Based on the survey, six in 10 drivers claim they know how to change a flat tire, but nearly two-thirds of drivers would still call someone for help. Women drivers are more than twice as likely to call for help as men – 86% versus 41%, respectively, with only 14% of women saying they would change a flat tire themselves, compared to 59% of men who say the same.
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“While appealing to all drivers, we believe safety-minded drivers especially will benefit from the technology that DriveGuard offers,” said Saul. “Whether you’re on the side of the road, en route to a business meeting or in your child’s school parking lot — if you’re waiting on help to arrive, then you’re stuck.”
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Similar run-flat technology has been available as original equipment on select premium vehicles and their reputation for delivering a harsh ride and undermine a vehicle’s overall handling.
The DriveGuard tires delivered a relatively quiet and comfortable ride without compromising the handling during the test of the tires on a standard, mid-sized sedan with the tires fully inflated. A separate test of driving a flattened driver guard at 50 mph also indicated the tire also did well even with a puncture.
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Saul said the tire’s ability to “Empower” motorists will be a major part of the upcoming marketing campaign from Bridgestone, Saul said. You control the situation,” he said.
Prices vary by size and are ultimately set by individual dealers. However, the price of the new tires is not expected to exceed the current prices for performance or premium tires sold by Bridgestone.