Bridgestone DriveGuard Run-Flat Tires - FAQs
WHAT ARE BRIDGESTONE DRIVEGUARD RUN–FLAT TIRES?
DriveGuard is the first full line of run–flat tires available for coupes, sedans and wagons not originally equipped with run–flat tires and allows drivers to travel up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after a puncture even with low pressure or complete pressure loss.
WHAT ARE THE SPECS FOR DRIVEGUARD RUN–FLAT TIRES?
Speed Rating: H, V, W Sizes: 32 sizes Rim Sizes: 15" to 19"
WHICH VEHICLES ARE NOT RIGHT FOR DRIVEGUARD?
DriveGuard is not currently available for CUVs, SUVs, minivans, vans or any vehicle without a TPMS System.
DOES DRIVEGUARD HAVE THE SAME GUIDELINES ON MINIMUM TREAD DEPTH FOR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AS CONVENTIONAL?
Yes
ARE THERE ANY ECOPIA/ECO OR LOW ROLLING RESISTANCE PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS TO A DRIVEGUARD TIRE?
DriveGuard is classified as an Eco–product. The Eco–Products designation shows these tires have the following characteristics: Environmentally conscious materials, such as low–aromatic oil and recycled materials. Improved rolling resistance which helps increase fuel efficiency and reduce vehicles’ emissions.* and one or more of: Reduced tire weight which conserves resources. * Longer lasting tread, which increases tire life and conserves resources. * Lower–noise technology. *As compared to the Potenza G019 Grid.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF DRIVEGUARD TIRES?
DriveGuard tires allow you to drive up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph after the loss of tire pressure due to a puncture.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF DRIVEGUARD COMES IN THE SIZE I NEED?
Input your vehicle information into the Tire Advisor DriveGuard.com, BridgestoneTire.com or visit your local Bridgestone or Firestone Brand Retailer.
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF DRIVEGUARD COMES IN THE SIZE I NEED?
DriveGuard.com, 1–844–DRV–GUARD (1–844–378–4827), Bridgestonetire.com
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I GET A PUNCTURE OR START LOSING AIR IN MY TIRES?
The TPMS should alert you. See the next question for more details.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN MY 50 MILES (80 KM) ENDS?
Take note of your odometer when your TPMS light comes on. We suggest that you set your tripometer to zero (if available) when the TPMS goes off in order to help you estimate your distance traveled.
SHOULD I DRIVE MORE THAN 50 MILES (80 KM) AFTER A PUNCTURE?
No, because no tire, regardless of its design or quality is indestructible. DriveGuard tires can be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard as well as from improper pressure operation.
DOES DRIVEGUARD ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR A SPARE TIRE?
DriveGuard significantly reduces the likelihood that the driver will need a spare tire.
CAN VEHICLES CURRENTLY USING OTHER RUN–FLAT TIRES SWITCH TO DRIVEGUARD?
Yes, if DriveGuard is available in the correct size, speed rating and load index.
IS A TPMS REQUIRED FOR RUN–FLAT TIRES?
Yes. A functioning tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) must be used with your RFT tires. Because these tires ride so well, even without inflation pressure, a TPMS may be necessary to alert the driver that they have lost air pressure.
HOW DO DRIVEGUARD RUN–FLAT TIRES WORK?
Each DriveGuard tire is engineered with a reinforced sidewall and proprietary Cooling Fin Technology which allows it to hold its shape and support the weight of a vehicle, even with low pressure or complete pressure loss, for up to 50 miles at a maximum speed of 50 mph.
IN WHAT REGIONS WILL YOU SELL DRIVEGUARD?
DriveGuard is available in the United States and Canada.
DOES DRIVEGUARD HAVE THE SAME GUIDELINES FOR TIRE SERVICE LIFE AS A CONVENTIONAL PASSENGER TIRE?
Yes
DOES DRIVEGUARD HAVE THE SAME ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS AS CONVENTIONAL?
Yes
IS DRIVEGUARD AN ALL SEASON TIRE?
Yes, it is an all season tire
HOW DOES THE PERFORMANCE OF DRIVEGUARD COMPARE TO CONVENTIONAL TIRES?
DriveGuard is engineered to provide low–pressure mobility while delivering ride comfort and wear life comparable to many of Bridgestone’s conventional tires.DriveGuard is engineered to provide low–pressure mobility while delivering ride comfort and wear life comparable to many of Bridgestone’s conventional tires.
CAN I MIX DRIVEGUARD TIRES WITH CONVENTIONAL TIRES?
Do not mix DriveGuard tires with conventional tires unless in the case of an emergency or on a temporary basis.
DO ALL VEHICLES COME EQUIPPED WITH A TPMS?
No. But, most new passenger vehicles sold in the United States manufactured since 2008 are equipped with a TPMS system. (Some vehicles made prior to 2008 may have TPMS systems, but this varies by automobile manufacture.)
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN THE TPMS LIGHT COMES ON?
Reduce speed as much as safely and reasonably possible; do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h). The greater the speed, the less distance the tire can travel.
Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering maneuvers as much as safely and reasonably possible. Pot holes and other road hazards should be avoided. Careful driving limits potential damage to the tire, wheel, and vehicle.
Proceed to a safe and convenient location for tire service as soon as possible. Take note of your odometer; your operation distance is limited. Do not exceed 50 miles in run–flat or low pressure operation.
If an unusual vibration or vehicle handling difficulty arises, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible. The tire may be about to suddenly fail. Release the accelerator and gradually reduce speed. The tire must be replaced before proceeding.
If towing a trailer, stop driving as soon as safely and reasonably possible. In this condition, it is potentially dangerous to operate a vehicle/trailer combination. If possible, disconnect the trailer and proceed as noted above. Do not continue to tow any trailer until proper tire service or replacement has been performed.
Do not touch a tire recently run–low or run–flat (it may be very hot). Allow the tire to cool before handling.
ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS IN WHICH DRIVEGUARD TIRES MIGHT NOT TRAVEL 50 MILES (80 KM) AFTER A PUNCTURE?
Factors affecting run–flat or low tire pressure operating distance include vehicle speed, load, and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure loss; the extent of any tire damage; and ambient temperature. To maximize the distance capability in a run–flat or low pressure condition:
Reduce vehicle speed as much as safely and reasonably possible. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) Avoid abrupt or aggressive acceleration, braking, or cornering maneuvers a much as safely and reasonably possible; avoid pot holes and other road hazards. Higher vehicle loads (such as with more passengers or cargo) and higher ambient temperatures decrease the distance capability of a DriveGuard tire in run–flat or low pressure operation.
CAN DRIVEGUARD TIRES BE REPAIRED AFTER A PUNCTURE OR PRESSURE LOSS?
DriveGuard tires that have been operated with less than 15 psi (100 kPa) inflation pressure should not be repaired. Other repair restrictions apply. See Tire Maintenance, Safety and Warranty Manual for full details. Check tire pressure with a gauge every month and before long trips or when carrying extra load. Determine the cause and extent of an inflation pressure loss as soon as possible, especially after an alert from the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
DO OTHER COMPANIES HAVE TECHNOLOGIES SIMILAR TO DRIVEGUARD?
Yes, other companies offer run–flat technology but DriveGuard is the first full line of tires available for use on popular passenger sedans, coupes and wagons that didn’t originally come with run–flat tires.
WHAT IS A TPMS?
The purpose of the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your vehicle is to warn the driver that one or more tires is/are significantly under–inflated and creating an unsafe driving condition. The TPMS low tire pressure indicator is a yellow symbol that illuminates on the dashboard instrument panel in the shape of a tire cross–section (that resembles a horseshoe) with an exclamation point.
HOW FAR CAN I DRIVE ON DRIVEGUARD TIRES AFTER THE TPMS ALERT?
Up to 50 miles at maximum speeds of 50 mph