What's the news?
Bridgestone has launched DriveGuard tyres in Europe, two years after their introduction in the US. Designed to be a better riding run-flat option, Eduardo Minardi, Executive Chairman of Bridgestone EMEA, calls DriveGuard: "a top notch touring tyre, not just another run flat".
The DriveGuard tyres use a special patented rubber compound to reinforce the sidewall to help cope with the stress created when a flat tyre moves. DriveGuard tyres also have a special cooling fin design that dissipates the heat build-up of a flat tyre from the sidewall towards the rim. Both, according to Bridgestone, help with the durability of the tyre and control of the car when a puncture occurs, allowing drivers to continue driving for 80 kilometres at speeds of up to 80km/h, even with complete air pressure loss.
Speaking at the launch, Eduardo Minardi also said: "Bridgestone DriveGuard empowers you to keep moving and avoid the immediate burden and unsafe circumstances of a flat tyre; drivers get to choose when and where they have their tyre replaced".
Unlike other run flats, most of which are fitted as original equipment (OE) on specific car models, Bridgestone DriveGuard tyres can be fitted on most cars equipped with a Tyre Pressure Measurement System (TPMS), which means they can replace standard tyres and OE run flats.
Anything else?
Bridgestone DriveGuard will be available from March 2016 and will come in 19 Summer and 11 Winter sizes ranging from 185/65 R15 to 245/40 R18. Prices have not yet been announced.