Overview
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Run-Flat is a premium all-season touring tire designed for drivers of sedans, coupes, wagons, and crossovers who want the peace of mind offered by run-flat technology without compromising ride comfort or daily usability. Geared toward both everyday drivers and enthusiasts seeking safety, especially those who frequently travel longer distances or commute in areas where roadside assistance may be delayed, the DriveGuard Plus aims to deliver reliable year-round traction, responsive handling, and the ability to drive up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 mph after a puncture. Its focus is on balanced performance, comfort, and convenience, making it a practical fit for family vehicles, urban commuters, and even select luxury models that require run-flat capability.
Key Specs
| Type | All-Season Run-Flat Touring |
| Available Sizes Range | 16″ – 20″ rim diameters (e.g., 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17) |
| Speed Rating Examples | H, V, W |
| Load Index Examples | 91, 94, 97 |
| Tread Pattern | Asymmetric with wide circumferential grooves, optimized siping |
| Technology Highlights | Next Gen Run-Flat reinforced sidewall, silica-rich tread, ComfortCruise technology, optimized contact patch |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the DriveGuard Plus Run-Flat offers reassuring levels of grip, with handling characteristics that are noticeably improved over earlier run-flat generations. Thanks to its advanced tread compound and reinforced shoulders, steering response is direct and predictable, providing confidence during highway merges and spirited cornering alike. Braking distances are well controlled and on par with leading all-season competitors, though the feel is slightly firmer due to the run-flat construction. Enthusiast drivers will notice a marginal loss of road feedback compared to top-tier conventional touring tires, but for most users, the trade-off for added safety is minimal. Overall, the tire delivers stable, surefooted performance suitable for both city and highway driving.
Performance: Wet
Wet weather is a strong point for the DriveGuard Plus. The asymmetric tread and wide circumferential grooves efficiently evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning even at higher speeds. Bridgestone’s silica-rich compound enhances wet grip, resulting in confident cornering and solid braking in rainy conditions. While ultimate wet performance still trails some premium non-run-flat rivals, the difference is minor and the tire remains highly competent for everyday driving. Light to moderate rain poses no challenge, and feedback remains consistent, inspiring trust during sudden stops or quick lane changes.
Performance: Snow & Ice
As an all-season tire, the DriveGuard Plus is designed for light snow rather than severe winter conditions. The optimized siping and tread design provide reasonable traction in slushy or lightly packed snow, making it suitable for regions with occasional winter weather. Acceleration and braking in light snow are predictable, though performance drops off in deep snow or on ice, as expected for its segment. For drivers in areas with frequent snowfalls or icy roads, a dedicated winter tire remains the better choice. The DriveGuard Plus is best thought of as a three-season tire with emergency winter capability.
Comfort & Noise
Historically, run-flat tires have struggled with ride quality and noise, but Bridgestone’s ComfortCruise technology and improved sidewall design have noticeably closed the gap. The DriveGuard Plus delivers a composed, comfortable ride over most road surfaces, absorbing minor bumps and imperfections without transmitting excessive harshness to the cabin. Road noise is well controlled for a run-flat, with only a faint hum on coarse asphalt at highway speeds. While ultra-premium touring tires may be marginally quieter, the DriveGuard Plus is among the most refined run-flats on the market, making it an excellent choice for family vehicles and commuters alike.
Durability & Economy
Longevity is a key consideration for any touring tire, and the DriveGuard Plus performs admirably in this regard. The tire features a robust tread compound designed to resist uneven wear, and real-world feedback suggests it delivers mileage comparable to top competitors in the segment. The US UTQG rating is typically 640 A A (depending on size), indicating strong treadwear and traction performance. Rolling resistance is slightly higher than conventional tires due to the reinforced sidewalls, which may result in a small reduction in fuel efficiency—usually not more than 1-2 mpg in mixed conditions. Bridgestone backs the tire with a 65,000-mile limited treadwear warranty, a rarity among run-flats, underscoring their confidence in its durability. For fleet operators and high-mileage drivers, the DriveGuard Plus provides a strong blend of safety and value, with only a minor trade-off in economy.
Sizes & Alternatives
The DriveGuard Plus Run-Flat is available in a wide array of popular sizes, making it a fit for many mainstream vehicles. Common sizes include:
- 205/55 R16 (compact sedans, e.g., Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla)
- 225/45 R17 (mid-size sedans, e.g., BMW 3 Series, Audi A4)
- 245/45 R18 (larger sedans, crossovers)
- 235/40 R19 (performance sedans, coupes)
Key rivals in the US market include:
- Michelin Primacy MXM4 ZP (Zero Pressure)
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Run Flat
- Continental ProContact GX SSR
- Goodyear Eagle LS-2 RunOnFlat
- Yokohama Avid ENVigor ZPS
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Run-flat capability allows driving up to 50 miles after a puncture
- Strong wet and dry traction for an all-season run-flat
- Noticeably improved comfort and noise levels versus previous run-flats
- Long treadwear warranty (65,000 miles)
- Available in a wide range of popular sizes
Cons
- Higher rolling resistance compared to standard touring tires
- Marginally firmer ride than top conventional tires
- Limited snow and ice performance—adequate but not a winter tire
- Slightly higher purchase cost
- Reduced road feel for enthusiast drivers
Verdict
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Run-Flat stands out as one of the most capable and comfortable run-flat tires currently available to US drivers. It bridges the gap between convenience and everyday drivability, offering peace of mind for those who value the ability to keep moving after a puncture—without suffering the harsh ride or excessive noise that once plagued run-flats. While it still can’t quite match the ultimate comfort or efficiency of conventional touring tires, the trade-offs are now small enough that most family drivers, commuters, and even some enthusiasts will appreciate the blend of safety, traction, and warranty coverage. If you drive a vehicle equipped for run-flats, or you simply want extra security on daily journeys, the DriveGuard Plus is a compelling, well-rounded choice. For those living in snowy regions, supplementing with a dedicated winter tire remains advisable, but as an all-season touring run-flat, this Bridgestone is among the best in its class.
For someone who occasionally drives in light snow or colder climates, how well does the silica-rich tread compound on these run-flats handle compared to a dedicated winter tire?
The silica-rich tread on the DriveGuard Plus improves grip in cold and light snowy conditions compared to many all-season run-flats. However, it won’t match the traction, flexibility, or stopping power of a dedicated winter tire in icy or heavy snow. For occasional light snow, they perform well, but for frequent or severe winter driving, winter tires are still the better choice.
Does the ComfortCruise technology in the DriveGuard Plus really make a noticeable difference in ride comfort compared to older run-flat models? I have always heard run-flats ride pretty rough.
Yes, the ComfortCruise technology in the DriveGuard Plus is designed to address the rough ride commonly associated with older run-flat tires. Many users report a noticeably smoother and quieter ride compared to previous run-flat models, closer to the comfort level of standard tires. While ride feel can vary depending on your vehicle and road conditions, most drivers do find a significant improvement.