Safer tyre wins award
A tyre with a new kind of cooling technology that allows it to continue much further with greater safety in the event of a puncture has won a Product of the Year award from Auto Express magazine.
Bridgestone DriveGuard tyres are the first to be available for most cars fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system, as opposed to regular run-flats, which are designed for specific cars only due to the unique suspension setup their stiff sidewalls need.
DriveGuard tyres are lighter than conventional run-flats and their patented cooling fins help reduce temperature build-up in the carcass after a puncture, allowing drivers to carry on for up to 50 miles at 50mph.
Most run-flats only allow 30 miles of travel at most, and some enforce even stricter speed limits.
Combined with an A rating for wet grip, a commendable C for rolling resistance and affordable pricing, Auto Express Magazine felt the tyre was worthy of its new prize.
Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief at Auto Express, said: “Bridgestone’s DriveGuard is a worthy Auto Express product of the year, giving a wide range of car owners access to technology that had previously been the preserve of premium car buyers.
“And it’s important technology, providing a level of safety and convenience that’s important these days. We’re sure that tyre buyers will find it really appealing.”
In the official Auto Express report on DriveGuard, the magazine stated: “By making the tyre lighter than rival designs, Bridgestone has removed the requirement for suspension and chassis to be tuned specifically for a run-flat.
“Bridgestone has dealt with cost – the other major reason for owners to shun run-flats, after ride quality. When we fitted DriveGuard for our test, we found it was marginally cheaper than the Bridgestone Turanza T001.”
Bridgestone’s north region managing director Robin Shaw said: “We hope that motorists will enjoy the benefits of DriveGuard and will think of the product as a valuable extra safety system for their car.”