New Bridgestone Tire Lets Drivers Travel Up To 50 Miles On A Flat

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas today announced the launch of a new line of tires aimed at alleviating 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. Featuring specially designed run-flat technology, DriveGuard tires give drivers the ability to continue driving up to 50 miles (80 kilometers) at maximum speeds of 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour if a puncture or loss of pressure should occur.           

A recent survey,* conducted online in March by Harris Poll on behalf of Bridgestone among over 2,800 U.S. drivers age 18+, shows nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of drivers on the road today have experienced a flat tire, and 61 percent agree getting a flat tire would have a major impact on their day.

"There's never a good time for a flat tire," said Robert Saul, Senior Product Manager, Bridgestone Americas. "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."

Based on the survey, six in 10 drivers (60 percent) claim they know how to change a flat tire, but nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of drivers would still call someone for help. Women drivers are more than twice as likely to call for help as men (86 percent versus 41 percent, respectively), with only 14 percent of women saying they would change a flat tire themselves, compared to 59 percent of men who say the same.*

"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. With DriveGuard tires, drivers can continue their journey because there is no reason to stop or wait."

Similar run-flat technology has been available as original equipment on select premium vehicles. Unlike some earlier generations of run-flat tires, DriveGuard tires deliver the quiet, comfortable ride and confident handling of a premium touring tire.

DriveGuard tires are available in the United States and Canada for coupes, sedans and wagons with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and come with a 50,000 (80,000 kilometers) to 60,000 (100,000 kilometers) mileage treadwear warranty. DriveGuard tires are available in 32 sizes, 15" to 19" rim diameters and 35 to 65 series.

To learn more about DriveGuard tires from Bridgestone, or to find a Bridgestone retailer, consumers should visit www.DriveGuard.com. DriveGuard will be available May 1, 2014.

Survey Methodology

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of Bridgestone from March 13-17, 2014 among 3,035 U.S. adults ages 18 and older of whom 2,835 are drivers. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.  For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Rachel Withers, [email protected].

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:
Nashville, Tenn.-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.