Bridgestone Adds 7 Run-Flat Sizes for Minivans, CUVs and SUVs

May 13, 2016

Bridgestone Americas Inc. has expanded its DriveGuard run-flat tire line with seven new sizes engineered to fit some of the most popular family vehicles on the road today — minivans, crossover vehicles and sports utility vehicles.

“We introduced the DriveGuard tire line in 2014 for coupes, sedans and wagons," says Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer for Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC. "Since then, we heard customers resoundingly say that they wanted that same peace of mind when behind the wheel of their family vehicles – minivans, crossovers and small SUVs. We listened, and we’re excited to make this innovative technology available to more drivers and more vehicles.”

Featuring specially designed run-flat technology, Bridgestone says DriveGuard tires give drivers the ability to continue driving up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph to safety on a flat tire.

With the expanded size offering, the DriveGuard tire line from Bridgestone now fits more than 80% of minivans and 43% of crossovers and small SUVs – the fastest growing vehicle segment. The additional DriveGuard tire sizes arrive in stores May 1, 2016, in the U.S. and Canada.

Designed to deliver a quiet, comfortable ride and provide all season traction, DriveGuard tires come with a 50,000 to 60,000 mile treadwear warranty. DriveGuard tires are available in 43 sizes, 15 to 19 rim diameters.

Bridgestone commissioned a survey conducted online by Harris Poll in April 2016 among 2,109 U.S. adults. Results indicated 73% of drivers on the road today have experienced a flat tire, and 90% agree getting a flat tire would disrupt their day. The survey also revealed that nearly three quarters of drivers (72%) would be willing to pay more for tires that would allow them to continue driving up to 50 miles at up to 50 mph on a flat.

While the survey shows more than half of drivers (57%) claim they know how to change a flat tire, nearly three in five (58%) drivers have called someone for help. Only 34% of women say they know how to change a flat tire, compared to 82% of men who say the same. The majority of Americans (68%) indicated changing a tire on the side of a busy road is the biggest safety hazard of a flat tire.

To learn more about DriveGuard tires, visit www.DriveGuard.com.