Bridgestone DriveGuard run-flat technology available on main product lines

The manufacturer continues to pioneer run-flat technology, having been the first tyre manufacturer to introduce the product in the 1980s

Bridgestone is applying its DriveGuard runflat technology beyond the original line of car tyres. The tyre manufacturer has added DriveGuard RFT to its Turanza, Blizzak and Weather Control lines, extending the availability of the technology to an even greater breadth of the market. The company says the extension of the reach of run-flat technology reflects its commitment to tackling issues faced by drivers on the roads. Like conventional run-flats, Bridgestone DriveGuard RFT enables drivers to keep control and continue driving safely for 80km at speeds up to 80km/h after suffering a puncture.

Bridgestone introduced its DriveGuard tyre in 2016, extending run-flat technology to cars beyond those original equipment manufacturers that decided to fit run-flat tyres as OE, exemplified by BMW. While other tyre manufacturers made the technology available on tyres equipped as original equipment on these specific car models, the DriveGuard provided an aftermarket solution for drivers wishing to access the technology with conventionally equipped cars, as long as they had TPMS systems. Now, with the extension of DriveGuard RFT to other main product lines, Bridgestone has further expanded its reach.

Bridgestone says this run-flat technology is emblematic of its transformation “from a leading tyre manufacturer to a solutions leader in mobility.”

Paolo Ferrari, CEO and president Bridgestone EMEA, says: “The development of run-flat technology is hugely important to Bridgestone. We were the first to bring it to consumers over 30 years ago and have continued to be at the forefront of the technology ever since. You never know what can go wrong on the roads, but our run-flat tyres give drivers peace of mind on their journey and ensure they arrive safely at their destination. This is essential to drivers and will become even more important in the future with autonomous cars. By increasing the availability of this technology and its benefits to even more drivers means we can continue to keep everyone going, no matter what.”