Cover Feature
A new run-flat tyre range
launched by Bridgestone SA
Run-flat tyres are now available for mass market cars. This is the word from Bridgestone South Africa, who have
recently launched DriveGuard, a new range of run-flat tyres aimed at vehicles which are not supplied with run-flat
NEW RUN-FLAT TYRE RANGE
tyres from the factory.
“DriveGuard will now allow drivers of
these cars to enjoy all the benefits
of run-flat tyres,” says Hiroshi
Nakanishi, general manager,
Field Engineering & Technical
Services.
“This size range opens up the run-flat
option to drivers of a wide range of
vehicles which didn’t previously have
the option of this technology,” Nakanishi
explains. “Our research shows that
more than 60 000 vehicles a year are
sold in South Africa which could
benefit from DriveGuard.”
“If a DriveGuard tyre is
punctured, the driver can
continue their journey
at reduced speed until
they reach a location
where the tyre can be
changed,” he explains.
When a run-flat tyre deflates, it is
often unnoticeable by the driver.
For this reason, all vehicles
fitted with run-flats must also be
equipped with a Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS).
Although some vehicles in the
target range are fitted with a
TPMS as original equipment,
many are not. Bridgestone
explains that all outlets which
stock DriveGuard will also sell a
TPMS which is fitted to the vehicle
as the tyres are fitted. The system,
which features in-wheel sensors, will
alert drivers to tyre pressure changes.
This ensures drivers are aware of a
puncture as it happens.
DriveGuard is built
on the technology of
Bridgestone’s existing
RFT run-flat tyres. If
a DriveGuard tyre is
punctured, a maximum
speed of 80km/h can be
maintained for a distance of
up to 80km.
“The ability to keep driving after
a puncture is extremely important
for family cars - rather than changing
a wheel at the roadside, a driver who
has a puncture in an urban area can
now get their family home in safety and
then change the tyre,” Nakanishi adds.
“And on longer journeys, drivers can
keep going at reduced speed until
they reach a safer location to change
the tyre. This is a great benefit if the
puncture occurs during a rainstorm or
in heavy traffic where stopping at the
roa