In this article, we take a closer look at the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus. We will compare it side-by-side with top alternatives like the high-end Michelin CrossClimate2, the mid-range Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the well-rated Vredestein Quatrac Pro. We will also discuss common issues and share detailed performance stats so you can decide if it is the right tire for you.With a Tire Grade of 8.5/10, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus delivers responsive dry cornering, reassuring hydroplaning resistance, a noticeably cushioned ride, and extended tread durability for drivers who want a dependable grand touring all-season option. Still, limited winter traction and shorter tread life expectations should be weighed before purchasing.
Tire Owner Feedback
Side-by-Side Comparison
Below, we compare the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus against the top-rated alternatives in the Grand Touring All-Season category. For a deeper look at each alternative, see the Recommended Alternatives section further down.
Detailed Review
Our ratings are based on aggregated feedback from real-world drivers. Each tire’s Tire Grade reflects thousands of miles of owner-reported data — the more miles driven, the higher our confidence in the score.
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus
Customer Ratings
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
7.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.4 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
Contact manufacturer for warranty details
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.6 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
Designed with everyday driving in mind, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus delivers the refined ride quality that grand touring tires are known for. If you value comfort on long highway stretches and dependable grip in changing weather, this tire was made for you.
Dry Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
On dry roads, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus shows exceptional grip and responsive steering. Its excellent corner stability and dry traction give you a solid, confident feel behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising on highways or winding through country roads, you’ll enjoy steady handling and precision. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger dry traction and handling than most of the competition.
Wet Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In wet conditions, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus provides reliable traction and good hydroplaning resistance. The tread design effectively evacuates water, giving you confidence during rainstorms. Most drivers will appreciate the predictable wet weather behavior. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger wet traction and hydroplaning resistance than most of the competition.
Ride Comfort and Noise Level
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus offers a comfortable ride that most drivers will appreciate. Road imperfections are absorbed well, and noise levels remain subdued even at highway speeds. Long drives become more enjoyable with this level of refinement. Within the category, this level of ride comfort and noise control is par for the course, with most competitors delivering a similar experience.
Winter/Snow Performance
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
In snowy conditions, the tire does well, especially in light to moderate snow where it shows decent traction. However, its performance on ice isn’t as robust, and you might experience occasional slipping during cornering. If you often drive in mild winter conditions with icy patches, extra caution is advised. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger winter and snow traction than most of the competition.
Treadwear and Longevity
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
Treadwear is respectable for this tire category. With proper maintenance including regular rotations and correct inflation, you can expect reasonable longevity. Driving style and road conditions will naturally affect how long the tires last. Compared to others in its category, it delivers stronger tread life and longevity than most of the competition.
Pros
- Strong dry road performance
- Responsive steering and stable handling
- Comfortable and quiet ride quality
- Balanced overall performance
Cons
- Slightly elevated road noise on paved surfaces
- Less effective traction in light snow and icy conditions
- Higher price point than budget alternatives
- Limited long-term data due to newer market presence
Value Analysis
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus delivers fair value for a premium tire. Its performance is in line with what you’d expect at this price point — neither a standout bargain nor overpriced. Combined with reasonable longevity when properly maintained, it represents a reasonable choice, though shoppers who compare closely may find slightly better performance-per-dollar elsewhere in the category.
The Verdict
Well Above Average
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Well Below Average
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a strong option if you value comfort and all-season versatility. It excels on dry roads and wet conditions and shows good durability. However, if you have very specific performance requirements, you might want to consider other alternatives. Overall, this tire is a worthy pick for those who need a reliable tire that performs well across a range of everyday conditions.
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Problems
While the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a capable tire, real-world feedback from drivers has highlighted a few areas of concern. These include faster than expected tread wear, challenges in light snow, ice, or slush, and a bit more road noise. It’s important to note that many of these issues are reported by a minority of owners and can often be mitigated with proper maintenance like keeping the right air pressure, regular rotations, and proper alignment. Understanding these concerns can help you decide if this tire is the right choice for your driving needs.Tread Wear Patterns
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Several reviews mention faster than expected tread wear or uneven wear patterns on the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus. Some drivers report cupping or feathering, particularly when alignment or rotation schedules aren’t maintained.
Light Snow, Ice, and Slush Performance
Rare
Occasional
Notable
Common
Some drivers have noted that the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus can feel less confident in light snow, slush, or on icy surfaces. While deep snow traction is generally adequate, packed snow, slush, and glazed or black ice conditions can be more challenging compared to dedicated winter tires.
Road Noise
Typical
While many say the tire is quiet for its design, a few drivers have reported that it makes more road noise than factory tires or some premium options. This can be especially noticeable on paved roads.
Premium Pricing
Typical
As a premium-tier tire, the DriveGuard Plus comes with a higher price tag than budget alternatives. While the quality and performance generally justify the cost, budget-conscious buyers should weigh this against their specific needs and driving habits.
The Bottomline
While the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a strong tire overall, it is not without its concerns. Issues such as shorter tread life, reduced traction in light snow, ice, or slush, higher road noise have been noted by some drivers. If these problems worry you, consider looking into our recommended alternatives.
Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus Alternatives
While the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a strong tire overall, some drivers have noted its extra road noise and lower performance in light snow or icy conditions. If these issues are a concern for you, consider these recommended alternatives.
Michelin CrossClimate2
Michelin CrossClimate2
Overall: A premium grand touring all-season tire known for its proven durability and high performance, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is built for drivers who demand the best. It offers a robust performance package that can address some of the DriveGuard Plus’s concerns.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Excels in dry traction, corner stability, and steering response, matching or surpassing the DriveGuard Plus’s dry performance.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s winter capability.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the DriveGuard Plus.
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Overall: The Vredestein HiTrac All Season is a well-balanced, average-priced tire that offers a good mix of performance and value. It delivers solid traction in most conditions and represents a strong alternative at its price point.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the DriveGuard Plus on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Known for excellent comfort and treadwear, offering a quieter ride and longer tread life than the DriveGuard Plus.
Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Overall: A budget-friendly option, the Vredestein Quatrac Pro offers good value for drivers who want reliable performance without a high price tag. While it may not match the DriveGuard Plus in every area, it stands out as a strong performer for its cost.
Performance Highlights:
- Wet Weather: Provides excellent wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s strong wet performance.
- Dry Weather: Offers strong dry traction and stable handling, performing comparably to the DriveGuard Plus on dry pavement.
- Winter Performance: Performs well in winter conditions with strong snow traction, matching or exceeding the DriveGuard Plus’s winter capability, though ice traction remains limited.
- Comfort and Treadwear: Offers a more comfortable and quieter ride than the DriveGuard Plus, with comparable tread life.
Each of these alternative tires brings its own strengths to the table.
- The Michelin CrossClimate2 is a premium choice with proven durability and strong performance in many conditions.
- The Vredestein HiTrac All Season offers a balanced blend of performance and comfort at a solid average price.
- The Vredestein Quatrac Pro is a solid alternative worth considering based on its overall performance ratings.
Depending on your driving needs and what matters most to you, these tires can be great alternatives to the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus is a solid all-season tire that offers great value with its strong dry, wet traction, and comfortable ride. It is built for drivers who need a tire that performs well across varied conditions throughout the year.
However, it’s important to note some of its drawbacks. Some drivers have also reported increased road noise Less reliable traction in light snow or on icy roads. While these issues are not widespread, they are worth considering if you have specific performance needs.
In the end, the Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus offers a balanced mix of performance and value. If you want dependable all-season performance, it is a strong choice. But if you are concerned about the issues mentioned above, you might want to look at alternatives like the Michelin CrossClimate2, Vredestein HiTrac All Season, and the Vredestein Quatrac Pro. Your decision should reflect your driving style and priorities.
Good luck and happy motoring.
