You’ve come across the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+, a tire that promises high performance in every season. With a decision this important, you’re not just looking for any tire; you’re looking for a tire that can handle the heat of summer roads, the unpredictability of spring and fall showers, and the chill of light winter snow.
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ excels in providing superior performance in wet and dry conditions, making it a top choice among high-performance all-season tires. It stands on par with the leading competitors, offering a compelling blend of durability, comfort, and year-round versatility.
In this article, we will delve into the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+’s capabilities across various conditions, from its traction and handling on wet and dry roads to its performance in light snow. We’ll also examine its ride comfort, noise levels, and tread life, providing a well-rounded view of what this tire has to offer.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.7 of 10
Wet Weather
9.0 of 10
Winter Weather
7.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.6 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 500
UTQG Traction Rating: AA
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 50,000 miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 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: 9.0 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ emerges as a high-performance all-season tire, skillfully engineered to cater to drivers who seek an exceptional year-round driving experience. Designed for sedans, coupes, and sporty vehicles, it represents an ideal fusion of high-speed capability, comfort, and longevity. Bridgestone’s dedication to innovation is apparent in this tire, positioning it as a formidable competitor in its class.
Description and Review
This tire is distinguished by its adept performance across a variety of conditions, ensuring reliability whether the road is wet, dry, or lightly covered in snow. Bridgestone has incorporated cutting-edge technology to deliver safety and enjoyment in all driving conditions.
- Wet Performance: The Potenza RE980AS+ excels in wet conditions, with top marks in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction. It’s designed to provide a confident grip during rain, offering peace of mind in challenging weather.
- Dry Performance: On dry roads, this tire shines, offering exceptional corner stability, traction, and steering response. Its design focuses on maximizing control and safety, ensuring a superior driving experience.
- Winter Performance: While it provides adequate traction in light snow, its performance in deeper snow and on ice may not rival that of dedicated winter tires. However, as an all-season option, it remains a reliable choice for drivers in areas with mild winter conditions.
- Comfort: The Potenza RE980AS+ scores highly in comfort, offering a smooth ride and maintaining moderate noise levels, enhancing the driving experience across long distances.
- Treadwear: Built to last, this tire indicates durable performance and even wear over time, suggesting a good investment for long-term use.
Comparison with Leading Competitors
- Wet Performance: Matches leading competitors, ensuring safety and reliability in rainy conditions.
- Dry Performance: Provides excellent stability, traction, and responsiveness, making it a top performer in dry conditions.
- Winter Performance: Offers solid performance in light snow, though not as optimized for deep snow and ice compared to specialized winter tires.
- Comfort and Noise: Delivers a comfortable ride, with noise levels that are competitive within its category.
- Treadwear: Shows strong durability and even wear, aligning with top competitors for long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Exceptional handling and traction in wet and dry conditions
- Adequate performance in light snow
- Comfortable ride with controlled noise levels
- Durable, promising even tread wear over time
Cons
- Performance in deep snow and ice falls short of specialized winter tires
Bottomline
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is an excellent selection for drivers demanding a tire that blends top-notch wet and dry performance with the flexibility to navigate mild winter weather.
Its combination of driving comfort, durability, and comprehensive performance solidifies it as a leading choice for those seeking a high-quality, all-season tire that does not compromise on safety or pleasure, regardless of the season.
While it may not be the ultimate choice for severe winter conditions, its strengths across other areas make it a compelling option in the high-performance all-season tire category.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Problems
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is celebrated for its superior performance in both wet and dry conditions, showcasing its prowess as a high-performance all-season tire. Designed for drivers who demand excellence throughout the year, this tire aims to combine versatility with high-end performance. However, even the best products have their drawbacks, and understanding these can significantly influence a buyer’s decision. Here are some potential concerns associated with the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ that are worth considering.
Road Noise and Comfort
- Increased Road Noise: Some users have reported that the Potenza RE980AS+ generates more road noise than expected, especially at higher speeds. This could be due to its aggressive tread pattern and rubber compound designed for maximum grip and performance, which may compromise noise levels.
- Ride Comfort: While the tire is engineered to deliver a responsive and engaging driving experience, a few drivers have found the ride to be slightly firmer than desired. This trade-off is often seen in tires that prioritize performance, potentially affecting comfort on rougher roads or for those who prefer a softer ride.
Tread Wear and Longevity
- Varied Tread Life: Feedback on the tread life of the Potenza RE980AS+ has been mixed. While designed for durability, actual tread life can vary widely depending on driving habits, road conditions, and vehicle characteristics. Some drivers have noted shorter than expected wear life, which may impact the tire’s overall value.
- Warranty Coverage Concerns: Discontent with the treadwear warranty has been expressed by some users, who feel it does not adequately reflect the tire’s performance and longevity under normal driving conditions. This perception could influence potential buyers looking for a tire with a strong warranty as a sign of confidence from the manufacturer.
Winter Performance Limitations
- Ice Traction: Though the Potenza RE980AS+ performs admirably in light snow, its traction on ice and deep snow may not meet the expectations set by dedicated winter tires. Drivers in areas prone to severe winter conditions might need to consider this when choosing an all-season tire.
Comparison to Alternatives
While the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ stands out for its wet and dry performance, drivers prioritizing a quieter ride or more plush comfort might find better-suited alternatives. The tire’s performance is a balance, excelling in certain areas while facing limitations in others.
It’s crucial for potential buyers to weigh these considerations based on their specific driving needs, preferences, and expectations. Despite the issues noted, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ remains a highly competitive option for those seeking a blend of performance and all-season versatility.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ Alternatives
While the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ sets a high bar for high-performance all-season tires, there are other options in the market for drivers with different priorities or preferences. Here are three leading competitors, each offering unique advantages that might better align with certain driving requirements:
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season
- Wet Performance: Matches the Bridgestone in overall wet performance, with a slight disadvantage in hydroplaning resistance.
- Dry Performance: Slightly lags behind the Bridgestone, with a dry performance rating of 9.1, but still offers robust handling and stability.
- Winter Performance: Provides better performance in light snow than the Bridgestone, making it a solid choice for drivers in areas with mild winters.
- Comfort and Noise: Delivers a comparable level of ride comfort and noise reduction, aiming to ensure driver and passenger satisfaction.
- Treadwear: The Vredestein shows slightly lower treadwear performance, indicating it may not last quite as long as the Bridgestone under similar conditions.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
- Wet Performance: Surpasses the Bridgestone with a wet traction rating of 9.1, indicating a slight edge in handling wet conditions.
- Dry Performance: Matches the Bridgestone in dry performance, with both tires offering excellent grip and responsiveness.
- Winter Performance: Shows better light snow and ice traction, providing a slight advantage for drivers in colder climates.
- Comfort and Noise: Offers a ride comfort and noise level on par with the Bridgestone, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
- Treadwear: Similar treadwear ratings suggest both tires are equally durable and reliable over time.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Wet Performance: Offers similar excellence in wet traction and hydroplaning resistance, matching the Bridgestone with a wet rating of 9.1.
- Dry Performance: The Michelin slightly exceeds the Bridgestone in dry conditions with a dry traction rating of 9.4, indicating superior corner stability and steering response.
- Winter Performance: Light snow traction is comparable, though Bridgestone may perform slightly better in deeper snow.
- Comfort and Noise: Michelin provides a marginally better ride quality, suggesting a quieter and slightly more comfortable drive.
- Treadwear: Both tires show comparable durability, promising long-term performance.
Each of these alternatives presents distinct benefits, catering to diverse driver needs and preferences. Whether you’re prioritizing top-notch wet and dry performance, seeking enhanced winter traction, or desiring a balance of comfort and all-season versatility, these competitors to the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ provide compelling options. Depending on specific driving conditions and individual requirements, one of these tires may offer the perfect combination of features for your vehicle.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
Final Thoughts
The Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ proves itself as a formidable contender in the high-performance all-season category. Its strengths lie in its exceptional handling and stability in both wet and dry conditions, ensuring drivers can enjoy a confident and safe driving experience year-round. While it performs admirably in light snow, those in areas with heavy winter weather may find its limitations a point to consider.
However, its overall comfort and longevity, paired with Bridgestone’s reputation for quality, make it a solid investment for drivers prioritizing performance and reliability. The Potenza RE980AS+ aligns closely with the leaders in its class, demonstrating that it neither significantly exceeds nor falls short of its top competitors. For those seeking a tire that balances high-speed capability with all-season versatility, the Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ is undeniably worth considering.
Good luck and happy motoring.
