Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
- Summer weather traction
- Run flat tire
- Longer lasting tread
- Enhanced steering responsiveness
- Improved comfort levels
OVERVIEW
The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT (OE) is a high performance summer tire manufactured for passenger vehicles and SUVs. This is an OE as it is the original equipment of select vehicles. This tire is designed to be mounted on the front axle position.
This tire offers excellent dry and wet weather traction thanks to the asymmetrical tread pattern. The tire's road grip in summer weather is first-rate. However, the tire is not meant to be used in winter conditions, as the tire compound loses its superb traction in colder temperatures. The model resists dangerous hydroplaning situations as the circumferential grooves in the tread pattern help eliminate water from below the footprint of the tire.
This tire model was manufactured with the run flat technology. This means its sidewalls are reinforced and are capable of handling the weight of the vehicle in the case of air pressure loss. The tire provides limited temporary mobility after the loss of air pressure, and the tire can be driven on for 50 miles at up to 50 mph. Run flat tires cannot be used with regular tires as their construction is heavier. They were manufactured for vehicles without a spare tire, as they prevent the driver from being stranded on the side of the road. With run flat tires the driver is able to get to a safe destination where they can change or repair the tire.
The tire's compound was made with L. L. Carbon, or Long Link Carbon. On a molecular level the L. L. Carbon creates a long chain that runs across the tire's tread. This enables the tire to prevent irregular tread wear as the force of acceleration, braking and cornering is spread equally across the tire's tread. As the tread wear is even, the tire is usable for a longer period of time. The L. L. Carbon also reinforces the tread, slowing down the wear rate, while also making it resistant to punctures and damages, such as cracking, chipping and tearing.
The tire's enhanced road contact patch improves the steering responsiveness. The steering becomes more precise and swift, allowing the driver to confidently respond to the differing road conditions, controlling the tire accordingly. The larger footprint of the model also offers superb road feedback, further boosting the controllability and safety of the tire. Even at high speeds the tire maintains its shape, thanks to the O-Bead structure, improving its high speed capability.
The Potenza RE050A RFT (OE) was manufactured with the O-Bead structure. This is a single continuous strand of cable in the bead of the tire that enhances its high speed capability while also increasing the comfort levels of the tire. The road vibrations are decreased, as the O-Bead structure enables the tire to absorbs the road shock and to follow the road accurately in dry and wet conditions.
Manufacturers recommend changing tires every 10 years. As long as tires are properly stored before they are sold, the year of their manufacture will not shorten their service life.
