Bridgestone Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of tires for various vehicles, special equipment, and aircraft. The company was founded in 1931, it owns 155 factories, 9 testing grounds and 4 technical centers in 27 countries. In 2020, construction began on a tire production plant in Russia. The total production capacity is 2 million tires per year, with the number of units produced doubling.
Bridgestone Blizzak
The company owns the Blizzak trademark, which produces studded and non-studded tires. The brand's products are positioned as the best winter tires for safe driving in harsh conditions. Models are being developed and tested at testing sites in Zealand and Japan. The special features of the tires are the rubber composition and the reinforced frame. The rubber composition is based on the company's patented microporous Multi Cell Compound technology, which provides the maximum level of grip.
Decoding tire markings
| Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 | Manufacturer, model |
| 215/70 | Width, height (mm) |
| R16 | Disc Diameter (inches) |
| 91 – up to 615 kg/T – 190 | Load/Speed Index |
| Outside/Inside | External/Internal side |
| Rotation/Arrow | Direction of movement |
| M+S/Snowflake | Winter tires: snow, mud, increased grip |
| Tubeless | Tubeless |
| Treadwear/Number | Wear resistance |
| Temperature/Letters | Thermal resistance of the clinging surface |
| Traction/Letters and numbers | Grip Index/Internal Information/Production Date |
| "E" and numbers | Eurostandard and certificate |
| TWI | Location for determining the wear indicator, (not less than 5.5 mm) |
| Maxload/Pressure | Maximum load/pressure |
| Steel | Steel plates in frame |
| Reinforced | Sidewall with reinforcement |
The country of manufacture is indicated closer to the center of the tire; European markings apply to Russia.
Main characteristics of Blizzak tires
Bridgestone produces the Blizzak range of winter tires, which are designed for use in harsh winter conditions and are available in studded and studless models.
| Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ | 175/65R14 – 245/45R19, without studs and the possibility of studding, S – 180 km/h, speed index 82 – up to 475 kg/98 – up to 750 kg |
| Bridgestone Blizzak VRX | 175/65R14 – 255/45R19, without studs and the possibility of studding, Q – 160/S – 180 km/h, 82 – up to 475 kg/104 – up to 900 kg |
| Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 | 185/40R15 – 265/70R17, with/without studs, it is possible to install studs, T – 190 km/h, 91 – up to 615 kg |
| Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 | 195/65R15 – 235/65R17, with/without studs, it is possible to install studs, T – 190 km/h, 91 – up to 615/116 – up to 1250 kg |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 | 215/70R15 – 275/45R20, without studs and the possibility of studding, R – 170/S – 180 km/h, 98 – up to 750/100 – up to 800 kg |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 | 205/70R15 – 275/50R22, without studs and the possibility of studding, R – 170/S – 180/T – 190 km/h, 98 – up to 750/111 – up to 1090 kg |
Design features of studs, dimensions
Studded tires improve grip on icy surfaces. The innovative Cross-Edge Pin system is used - an improved type of studs with a cross-shaped notch.
This type of stud creates additional edges that increase grip regardless of the direction of the car. The risk of lateral slip is also reduced.
- The wear resistance of the studs and the system for holding them in the tire have been increased. The spikes are manufactured by Sitek.
- The aluminum core has been enlarged, the dimensions have been optimized, the type has not changed, serrations with 4 cutting edges.
- Elastic rubber provides better pressing of the studs to the ice.
- Around the tenon there is a stamping to remove crumbs.
Tire sizes range from 14 to 20 inches (one inch is 2.54 cm or 25.4 mm).
Battery test app
You can download the Android battery test app from the Play Market. Choose one of the following:
- AccuBattery.
- DU Battery Saver.
- Battery Life.
- And others.
In order to view extended statistics, Root rights may be required; it is not difficult to obtain them yourself. In most cases, such deep access will not be required; all the necessary information will be displayed by the application.
AccuBattery
The AccuBattery app gets all the information from the battery controller. After processing the received data, it displays it on the screen. By using the program, you can also optimize the operation of the battery and extend its life, reducing the likelihood of rapid discharge. Additionally, the application displays interesting facts about batteries that will be useful to the Android user.
The program has several tabs:
- Charger.
- Discharge.
- Health.
- Story.
You can view all discharge statistics and set the limit level at which you will receive a notification. You can view the remaining battery capacity in the “Health” section. The data displayed is quite accurate, the application makes detailed calculations. You may also find information about the actual daily wear and tear of the installed battery interesting.
DU Battery Saver
Monitors the system, allows you to track the level of charging and discharging, and displays information about the current state of the battery. If you have Root rights, it can automatically optimize the operation of the battery even in sleep mode. Any energy consumption problems can be quickly corrected by resorting to this program. The application is free, available in the market.
Battery Life
Like its analogues, it allows you to optimize the system, find problematic applications, eliminate errors, and perform monitoring. The user will be able to view detailed information about charging and discharging, speed up the charging process by 20%. The main screen of the application displays absolutely all the necessary information about the state of the device. There are many additional functions that are not directly related to the state of the battery, but are interesting to users (such as checking the network connection speed and others).
Tire wear indicators for this model
Tires have special wear indicators in the form of numbers that allow you to determine the degree of wear and are located in the shoulder area in the form of a triangle/snowflake. The indicator appears when the tread is worn to a depth of 1.6 mm - this is the minimum permissible tread height at which the tires can be used.
Numbers as a result of tread erasing
Winter tires have an additional indicator - 4 mm, which indicates the critical tread height. In this case, the tires almost completely stop working correctly on slippery and snowy roads. Experts recommend changing tires when the tread decreases to 5.5-6 mm.
The numbers appear as a result of the tread wearing off. The appearance of even one indicator is considered dangerous. This is due to the fact that the tire can no longer fully fulfill its purpose, which affects the safety of movement, especially on slippery roads. The second unpleasant nuance is fines for using tires that do not comply with current standards.
How to check the wear level of an Android battery using the AccuBattery application
AccuBattery reads data from the battery controller, will show you the current wear of the battery and optimize its performance.
This does not apply to slowing down the discharge throughout the day, but to ensure that the battery remains in combat readiness for a long time.
In the “Charging” section, you can set the percentage when the phone notifies you when it reaches the limit - the default is 80%.
Scroll down and learn a lot about your smartphone's battery.
In the “Discharging” section you will see statistics from the moment of charging: how much percent was used, which applications consume a lot of power and how long the smartphone was in sleep mode.
In the “Health” Section you will find out about battery wear – this is what you need. The program will show the residual capacity based on the analysis.
By comparing the nominal with the residual, you will find out how much the capacity has decreased during use.
Graphs will also be provided: battery wear per day and the level of actual capacity in relation to the factory one (to a new battery).
In the “History” section you will learn about each charge/discharge of your smartphone, or rather its battery.
AccuBattery performs its duties perfectly: it selects the optimal charge, calculates energy-intensive applications and shows battery wear.
Tread pattern, tire sipes, drainage system and directional stability
| Winter tires Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ | Suitable for installation on passenger cars. High level of safety, comfort and reliability. The tread with a strict Scandinavian asymmetrical pattern helps to respond to turns and keep the road firmly on the road. The lamellas of the 3D technology with supporting struts maintain the rigidity of the blocks, are motionless, and move apart during the slipping process, increasing the number of ribs and the level of adhesion. The Multi Cell Compound rubber mixture with micropores absorbs a film of water, the contact area is dense. There are longitudinal grooves, they are wide enough and effectively drain water and snow. The reinforced frame ensures confident control and maneuvering. |
| Bridgestone winter tires Bridgestone Blizzak VRX | One of the company's latest developments, the updated Revo GZ model. Can be installed on most cars thanks to a large selection of sizes. The model has an improved pattern, an updated mixture with increased micropores, and improved handling and braking. The service life has become longer, elasticity has been preserved, the lamellas allow you to clearly grip the road. Longitudinal grooves provide snow removal and self-cleaning. Arrow-shaped blocks work in two directions, reducing braking distance and acceleration. Rectangular shoulder blocks hold the vehicle when turning, the frame has additional protection from damage. |
| Winter tires Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 | Studded, for long winters. They are installed on cars and SUVs and come in 60 standard sizes. The Cross-EdgePin system stud with sharp edges guarantees high-quality grip on slippery surfaces. Improved grip and reduced lateral slip. V-shaped tread, directional, durable shoulder and center area. The fins have curved edges, provide stabilization of stability, reduce vibration and noise, and provide quick response to control. Many enlarged cross grooves for high-quality grip. The block sipes are created using 3D technology with a wave-like shape, motionless and rigid, providing an additional edge to improve grip and controllability. The rubber mixture has proven itself well at sub-zero temperatures, maintaining elasticity. |
| Winter tires Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 02 | Studded, designed for passenger cars. AND have a directional pattern, improved braking performance, increased safety and long service life. Increased wear resistance, anti-slip and stud retention system. Oval carbide inserts increase the bonding area. The rubber mixture has been optimized and the stud body has been changed. V-shaped tread, improved blocks, better remove snow and crumbs. |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM V1 | Tires created according to the Scandinavian type for SUVs and SUVs. The rubber has a porous composition and improved grip. Rubber contains silicon Bite particles that act as microscopic spikes. The composition is multicomponent with micropores and channels; elasticity is maintained at subzero temperatures. 3D lamellas maintain rigidity and have an edge effect. Directional tread with a curved channel in the middle that increases traction in different directions. Wide longitudinal grooves remove slush, and side blocks guarantee stability during maneuvers. |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 | Improved tires for SUVs and full-fledged SUVs. This model has an improved tread and contact patch on the edges. In the center there are triangular blocks that increase efficiency on snow. All blocks with 3D wave-shaped lamellas that improve traction, channels for removing snow and water. Updated mixture with increased pore density, open pores on the protector. |
Bilateral and central wear
Usually the cause of this phenomenon is an incorrect level of pressure inside the tire. Let's consider a specific example, when the pressure is too low - the contact plane between the rubber and the asphalt surface increases. In this situation, wear is observed precisely on the sides.
If the pressure is too high, tire wear will be completely opposite. The contact area decreases. As a result, the rubber wears out in the middle.
Important! Do not forget to periodically check the pressure inside your tires - this will significantly extend their service life.
Rubber compound composition
The rubber consists of micropores, which increases vehicle control in icy conditions even with severe wear.
The manufacturer recommends running in tires to open micropores by abrading the edges. However, even without this, the tires are among the best.
Micropore rubber
Micropores absorb water from the stain, allowing the lamellas and pores to cling to the surface and reduce slippage. The mixture includes Bit particles - solid polymer particles that act as microspikes. The technology increases grip even with heavy tire wear. Polymers maintain the hardness of the mixture under severe temperature changes. The combination of mixture technologies minimizes rubber aging. Even after several years it has the characteristics of new tires.
Advantages and disadvantages
| Advantages | Flaws |
| Directional stability on snow and ice, good grip on slippery surfaces, increased maneuverability in deep snow. | Sometimes thorns pop out. |
| Predictable handling, high impact strength, resistance to slashing (sliding on slush), short braking distance, stability. | Depending on the type of asphalt, a lot of noise may occur. |
| Reliability, long service life, safety, updated composition of the microporous mixture. | In a heavy mess of snow, ice and water, tires do not perform well. |
| Updated asymmetrical pattern, cross groove system, increased number of gripping edges. | Cross-shaped spikes do not fully fulfill the stated characteristics. |
Price overview
The average cost of tires in Moscow as of January 13, 2019:
| Model | Cost (thousand rubles) |
| Bridgestone BlizzakRevo GZ | 4.7 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak VRX | 8.9 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 | 7 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 02 | 9 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM V1 | 18 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 – | 20 |
How to distinguish from a fake
The first sign of a fake is a suspicious appearance ; it is necessary to inspect the tire for defects and study all the inscriptions. Reclaimed rubber leaves black streaks on the tiles. If you wipe the tire with a wet cloth and the rubber changes color, this means that it has been renewed and is not worth purchasing.
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 is a studded tire using innovative tips. With their help you can also determine the originality of the tire. If the spike does not sink in when pressed, this means the rubber is of low quality or it is a fake. The spike should retract inward.
NWI or arrows indicate wear marks. If they are not there, then we can say with confidence that it is a fake. To apply this marking, high-precision equipment is required.
The fact that the tire is not original is indicated by errors in the markings. For example, tires for the European market are marked with the letter E and numbers in a circle. There may still be a letter, but scammers are afraid to put numbers in order to avoid specifics. Poorly visible and unclear markings on the surface of the rubber should alert you.
How to check the wear and tear of an Android battery using the “Battery” application
The second program is not so extensive. As for wear, it will only show what condition the battery is in: bad or good.
You can also view the temperature, state of charge, voltage and usage statistics.
You can download the programs for free from the play market.
The wheels provide reliable traction of the car with the road. Therefore, if the tires are not in good condition, this can cause serious difficulties on the road. Simply put, the car becomes difficult to control, especially when it comes to cornering.
Excessive tire wear poses the greatest danger in winter. It is during this period that you need to pay special attention to your car’s footwear. Once you forget to make a replacement, the highway can turn into a real skating rink.
Tire wear can vary. In addition, there are many methods for determining when to replace. Most experts agree that there is no need to wait until the last minute. It's best to change your tires a little earlier.
Service life from the factory and in real conditions
The service life from the plant is on average 5 years. However, with careful driving, proper storage and care of tires, it can increase by 2 times. Tires with a ZR speed indicator may not lose their properties for up to 6 years, H - up to 5 years, S - up to 4 years.
The safety of tires and their service life are influenced by the following factors:
- car load. For example, in urban conditions, passenger car tires wear out less than on vehicles that constantly transport cargo;
- wide tires wear out faster on turns, and low-profile tires wear out faster on bumps and obstacles;
- Driving style, sharp braking and turning, off-road driving and high speed reduce the shelf life of tires.
But the main factor is the total mileage of the tires.
Normal Wear
This type of tire wear occurs during normal vehicle use. It largely depends on where the wheel is located. In this context, uneven wear of the front and rear pair of drive wheels is considered normal.
Important! To ensure even wear on the front and rear tires, they should be swapped from time to time.
The thing is that the steered wheels bear a double load. The side surfaces are subject to the greatest wear. On the drive axle, rubber wear in the middle is much greater than on the secondary axle. The thing is that the middle part of the tire interacts much more with the track.
Attention! In a rear-wheel drive car, the front wheels wear more on the sides and the rear wheels in the middle.
If we take a front-wheel drive car as an example, its tires wear out more evenly. However, the rearrangement still won't hurt. It will significantly extend the life of tires.
Reviews
| Positive | Negative |
| Excellent directional stability, confident braking, not very noisy, high-quality studs | Clattering sound of spikes. Significantly increases gas mileage. |
| Strong spikes, not a single one flew out, more or less holds on wet asphalt. | Disgusting braking in porridge and on ice, strong lateral drifts, rearranges across the track. |
| Excellent grip on winter roads. Reliable, stable. | A bit noisy. The cross-shaped notch on the spike turned out to be just a marketing ploy. |
| Sturdy, high quality tires. Reasonable price. | A bit harsh. According to tests, it is far from hakapelita. |
| Excellent winter tires, excellent grip on ice and snow. Confident and safe driving in winter. | Behavior on asphalt. Noise and poor grip. |
Rating on a 5-point scale
- Control on asphalt: 4
- Snow handling: 5
- Ice control: 4
- External noise: 3
- Price/quality: 4
- Resource: 5
Conclusion
Based on reviews from car owners and numerous tests, we can confidently give Bridgestone Blizzak tires first place. Reviews of Bridgestone Blizzak tires confidently say that this is a high-quality and worthy product for passenger cars, SUVs and SUVs.
A good quality-to-price ratio allows you to not think about buying new tires for 5-10 years, but only if you drive carefully and store them properly. The model line includes studded and non-studded tires; they are equipped with modern technologies that ensure safe and comfortable driving.
How to check the battery status
It may not be enough to know how to check the battery status on Android using software. If the battery controller is faulty, it may send incorrect information to the application. Therefore, you can try to check the battery status physically in the following ways:
- Inspect the battery contacts for corrosion.
- Inspect the battery for swelling.
- Measure the voltage with a portable multimeter.
If the battery has traces of corrosion (greenish in color, it is difficult to confuse them with something) or it is swollen, you should not continue using it. When checking with a multimeter, pay attention to deviations from the initially declared voltage. It should not exceed 1V; if it is exceeded, we can talk about severe wear of the battery. If it is not possible to measure the voltage on the battery at home, contact a service center.
This test is only suitable for removable batteries. Modern smartphones are equipped with non-removable batteries that cannot be tested at home. Indirect signs indicate a battery malfunction - swelling of the cap, constant heating even during periods of low activity. If the battery is faulty or worn out, it requires replacement; the battery cannot be restored.
Tire life cannot be predicted. Its size is directly dependent on several factors in combination: design, pace and level of driving, climate, condition of road surfaces, maintenance. The current condition of tires is directly dependent on the mileage of the car and is one of the first ranks in the rating for safe driving on the roads.
To ensure this, strict adherence to the rules of vehicle operation and constant monitoring of the condition of the tires and the degree of their wear are necessary. It is unacceptable to use a car if the remaining tire tread height is below the minimum permissible level. How to determine tire wear? What are its symptoms? We'll talk about this.
