AVERAGE CUSTOMER RATINGS
- Increased block stiffness for more responsive steering and improved wear life
- Increased ice traction and reduced braking distances
- Silicone enhancements for better grip
- on-studded winter tire, not subject to local restrictions
- Should only be installed as a full set of tires
- Don’t handle as well on rough terrain in non-winter conditions
- Susceptible to damage when driving on mountainous terrains
- Will wear very fast if used in summer months
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a snow and winter tire designed for sedans, minivans, and crossovers. While the Blizzak WS90 tires have incredible capabilities on snow and ice, they may not maneuver that well on rough terrain.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is designed to give sedan, minivan, coupe, and crossover drivers confident control on snow-covered surfaces. To take full advantage of the Blizzak WS90’s winter traction, Bridgestone recommends that you only install this tire on your vehicle as a set of four. If you enjoy venturing off-road, keep in mind that these tires are more susceptible to damage from rocks and other obstacles. In this review, we’ll provide you with the information you need to decide if Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires are right for your vehicle, and we’ll share some money-saving tips if you decide to purchase a set of these tires.
You can often find special deals online and get tires much cheaper than in a retail store. Discount Tire, for instance, offers a low price guarantee and installs tires for you at a nationwide network of shops. Of course, buying online isn’t for everyone. Ask local tire shops about deals they’re running if this is more your speed. It’s pretty common to see a buy 3, get 1 free deal.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tire Review
Bridgestone, originally founded in 1931 in Japan, is a multinational tire company with manufacturing sites all over the world. The company uses environmentally friendly, state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques to provide high-quality tires. It entered the US tire market in the 1960’s, and acquired the Firestone tire company in 1988. Bridgestone has had five tire recalls in the past five years, which is less than the average of 9.3 for most tire manufacturers (based on data from recallinfo.ustires.org).
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires are available at most major tire retailers, such as Discount Tire. These tires are designed for sedans, coupes, minivans, and crossovers. The Blizzak WS90 replaces the Blizzak WS80 and features the latest advances in Bridgestone winter tire technology. In the last five years, there have been zero recalls issued for the Blizzak WS90.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is for anyone who drives a sedan, minivan, or crossover on icy and snow-covered surfaces. It delivers confident control in various winter weather, especially when installed as a set of four tires, as Bridgestone recommends. Its non-studded design means it isn’t subject to local restrictions. If you’re looking for a capable winter tire from a reputable manufacturer, a set of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires is worth every penny.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tires Pros and Cons
| + Pros | + Cons |
| Increased block stiffness for more responsive steering and improved wear life | Should only be installed as a full set of tires |
| Increased ice traction and reduced braking distances | Don’t handle as well on rough terrain in non-winter conditions |
| Silicone enhancements for better grip | Susceptible to damage when driving on mountainous terrains |
| Non-studded winter tire, not subject to local restrictions | Will wear very fast if used in summer months |
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tire Specs
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
| Treadwear Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of March 27th, 2023 | “The higher the treadwear number is, the longer it should take for the tread to wear down(…) Of current tires:
15% are rated below 200 25% are rated 201 – 300 32% are rated 301 – 400 20% are rated 401 – 500 6% are rated 501 – 600 2% are rated above 600″ |
| Traction Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of March 27th, 2023
| “Traction grades are an indication of a tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement. A higher graded tire should allow a car to stop on wet roads in a shorter distance than a tire with a
lower grade. Traction is graded from highest to lowest as “AA”, “A”, “B”, and “C”. Of current tires:
15% are rated “AA” 77% are rated “A” 7% are rated “B” Only 4 lines of tires are rated “C”” |
| Temperature Rating: | Not listed on NHTSA website as of March 27th, 2023
| “Temperature grades are an indication of a tire’s resistance to heat. Sustained high temperature (for example, driving long distances in hot weather), can cause a tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. From highest to lowest, a tire’s resistance to heat is graded as “A”, “B”, or “C”. Of current tires:
62% are rated “A” 34% are rated “B” 4% are rated “C”” |
| Specifications: | ||
| Limited Treadwear Warranty: | No treadwear warranty available from manufacturer | Like most winter tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 doesn’t come with a treadwear warranty, which typically protects against premature wear. |
| Speed Rating: | H, and T | A tire’s speed rating corresponds to the maximum speed the tire was tested at. |
| Top Speed: | up to 130 mph | Based on the H-speed rating |
| Tire Load Index: | 82 – 104 | See Max Load Below |
| Max Load: | 1,984 pounds | Based on the maximum Tire Load Index of 104 |
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tire Sizes Available
Choosing tires that fit your vehicle is important for safety and performance. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is available in various wheel diameter sizes from 14″ up to 19″, and is compatible with a wide range of makes and models, such as the Mazda CX-3, Nissan Rogue, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Ford Escape. This is not an exhaustive list of possible fitments, so it’s a good idea to make sure that these tires will fit your vehicle before purchasing.
| Tire Sizes Available: |
| Check Tire Sizes On Discounttire.com |
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Performance
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 performs very well in cold and snowy conditions, and can also maintain steady traction on wet and dry roads. It’s a non-studded winter tire, but still offers some traction in icy conditions. UTQG ratings for the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 were not available on NHTSA’s website as of March 27th, 2023.
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90’s key features include:
- Bridgestone’s Edge Performance Technology Package, which includes full-depth features and interlocking sipes that provide optimal performance throughout the life of the tire.
- A tread pattern molded from Bridgestone’s next-generation Multi-Cell compound, which features bite particles and increases ice traction, decreases braking distance, and gives the tire more contact area.
- Silica enhancements that improves grip in snow and ice.
- Snow platforms, which serve as winter wear bars, making it easy to determine how much tread life is remaining.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Warranty
Like most winter tires, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 does not come with a treadwear mileage warranty. However, Bridgestone will replace the tire with an equivalent new tire for a prorated purchase price if the tire becomes unusable for reasons that are within the manufacturer’s control. This standard warranty is valid for up to five years from the date of purchase, and as long as the there is more than 2/32nd” of usable tread remaining on the tire. For additional peace of mind, consider purchasing Discount Tire’s Certificate Coverage.
Should You Buy Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tires?
If you drive a sedan, crossover, or minivan, and frequently drive on snow-covered roads, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is an excellent option. In addition to performing well in winter conditions, the tire offers exceptional performance on wet and dry roads. Of course, you’ll want to factor in your location and driving habits when selecting the best tire.
An all-season tire might be a better option if you live in an area that experiences light snowfall rather than severe winter storms. If you enjoy venturing off-road, an off-road tire could be a better choice, while a high-performance tire might be more suitable if you drive a sports car or performance SUV.
Where To Purchase Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tires
Buying a new set of tires is a big investment you’ll want to take seriously to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle at the right price.
You might think buying tires online sounds like a hassle, but it can actually save you time and money. Online retailers offer a wide selection of brands, including Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, at low prices. They also make it easy to find tires that fit your vehicle. Simply enter your make and model to find the right size tires and start comparing pricing from various online sellers. Don’t forget to calculate installation into your cost, which generally ranges from $15 to $45 per tire depending on the shop you choose.
If you want even less hassle and more savings, Discount Tire is the nation’s leading online tire retailer and it has a huge selection. Its Low Price Guarantee promises you the best deal. Discount Tire will also install your new tires at one of its many store locations. All you have to do is purchase online and set up an appointment for installation — no shipping fees or heavy boxes. Discount Tires’ tire installation typically costs $20 to $27 per tire. This allows you to enjoy the savings of online tire shopping while receiving customer service in-store, all from one company.
If you’re more comfortable buying from your local shop, do your research online so you have a good idea of the tire you want, then ask your local tire or repair shop about current promotions. It’s fairly common to find buy 3, get 1 free deals. Keep in mind, however, that local stores may not have your size or the particular tire make and model you want in stock.
If you simply want the cheapest tires and are less concerned about longevity, check your local area for used tire retailers. Just keep in mind that these tires won’t come with the same warranties as a brand-new set of tires. It’s also advised to replace at least two tires at the same time with a matching set for even wear.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Tire Customer Reviews
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 tires have an average rating of 4.6 out of five stars on the Discount Tire site, with 99% of verified customers recommending this tire. Reviews mention that they deliver excellent winter traction, even on vehicles that don’t come equipped with all-wheel drive. Other customers mention that these tires are quiet and provide a comfortable ride.
It’s important to choose the right tires for your vehicle. Different tires are designed using varying technologies that lead to unique traction and handling abilities. Tires are also designed to fit vehicles’ specific makes, models, and trim levels. Once you find the best tire for your vehicle and driving needs, it’s also crucial to keep up with routine maintenance, including tire rotations.
The FIXD scanner and app help you track your vehicle’s most important maintenance and upkeep needs, including tire life. Purchase the sensor and download the app to keep your vehicle and its tires in their best working condition.
For more tire article reviews, you can visit our review directory page.
FAQs:
Do I Need New Tires?
Tires generally need to be replaced when they fall under 3 mm of tread. Tread depth can be easily tested with a penny. If you have the FIXD app, after measuring the tread depth, the app will be sure to remind you when an upcoming tire replacement may be necessary.
How Do I Pick The Right Tires for My Vehicle?
There is more to picking tires than just a brand name. You should take into consideration how you use the tires, what conditions you’ll be driving in, what your budget is, and what tires fit your vehicle. If you’d like an in-depth guide, check out our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Car Tires (2023), and if you’d like a bit more information on how to find your tire size, check out our article on How to Find Your Tire Size.
Where Should I Buy Tires to Save Money on My Purchase?
Many consumers purchase tires at a local shop or online. Purchasing online can help you get the most bang for your buck. Although the process can seem confusing, in reality, purchasing tires online is no more difficult than purchasing locally. Purchasing online means you’ll also get the tires you’re wanting rather than just what the local shop has in stock.
When purchasing online you can have the tires shipped to a shop in your area and installed on-site. It’s not much different from purchasing locally in terms of the process, and the price is generally lower because of the level of competition to win your business online and the lower overhead costs of the online retailers.
Our first pick is Discount Tire. It is nationwide, price competitive, has excellent in-store customer service, and skilled installation. In California it is also known as America’s Tire.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Right Tires for My Vehicle When Purchasing Online?
Just like purchasing at a local shop, you’ll want to make sure the tires you purchase meet your driving needs. Make sure the tire is able to handle your local weather conditions, is built for the type of driving you intend to do (commuting / racing / off-roading), has a good warranty, and fits your vehicle. All-season tires are typically a safe bet for most vehicles whose drivers intend only to commute, and there are several brands with great warranties. The most crucial and final step is to check your tire size. If you cannot verify the tire size you’re purchasing, don’t bother, an incorrect size cannot be adjusted to fit your wheels. This is an unlikely problem as most major online retailers like Discount Tire will list the size of your tire front and center on the product page. Keep in mind that if you no longer have the original wheels your vehicle rolled out of the factory with, you will need to buy a size that fits your non-OEM wheels. If you need help finding your tire size take a look at our instructions for finding your tire size or use Discount Tires’ “Shop by Vehicle” search located on their homepage if you have OEM wheels.
Sources:
“Blizzak WS90: Winter Tires.” Bridgestone Tires, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC, https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire/blizzak-ws90/175-65R15/.
“Bridgestone Blizzak WS90.” Discount Tire | Tires and Wheels for Sale | Online & In-Person, The Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bridgestone-blizzak-ws90.
“Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 .” Tire Rack, https://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone-blizzak-ws90.
“Bridgestone Introduces the Blizzak WS90 Winter Tire.” Modern Tire Dealer, 10 Missions Media, LLC, 22 Jan. 2019, https://www.moderntiredealer.com/articles/20349-bridgestone-introduces-the-blizzak-ws90-winter-tire.
“Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Review: Test Drives & In-Depth Reviews.” DrivingPress, 15 Aug. 2022, https://drivingpress.com/bridgestone-blizzak-ws90-review/.
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