Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire Review (Pros and Cons)
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are max-performance summer tires designed to provide owners of sports cars with a thrilling driving experience. Because of their high quality and performance-enhancing engineering, they’re more expensive than many traditional tires. The price is well worth the peace of mind and confidence that comes from having excellent traction and handling on the road. Use this guide to learn everything you need to know about Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires and whether they’re right for you. We’ll even share some money-saving tips if you decide to purchase a set of these tires.
Quick savings tip: 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 Potenza RE050A 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).
You can purchase Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires from major retailers such as Discount Tire, America’s Tire, Tire Rack, and Walmart, among others. They’re designed specifically for sports cars and other performance vehicles. Bridgestone originally released the Potenza RE050A as Original Equipment for powerful models such as the Enzo Ferrari Supercar, the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, and the BMW Z4. Today it comes in various sizes and is suitable for a wide range of sports cars and sport sedans. This tire model has had no recalls in the past five years.
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are ideal for sports car drivers who prioritize performance over price. They provide good grip, cornering, and handling on the road and the track, giving drivers an exciting yet safe driving experience. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires deliver race-car-worthy performance during warm seasons and on wet and dry roads.
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire Pros and Cons
|
+Pros |
+Cons |
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Provides excellent road grip at high speeds and on wet and dry roads |
Intended only for summer or warm season driving |
|
High-performance, racecar inspired driving experience |
Feels stiff over road imperfections |
|
Equipped with slanted grooves to minimize hydroplaning |
Drivers report they can be noisy |
|
Safe for driving at high speeds and track-like conditions |
More expensive that traditional tires |
| Comes with a 90-day Buy-and-Try guarantee |
Not suitable for driving off road |
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire Specs
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires offer the following:
| Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG): | Rating: | NHTSA Says: |
|
140 |
“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″ |
|
|
A |
“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”” |
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|
A |
“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”” |
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Specifications |
||
| No treadwear warranty available from manufacturer |
A Limited treadwear warranty provides coverage against premature wear due to manufacturing defects |
|
| V, W, and Y |
These Speed ratings are among the fastest, and are designated for high performance tires for sports cars. |
|
| up to 186 mph |
Based on a Y-speed rating. |
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| 84 – 103 |
See Max Load below. |
|
| 1,929 lbs |
Based on them maximum Tire Load Index of 103. |
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire Sizes Available
Choosing the right sized tire is essential for safety and performance. Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires can fit a variety of sports cars and exotics, including the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, BMW Z4, BMW 5-Series, Enzo Ferrari, Hyundai Genesis, Chevrolet Corvette, and Mazda Miata. This isn’t and exhaustive list of possible fitments, so make sure these tires fit your vehicle and driving style before buying.
|
Tire Sizes Available |
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Performance
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires are summer tires, meaning they don’t hold up to colder temperatures and are not suitable for driving in snow or ice. They perform best on highways, winding roads, and racetracks. They also provide excellent grip and cornering in both wet and dry conditions. The Potenza RE050A is UTQG rated by NHTSA for treadwear, traction, and temperature.
Here is what the UTQG ratings mean for tire performance:
- Treadwear rating of 140: This tire is likely to be less durable than traditional tires, as 85% of all tires tested are rated above 200.
- Traction rating of “A”: This tire has average ability to stop on wet pavement, as 77% of tires tested received an A rating.
- Temperature rating of “A”: This highest temperature rating means these tires are less likely to blow out on long drives. Sixty-two percent of tires tested received an A rating.
Bridgestone equips its Potenza RE050A tire with the engineering and technology features that make it a high-performance, high-speed tire. These include high-grip asymmetrical tread, a center rib and generous tread blocks for stability and traction, special tread grooves to prevent hydroplaning, and alternating block dimensions and shapes to reduce road noise.
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Warranty
Like most summer performance tires, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires do not have a limited treadwear warranty. Bridgestone does, however, offer a 90-Day Buy-and-Try Guarantee that allows customers to return the tires within 90 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange if they are not satisfied. You must return the tires to the retailer from which you bought them for a refund or exchange.
Should You Buy Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tires?
You might consider buying Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires if you drive a sports car and want to maximize its performance and handling on the road or track during warm seasons. They offer good wet and dry road traction, excellent grip and cornering, and responsive handling for a racing-inspired driving experience. When choosing the best tires for your sports car, remember to consider your location, needs, and driving style.
You might not want to consider Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires if you do not drive a sports car, coupe, or sport sedan. This tire is also not a good fit if you drive off-road or in winter conditions. In these cases, you’d be better off with an all-season or winter tire. Additionally, this Potenza RE050A is more expensive than a standard all-season tire.
Where to Purchase Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 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 Potenza RE050A tires, 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 Potenza RE050A Tire Customer Reviews
Customer reviews online applaud Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires’ grip when cornering, traction in wet conditions, and life span. Common customer complaints include a short treadlife, uneven wear, an uncomfortably stiff ride, and loud road noise. Some note, however, that noise and stiffness are to be expected with a high-performance tire.
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.
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
Discount Tire: Tires and Wheels for Sale: Online & In-Person. https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/bridgestone-potenza-re050a, Feb. 11, 2023
Tire Test Results : Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Ride & Drive … – Tire Rack. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=50, Feb. 11, 2023
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A – Tire Rack. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/bridgestone-potenza-re050a, Feb. 11, 2023
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 225/50R18 95W BSW. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bridgestone-Potenza-RE050A-225-50R18-95W-BSW/17791870. Feb. 11, 2023
About Bridgestone. https://www.bridgestone.com/corporate/index.html, Feb. 11, 2023
NHTSA Ratings. https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings#tires, Feb. 11, 2023
Discount Tire: Tires and Wheels for Sale: Online & In-Person. https://www.discounttire.com/learn/load-range-load-index, Feb. 11, 2023
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