Rubber Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000: owner reviews, photos and characteristics

Choosing a quality winter tires can be a difficult load, even for the most experienced driver. The matter is that it is necessary to make a choice between set of brands and models, considering thus own desires, possibilities, conditions and a manner of driving. A significant role is played by the region in which the driver lives or most often travels. To help such people a lot of information resources of automotive subjects are intended, but, unfortunately, quite often there you can find information that the manufacturer wants to spread, even if it is not true. As a result, this data may simply not be enough for an objective assessment.

In this case, other drivers can help, who already had the opportunity to ride a certain rubber and left a comment about it. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 will become the model and subject of this review. Based on information from open sources, we will analyze the quality of this model, and we will also be able to identify the scope of its application. Since this model was released long ago, it would not be difficult to find suitable reviews.

Brief information about rubber

The first time the model Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 205 * 65 R15 was released in 2008 and immediately attracted the attention of experienced motorists. The use of the latest available technologies and innovative solutions while developing it was the key to keeping it up to date. Moreover, at the moment it is still supplied by the manufacturer to stores, which means that it continues to be produced, and not just sold off the leftovers.

The very name of this rubber is telling and encourages that it is intended for use in the winter season. Especially the Japanese tried to adjust to the harsh Russian conditions, developing a rough design of the tread pattern and a special chemical formula for the composition of the rubber compound. As far as they managed to achieve positive results, we can see closer to the end of the article. And now let's consider the main features of the bus elements in sequence.

The purpose of the central band of the tread

At the first glance at the winter tires Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 immediately becomes clear that it was designed to survive in harsh conditions. The central strip, made of large, interconnected elements, encircles the rubber along the entire length. Its special structure allows one to combat simultaneously several disadvantages.

The whole structure was thought out for a reason. The result was an improvement in the overall strength of the tire, which resulted in increased resistance to abrasion. If the rubber accelerates from the acceleration to a fairly sharp obstacle, the probability of a puncture or cut is reduced, because, due to the central rib, the load is evenly distributed to adjacent blocks of the tread.

However, this approach did not prevent the manufacturer from effectively using this element in order to improve the rowing characteristics. So, along the edges of the strip on the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 185 * 65 R15 is a "Christmas tree" pattern, perfectly improving the dynamic characteristics of the tire. And do not forget that it is this part that provides the exchange rate stability with rectilinear movement.

Basic tread elements

On the sides of the central strip there are elements of the protector, smoothly passing into the shoulder zone and, in fact, making up with it a single whole. Along the center there are two continuous lamellas, which have a large width and are intended for the qualitative removal of moisture and dirt from the contact patch with the roadway. The large tread blocks of the winter tire Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000, in turn, are divided by almost perpendicular to the center of the lamellas, which not only improves the efficiency during acceleration, but also makes it possible to apply cutting edges for emergency braking on a loose surface, preventing the wheel from sliding and leaving Skid.

Padding characteristics

The Japanese tried to make rubber, which does not require investment during operation. Therefore, quality fixation of the studs on the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 was given special attention. When they were placed on the surface of the tread pattern, the capabilities of computer modeling systems were used, which made it possible to fold six effective rows that constantly contacted the track surface. All these factors led to a higher coupling with slippery roads, be it ice or rolled snow.

The last two rows are located almost on the shoulder zones. This was done in order to maximize the area of contact with the track during making sharp turns, as well as maneuvering in the track, so that the spikes could cling to the edges of the ice outgrowths along its edges. Thus, keeping a safe speed, you can easily overtake those who travel too slowly, and after the maneuver is completed, it's safe to return to the rut.

Large tread width - higher contact area

As with any tire, the area of contact with the route for the model Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 205 * 55 R16 is limited to natural physics. In order to slightly increase it, it was decided to slightly extend the protector blocks. You can see for yourself what came of it. As the official data show, the working surface at any time was 16 percent larger than in the previous models. Thus, a simple move made it possible to increase the dynamic, rowing and coupling characteristics of the tire at no particular cost.

However, this is not the whole point of the innovative solution. Thus, the increased blocks of the tread began to wear out more slowly due to an even load distribution. This could make the entire tire even more durable.

Slat pattern and its function

One of the main elements that effectively manifest themselves when overclocking, as well as starting with a loose surface is a set of cutting edges. They, in turn, form a web of lamellas. In the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000, the performance is enhanced by a modern three-dimensional structure, which unambiguously brings positive results.

And yet, if we talk about the grooves, then their main task is to divert water, mud or snow porridge from the point of contact of the wheel with the road surface. And this rubber perfectly copes, because it has rather wide slits, capable of placing in itself and squeezing out to the edges a large volume of unwanted liquid.

Another application to lamellas is when driving on loose snow. Then they go into action, collecting it inside themselves, and at the moment of scrolling the wheel pushing out. This allows you to maintain maneuverability and dynamics, even with a fairly deep freshly fallen snow. This feature is also useful when driving on dirt roads, especially during a thaw, when it is washed away.

Two-component rubber compound

In order to increase the overall strength of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 tire, user feedback about which we will consider at the end of the article, it was decided to create it using two different rubber compounds. The first one from which the protector was made was softer. This approach allows you to keep it excellent running properties even during severe frosts. And the addition of silicic acid solved the problem of premature wear, because it is responsible for a stronger bond of components at the molecular level.

The main structure is made of rubber, which has a higher strength. Add here a thick cord - and a cocktail of a combination of the best characteristics ready. The use of hard rubber made it possible to make the lateral parts of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 205 * 55 R16 more durable, and protect the working surface from punctures and cuts.

Choice option

The manufacturer also took into account the fact that modern cars have a lot of requirements for sizes, so I tried to make the size grid as complete as possible. That's why you can almost always find an option that matches the technical parameters stated in the operating manual of your car, if the diameter of the drive is kept between 13 and 18 inches. It is to such dimensions that the manufacturer focuses, since this rubber is positioned as a passenger car and is not designed for heavier cars, such as large SUVs or minibuses.

The Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 series, photos of which you have already seen, includes more than 60 sizes, each of which is presented in most stores both in stock and on order. Complementing the pleasant picture is a relatively low cost, which starts with a small amount of 2000 Russian rubles.

Positive reviews of drivers about rubber

And now it's time to compare the information provided by the manufacturer and its advertisers to the actual situation described by drivers in their reviews of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000. Let's start with the positive moments, among which the main ones are the following:

• Competent arrangement of slats. Thoughtfulness in this matter not only gave an advantage in driving on loose snow, but also reduced the likelihood of aquaplaning at a sharp entrance to the puddle. Especially useful is this feature during prolonged thaws.
• The increased contact patch increased the adhesion to the surface, which positively affected the stability and dynamics of the rubber.
• Qualitative fixation of thorns. Drivers do not really have to invest extra money and regularly doshipovyvayut rubber, because the fall of the thorns - a fairly rare phenomenon.
• Thoughtful system of placement of thorns. Another aspect related to this element. As they say reviews about the tire Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000, it is thanks to him that rubber behaves well even when driving on absolutely slippery surfaces.
• High abrasion resistance. Expanding the area of contact with the track and the use of a quality rubber compound makes it possible not to change the rubber every season even to those who exploit it quite intensively.
• Acceptable cost. Since the model is far from new, the price for it is relatively low and can afford not even very prosperous drivers who still want to put a safe branded rubber on their car.
• Resistance to damage. The use of a stiffer rubber compound increased the life of the tires, as they began to withstand attacks on sharp edges and to resist punctures and cuts.

As you can see from this impressive list, which includes not all the dignities, the tires are quite worthwhile, and you can already make a decision on purchasing the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000. Winter tires Bridgestone have some disadvantages that should not be ignored.

Model based on reviews

The main drawback, however, as well as other studded options, the drivers in their reviews of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 called a fairly strong noise caused by the friction of the spikes on the surface of the track. It is especially strong when driving on pure asphalt. If you are not ready to put up with it, the best option is to purchase another model that does not have spikes.

The second rather significant disadvantage is the zadubevanie rubber at too low temperatures. Therefore, residents of the northern regions may wonder how practical such a purchase can be, since the owners' feedback about the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 living in that locality is often of a negative nature.

Conclusion

Model Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000, the reviews of which we have just analyzed, although released a long time ago, is still not lost its relevance. Choosing it taking into account the minuses, you will be satisfied with your purchase, given the not very high cost. The main thing is, after the purchase, do not forget to rent it correctly for the first hundred kilometers, and it will last you for many years.