Bridgestone puts UK motorists on alert as Tyre Safety Month gets into gear

Nearly half of UK motorists only check their tyres when an MOT is due, while one in five admit to buying potentially deadly part-worn products, despite claiming that safety is their top priority, according to Bridgestone research.

Ahead of Tyre Safety Month 2026, drivers are proving that actions continue to speak louder than words, with 67% stating that safety is extremely important when its time to replace old tyres, yet 47% of them only think about their tyres once a year and 31% continue to drive on them until being told their car will fail its MOT.

In addition, 20% admit to buying potentially deadly part-worn products, even when told of the dangers beforehand.

Bridgestone’s research[1] has been released on the back of figures from TyreSafe, who estimate that 6.1 million tyres on UK roads are illegal or dangerously worn at any given time, typically due to having a tread depth below the UK legal limit of 1.6mm. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport's Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: Final Results 2025 report revealed that the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI) in collisions involving illegal, defective or underinflated tyres increased from 169 in 2024 to 201 in 2025.

Bridgestone’s survey amongst 2,000 motorists also highlighted that 87% of motorists knew how to check their tyres, with 30% also advocating mandatory tyre replacement as punishment when guilty of driving on an illegal tyre. But their best intentions are not translating into better tyre husbandry, as three in five motorists never check their tyres at all.

The tyre manufacturer has conducted thousands of complementary tyre checks across the UK over the past 12 months and is regularly engaging with motorists in a concerted campaign to spread its road safety messages as far and wide as possible. Its ongoing Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero campaign gives drivers simple, practical tips on checking tread depth, pressure, and tyre condition.

Helen Roe, Senior Manager: Brand, Events, Product & Digital Marketing, said the research was a timely reminder of the importance of tyre safety and the need to educate motorists about the importance of regular maintenance, as thousands of drivers continue to put their safety at risk my not taking a few minutes to inspect their tyres.

“When it comes to tyre safety, motorists seem to recognise the importance of the issue. They say that it’s the most important factor behind a purchase, but some potentially life-saving checks still aren’t happening, possibly because they just don’t know how to, and perhaps because their tyres are still regarded as an afterthought. They are the only contact points with the road and as they do suffer a lot of wear and tear, even when driving carefully. Keeping an eye on them is absolutely vital, and can be done quickly and easily.

“The fact that one in five motorists admits to buying part-worn tyres, despite being aware of the potential dangers, is particularly worrying. Unlike new tyres, part-worn products can have an unknown history, meaning drivers may have little or no knowledge of the conditions they have previously been subjected to, or the damage they may have sustained.”

Bridgestone is urging drivers to check their pressures monthly when the tyres are cold using an accurate gauge or at a local garage, inspect tyre surfaces for any lumps, bulges, cuts and cracks, and to check that tread depths are above the legal minimum limit of 1.6mm. This can be done by using a tread depth gauge or the popular 20p test. And if in doubt, motorists should ask an expert and get their rubber checked by a qualified professional at a nearby garage – many of which will do this for free.

Helen added: “We want to make it easier for drivers to make the right safety decisions. Tyres play a vital role in keeping vehicles safe on the road, yet they are often overlooked. Through our community campaigns, educational resources, and partnerships with UK automotive aftercare retailers, we’re committed to raising awareness of why this matters and just how essential well-maintained tyres are to preventing accidents and saving lives.

For more information on how to stay safe on the roads, visit Bridgestone’s dedicated Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero destination at https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/

[1] Bridgestone UK commissioned research carried out online by Research Without Barriers (January 2026) comprising 2,000 UK car owners. All research conducted adheres to the UK Market. Research Society (MRS) code of conduct (2019). RWB is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and complies with the DPA (2018).

Media information: For more information about this press release, or if you have any more questions, please call Ben Smallman at Ben Smallman PR on +44 (0) 7833 463195 or email ben@bensmallmanpr.com. 

About Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Bridgestone in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (Bridgestone EMEA) is the regional Strategic Business Unit of Bridgestone Corporation, a global leader in tyres and sustainable mobility solutions.

Headquartered in Zaventem (Belgium), Bridgestone EMEA employs more than 14,000 people and conducts business in 35 countries across the region.

Bridgestone offers a diverse portfolio of premium tyres, tyre technologies and advanced mobility solutions. The company’s vision is to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. The Bridgestone E8 Commitment is a broad, global corporate commitment that clearly defines the value the company is promising to deliver to society, our customers and future generations in eight focus areas; Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment. These provide a compass to guide strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business.

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