Bridgestone urging ‘life saving’ tyre checks amid safety fears for young drivers
• 63% delay buying new tyres until their car fails its MOT
• 23% never think about the risks of dangerous tyres1 and 11% would only change tyres when completely bald
• 3 in 5 young drivers never check their tyres
Bridgestone has renewed its call for motorists to make ‘life saving’ tyre checks - while continuing to express concern for the safety of young drivers - after its latest survey revealed that many are still neglecting simple tyre inspections.
Bridgestone’s latest survey of 2,000 UK motorists reveals a worrying lack of awareness around tyre maintenance, with 63% delaying the purchase of new tyres until their vehicle fails its MOT1 , and 23% never considering the dangers of driving on unroadworthy rubber1
Even more alarming is the 11% of drivers who only replace tyres once they are completely bald and illegal1. Among young drivers, the safety gap appears to be even wider with three in five not thinking to check the condition of their tyres.
These findings are compounded by government data showing 2.15 2 million annual MOT failures due to tyre defects and an estimated £416 million economic cost from tyre-related incidents over the past five years3
Bridgestone’s UK Senior Marketing Manager Helen Roe said the results caused concern and highlighted the importance of tyre safety education.
“Tyres are the only contact points between a vehicle and the road, yet they remain one of the most neglected safety components,” Helen said. “At Bridgestone, we want to continue to highlight regular tyre checks and good maintenance habits are key to preventing accidents. Life is a journey – let’s make it a safe one. That’s why we’re stepping up our efforts through our Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero campaign.”
The survey also revealed that 35%1 of car owners delay changing their tyres because they cannot afford replacements, in a reminder of the cost-of-living pressures influencing driver behaviour.
Bridgestone is continuing to address the broader issue through its Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero campaign, which engages with motorists at various events across the country. To date, more than 4,500 free inspections have been carried out.
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.
Bridgestone is urging all drivers to follow three simple steps, not least with the summer approaching and more UK road trips being planned:
1. Inspect regularly: Check tyre pressures and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys.
2. Know the law: The legal tread depth limit is 1.6mm – and all tyres should meet or exceed this.
3. Ask the experts: If in doubt, get your tyres checked by a qualified professional.
Bridgestone’s research forms part of its wider commitment to safety and sustainability. It also aligns with the company’s E8 Commitment, which guides its mission to deliver social and customer value across eight key areas: Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease and Empowerment.
This latest initiative delivers Ease by bringing peace of mind to everyday journeys, and Extension by supporting safe and seamless mobility for all.
For more information on how to stay safe on the roads, visit: https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
1Bridgestone UK commissioned research carried out online by Research Without Barriers (January 2025) 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).
2Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data 2023-24.
3TyreSafe – www.tyresafe.org
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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.
For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit our newsroom and www.bridgestone.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and LinkedIn.