Motorists urged to show their cars some love this Valentine’s Day to stay safe
• Tyres in need of some TLC with majority of motorists never checking them
• 27% of motorists surveyed run their tyres for up to 100 miles after becoming illegal
• Survey of 2,000 motorists reveal some partner pet-hates
Love might be in the air with Valentine’s Day on the horizon but not when it comes to our cars, which are still in need of some TLC according to Bridgestone, with 73% of motorists not checking their tyres.
A survey conducted by Bridgestone amongst 2,000 drivers1 revealed that nearly three-quarters of drivers don’t check their treads or pressures themselves, either never thinking about it, leaving it to the garage to do or asking their partners to check instead.
In addition, 27% of motorists admit to running tyres for up to 100 miles after they become illegal, with a further 8% continuing to drive on their tyres until they are bald
With Valentine’s Day upon us, Bridgestone also discovered some car-related argument topics which could be fixed in a matter of seconds.
In a list of partner pet-hates, not putting the seat back (55%), leaving the music too loud (17%), changing the car temperature settings (17%) and not topping the fuel tank back up (14%) top the charts.
Bridgestone’s North Region Vice President Andrea Manenti said that while many motorists view their car as their pride and joy, now might be the perfect time to show a bit more affection.
“So many of us love our vehicles and attach a number of fond memories to them. However, our research suggests that they would benefit from some much-deserved care and attention, particularly when it comes to tyres.
“They are the only contact points between the car and the road surface, so a bit of time checking the treads and pressures can be all the difference between stopping safely and encountering a potentially dangerous incident.”
“Our results tie in with a recording of 4,596 total casualties from tyre-related incidents on roads in the past years2 and there being in the region of 10 million illegal tyres on Britain’s roads each year2
Bridgestone’s research align with the company’s Become a BridgestoneRoad Safety Hero initiative, which provides basic tips for drivers around tyre care to ensure they stay as safe as possible.
Andrea added: “We become road safety heroes when we help educate people about road safety, particularly the importance of tyres and good tyre maintenance to avoid accidents on the road.
“It only takes small gestures to become a road safety hero; everyone can start by adopting the right approach and behaviours such as checking your tyres regularly & then passing on this knowledge to our friends, neighbours, families and local communities.”
Bridgestone’s road safety research represents part of its mission to continue to provide social and customer value as a sustainable solutions company. It also embodies Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment – a set of eight areas (Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotion, Ease, Empowerment) which provide a compass to guide their strategic priorities, decision making and actions throughout every area of the business and operations.
Bridgestone’s road safety research provides Ease, by bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life and Extension, by committing to nonstop mobility and innovation that keeps people and the world moving ahead.
For more information about tyre safety and ways to stay safe on roads, visit https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
ENDS
1. Research carried out online by Research Without Barriers (January 2024) 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).
2. Tyresafe.org 2023 Stats Tyre Safety the Case for Action
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. Alternatively, please contact Helen Roe at helen.roe@bridgestone.eu
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.