With millions of families preparing to hit the roads for the start of the UK summer holidays, Bridgestone is issuing a renewed safety rallying call, with many motorists still neglecting their tyres.
Bridgestone’s plea follows the company’s latest survey of 2,000 UK motorists, revealing that 63% delay buying new tyres until their car fails its MOT, with 23% never considering the risks of dangerous tyres. Meanwhile, 11% wait until their tyres are completely bald before replacing them.
This general lack of awareness is raising concerns just as vehicle use is set to spike with school holidays, road trips, and increased mileage across the country.
Bridgestone’s UK Senior Marketing Manager Helen Roe said: “As millions of people prepare to travel for summer holidays, we’re urging everyone to carry out some simple tyre checks before setting off.”
“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the road, and worn or under inflated tyres can significantly increase the risk of accidents. Regular checks can literally save lives.”
Government data reinforces the message, with over 2.15 million MOT failures annually linked to tyre defects, and tyre-related incidents contributing to an estimated £416 million economic cost in the past five years. In addition to the safety risks, the survey also found that 35% of motorists delay replacing tyres due to cost, highlighting how the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is influencing safety-related decisions on the road.
Bridgestone is addressing these issues head-on through its ‘Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero’ campaign, which has already delivered more than 4,500 free tyre inspections at events across the UK, raising awareness and helping drivers make informed decisions about tyre care.
Helen added: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to stay safe, particularly during the summer months when families are driving further and more frequently. Through our Be a Road Safety Hero campaign, we’re working closely with drivers to make tyre safety simple, accessible, and a routine part of journey planning.”
With the summer holidays now a matter of days away, Bridgestone is urging all drivers to follow three simple steps:
- Inspect regularly: Check tyre pressures and tread depth at least once a month and before long journeys.
- Know the law: The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm, but Bridgestone recommends replacing tyres well before they reach this limit.
- Ask the experts: If in doubt, seek advice or a free check from a qualified technician.
The campaign forms part of Bridgestone’s global E8 Commitment, which focuses on delivering social and customer value across eight key areas including ease, by bringing peace of mind to everyday journeys, and extension, by supporting safe and seamless mobility for all.
