Tyre Neglect Among Young Drivers Prompts Renewed Bridgestone Warning
Bridgestone is renewing its appeal for UK motorists to carry out basic tyre checks, after new survey findings revealed widespread neglect—particularly among younger drivers. The company is raising alarms about the risks of driving on illegal or dangerously worn tyres, with many motorists still delaying replacements until their vehicle fails its MOT.
The Bridgestone-commissioned survey, which gathered responses from 2,000 UK drivers, found that:
▪ 63% only consider changing tyres when their vehicle fails its MOT
▪ 23% don’t think about the risks of worn tyres at all
▪ 11% wait until tyres are completely bald before replacing them
Among younger drivers, the picture is bleaker: three in five never check their tyres at all. The findings align with DVSA data showing more than two million annual MOT failures due to tyre issues and a five-year economic cost of over £400 million from related incidents.
Bridgestone’s study also highlighted the financial pressures contributing to poor tyre maintenance. More than a third of drivers (35%) said they delayed replacing tyres due to affordability concerns, reflecting the growing impact of cost-of-living challenges on essential vehicle upkeep.
In response, Bridgestone is intensifying its “Be a Bridgestone Road Safety Hero” campaign. The initiative includes free tyre inspections and public education efforts aimed at improving awareness of basic tyre safety checks. To date, more than 4,500 drivers have received complimentary tyre assessments through the programme.
Helen Roe, UK Senior Marketing Manager at Bridgestone, noted:
“Tyres are a critical safety component, yet remain one of the most overlooked. Our aim is to make tyre safety accessible and actionable—especially for younger and less experienced drivers.”
With summer travel approaching, Bridgestone advises all motorists to follow three essential tyre safety steps:
▪ Inspect pressures and tread monthly and before long trips
▪ Ensure tyres meet the 1.6mm minimum legal tread depth
▪ Seek expert advice when in doubt
The campaign supports Bridgestone’s broader “E8 Commitment”, which includes goals related to safety, sustainability, and social responsibility.
For more information on how to stay safe on the roads, visit: https://promotion.bridgestone.co.uk/bridgestone-tyre-care-guide/
Tyre safety remains a fundamental yet under-prioritised aspect of vehicle maintenance, particularly among younger motorists. Bridgestone’s proactive educational outreach not only aims to reduce accident risks but reflects a wider industry move toward accessible safety tools and community-based engagement. As smart tyres and connected vehicle systems evolve, the push for routine manual checks underlines a critical gap between emerging technology and day-to-day user habits.
Tagged with: tyre safety, young drivers, MOT failure, tyre maintenance, Bridgestone UK, Road Safety Hero campaign, cost-of-living, tread depth, tyre checks
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