Bridgestone Research Highlights Disturbing UK Tyre Safety Attitude

Recent research carried out by Bridgestone reveals that nearly half of UK motorists only think about their tyres when an MOT is due, while one in five would buy part-worn tyres despite being warned of the potential risks, even though safety is their stated top priority.

During Tyre Safety Month 2026, drivers are proving that actions continue to speak louder than words, with 67 per cent stating that safety is extremely important when it’s time to replace old tyres, yet 47 per cent only think about their tyres when an MOT is due and 31 per cent delay buying new tyres until their car is at risk of failing its MOT.

In addition, 20 per cent would buy part-worn tyres even after being told that these could have structural issues and may not have undergone quality checks.

Bridgestone’s research amongst 2,000 motorists 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 also highlighted that 87 per cent of motorists knew how to check their tyres, with 30 per cent also advocating mandatory tyre replacement as punishment when guilty of driving on an illegal tyre.

The tyre manufacturer has conducted thousands of complimentary 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, says: “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 and say 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 adds: “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 is important and just how essential well-maintained tyres are to preventing accidents and saving lives.”