Bridgestone and Autopro launch tyre safety initiative to safeguard UAE's roads

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 July 2017:  Motorists in Dubai are being encouraged to get their tyres checked out, free of charge, next time they get their car washed at selected car washes in the emirate. The Tyres and Accessories divisions of Dubai-based Bridgestone distributor, Nasser Al Serkal is implementing the Bridgestone MEA campaign with Autopro, a full-service car repair provider. 

Free tyre-check services are being offered in Autopro Car Wash till 27 July, 4pm-9pm at their locations in ENOC service stations in Media City, Ibn Battuta and Meadows.

“Tyre safety is a major issue here in the Emirates given the extreme climatic conditions which degrade tyres much quicker than in other parts of the world with less harsh climates,” said General Manager of Nasser Al Serkal, Adel Boutros. “In offering this free safety check we will not distinguish between Bridgestone and non-Bridgestone products, we’ll check everyone’s tyres, no matter what the brand. This initiative is about safety as we move into the hot season. High temperatures put extra strain on tyres and potentially expose any issues, including under inflation, cracks or exceeded expiry dates which could lead to catastrophic failure in the form of high speed blowouts.” 

Figures from the website roadsafetyuae.com highlight that around 5% all fatalities on UAE roads are linked to faulty or poorly maintained tyres.

One of the main issues affecting tyre safety in the UAE is a tendency for motorists to base their purchases solely on cost. But tyres are graded according to their ability to cope with extreme heat with A grade being tyres designed for such temperatures, B grade being intermediate and C being deemed acceptable. 

“It is highly advisable to fit A grade tyres from a reputable dealer” says Bridgestone MEA General Manager - Marketing, Berna Akinci. The market in counterfeit and non-certified tyres also compounds the problem. 

"What motorists need to realise is that when they fit substandard, counterfeit or non-compliant tyres to their vehicle they significantly endanger both themselves and other road users. Here in the UAE, the quality of all tyres is regulated by the GCC Standardisation Organisation which ensures they are safe to operate in our challenging climatic conditions. I would urge motorists to only ever buy tyres – be they from Bridgestone or other makers – that meet the requisite standards for driving on our roads," she added

"Additionally, tyre pressure should be checked on a monthly basis given that air pressure reduces naturally.  Tread wear also needs to be checked regularly due to the grave danger posed by worn out treads. Any tyre that is near or below the legal minimum tread should be replaced without delay," Akinci added.
 
Industry experts advise that tyre pressure must be checked regularly, some claim that the optimum period is every 14 days. As a leading full service car repair provider, Autopro places a high importance on safety initiatives that are in line with its core values to deliver the best safe services to its clients. Autopro contributes to making Dubai’s roads safer by training 50 safety inspectors annually to maintain high standards in tyre safety. 

Tyre technicians at Autopro will perform a free tyre check for a period of three weeks at the mentioned service stations in Dubai. All the motorist needs to do is post a picture on their Instagram or Twitter account using the hashtag #CheckedbyBridgestone.

If a tyre or tyres need to be replaced motorists can take advantage of the ongoing cashback offer exclusively at AutoPro service stations which will entitle them to a cashback of up to AED 400 on Bridgestone tyres.