Welcome to Firststop4tyres - Your number one site for Bridgestone car tyres

Technical and FAQ

What is the meaning of the codes on the sidewall of the tyre? 

The codes on a tyre give a great deal of detail about its type, construction and origin. The information of most interest to the average user is contained in a large, easily visible group of numbers and letters such as:

195/65 R 16 91H

195  =  the width of the tread in mm.
65  =  the ‘aspect ratio' – indicating that the sidewall height is 70% of the tread width
R  = denotes that the tyre is of radial construction
16  =  the rim diameter in inches
91  =  the load-bearing index
T  =  the speed index

Which tyre do you recommend for my car?
It is essential to fit tyres that are of the correct size and type for your vehicle. While there are many low-cost tyres on the market, it is advisable to choose a reputable brand such as Bridgestone, which incorporates the latest technology to provide maximum safety, comfort and handling – as well as higher wear resistance that results in a lower per km/mile cost.

For specific information regarding your car, we suggest you consult our Tyre Selector, easy to find on our Homepage at www.bridgestone.eu
 
What kind of tyres do you produce?
Bridgestone makes a wide range of tyres for passenger cars, motorcycles and scooters, commercial vans, light and heavy trucks, buses and coaches, agricultural machines, and off-road vehicles such as earth-movers. It also manufactures special competition tyres for karts and racing cars – and is sole tyre supplier to the Formula 1, MotoGP and GP2 championshiops, as well as supplying the US CART and IRL series. In addition, Bridgestone supplies motorcycle tyres for motocross and road race bikes.

In Europe, regular road tyres are sold mainly under the Bridgestone and Firestone brands. For more details of a particular range, visit our websites.
www.Bridgestone.eu
www.Firestone.eu
 
How is a tyre made?
Tyre making is a sophisticated multi-stage process, involving specially formulated materials and internal construction that varies according to the intended use. For a general description of the manufacturing sequence, visit the Tyre Manufacturing Process section.
 
What is the life of a tyre? How long can a tyre be used / kept for?
More Information can be found in the Road Safety section Tyre Service Life: Service Life for Passenger Car and Light Truck Tyres, including Spare Tyres
 
Tyre Maintenance/Aftersales
 
To what pressure should I inflate my tyres?
The correct pressures for the front and rear tyres of your car will be indicated in the owner's handbook. Note that it is advisable to increase the pressures – again in line with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations – when carrying heavier-than-usual loads. For accurate inflation, measure and adjust the pressures when the tyres are COLD.
Remember also to check the spare tyre, which should be maintained at the higher of the recommended front/rear pressures (you can always release a little air, if necessary, when the spare is fitted).
 
How often should I check my tyre pressures?
Pressures should be checked on a regular basis (every two weeks), or before embarking on a long journey. 

When is a tyre considered to be worn out?
In Europe, the legal requirement is that the tread grooves retain a certain minimum depth, when measured at any Tread Wear Indicator (TWI), located around the circumference of the tyre. For summer tyres, the figure is 1.6 mm, while for winter models it is 4 mm.

It may nevertheless be advisable to change a tyre at an earlier stage if there is a discernible loss of grip or deterioration in handling performance – or if you are driving regularly at high speeds, under extreme weather conditions or over hazardous terrain.

Tyre carcasses should be checked regularly, and replaced if you discover cuts or deformations indicating a weakness in the internal structure. If in doubt, consult your garage or tyre dealer.

Even if not physically worn or damaged, the age of a tyre can also affect its performance. Oils incorporated into the rubber dry out over a period of time, making it less flexible – with the result that grip is reduced and braking distances increased.

What technologies contribute to the performance of Bridgestone tyres?

A range of complementary technologies are employed to fine-tune the performance of a tyre for its intended end-use. These are selected and balanced to offer the best possible combination of safety, comfort and durability for each type of vehicle, according to the conditions under which it will operate.

The premium Bridgestone brand is the first to incorporate the latest developments, often derived from experience gained as a result of Formula 1 participation.

Firestone products also offer an outstanding value-for-money/technology mix that places them ahead of many similarly priced competitors.

F1 Tyres

Since Bridgestone made its racing debut at the first Japanese Grand Prix in 1963, we have been at the forefront of innovation and development in Motorsport's greatest arenas.

Our unique experience, some of the most demanding testing in the world and extraordinary precision, is at the heart of the tyres we design for you.

Tyres are an important contributor to success in Formula One. From 2008, all Formula One teams rely upon Bridgestone Potenza tyres. Discover more about the application of “Black Gold” at the pinnacle of motorsport.

In excess of ten components, including rubber polymers, sulphur, carbon black, oil, and various derivatives, contribute towards the compound of a tyre.

The slightest change to the composition of the individual components results in a difference in performance for a particular compound. A fundamental distinction is made between “Soft” and “Hard” compounds.

Bridgestone provides the BMW Sauber F1 Team with a choice of two compound options per Grand Prix, with the “Soft” compound being denoted by a white stripe. “Super Soft” and “Soft” compounds are specified at circuits where tyre wear is relatively low, and high levels of grip are called for.

During the course of a Formula One season, drivers clock up most miles on dry weather tyres. Vertical grooves, of at least 10 millimeters in width, have been specified for such tyres since 1998.
                                                                               
In comparison with the “slick” tyres used previously, current specification dry tyres offer reduced cornering speeds. From the 2009 season, teams will once again be permitted to use slick tyres.

These tyres deliver their best performance at tyre temperatures of between 80 and 110 degrees Celsius. Special warming blankets are wrapped around the tyres prior to use in order to ensure optimum and uniform operating temperatures as quickly as possible.

Behind every tyre is rubber. But like many raw materials, it only becomes useful when it is transformed into a product. That's where Bridgestone technology comes in. Our engineers have harnessed the highest technology to turn a flat rubber sheet into a round object, which carries people to far off places. This is ancient news in itself but our technology is anything but. For example, our run flat tyre reflects our ongoing dedication to performance, safety and comfort.

The Activities section gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how we do things and how we're doing in the global rubber industry. Here, you'll learn how Bridgestone tyres are made, our market share and global production network and, of course, and how our technological advances keep us one step ahead of the race.
 
In this fast-paced world, challenging existing technology is all part of doing business. At Bridgestone, we strive to achieve this every day. How? The Technology section gives you a peak into some of our core activities like Run Flat, Aircept and Greatec – all are geared to emphasise our main goal -- that of keeping technology front and centre.

Tyre manufacturing process
 
Have you ever wondered how Bridgestone tyres are made? Each tyre undergoes an extensive process beginning with raw materials and ending with a final inspection. This ensures that each tyre is made with the same attention to quality that our company is reputed for.
 
1. Mixing the materials
Various grades of natural and synthetic rubber are combined with carbon black, sulphur and chemical products in an internal mixer to meet specific compound requirements. The resulting blend is called the "master batch", which is formed into rubber sheets, and cooled. Some rubber is used for additional processing while the majority is prepared for the extruding stage.
 
2. Extruding the tread
Heat is applied to the rubber to make it more elastic and then it is put through extruders machines where the tread and sidewalls, which require two different rubber compounds, are formed into the required shapes. The extruders produce a continuous sheet of tread rubber, which is then cooled and cut to specific tyre lengths. 

3. Weaving the plies
Spinning cords such as rayon, nylon, steel and polyester undergo a process called “calendering”, where they are woven into sheets and coated with rubber on both sides.
Once this is finished, the sheets are then cut at the proper angle into specific widths and lengths and eventually used for casing and cap plies, while steel cords are used for the belts. 

4. Preparing the bead core 
The bead core is formed by aligning, and then coating plated steel wires with rubber. After, it is wound on a coil a certain number of times to form bead rings, which provide a specific diameter and strength for a particular tyre.
 
5. Building process
The building process involves two stages.
Stage 1: Beginning with the woven sheets, the inner liner, body plies and sidewalls are placed on the building drum. The correctly-positioned beads rings are then attached, which results in the automatic wrapping of the ply edges around the bead core, and the simultaneously movement of the sidewalls into position.
Stage 2: The tyre is shaped by inflating the rubber and applying sidetread rubber, two steel belts and a cap ply to achieve a "green" tyre. 
 
6. Vulcanisation
The “green” tyre is placed in a curing press for a certain period of time (10-15 minutes) at a specific pressure and temperature. Once heat and pressure has been applied to the tyre, it is then removed from the mould having achieved its final size, shape and tread pattern.
 
7. Trimming
Excess rubber from the curing process is removed, and the tyre is trimmed to order.

8. Final inspection
Each tyre is visually and electronically inspected for balance, quality and uniformity. This final check ensures consistent and reliable performance.

First Stop?

First Stop is a network of independent retailers approved by and supported by the world's largest manufacturer of tyres, Bridgestone

Since its foundation in 1994, the First Stop network has continued its steady expansion. The network is currently made up of around 2,000 outlets across the whole of Europe, of which 170 are located in the UK.
 
The partnership between Bridgestone and its selected independent retailers allows us to work together in order to constantly develop and improve the First Stop network. Our aim is to ensure that you, the customer receive the best possible experience when the time comes to replace your tyres.

First Stop centres can offer you the highest standard of service and expertise when it comes to tending to your vehicles needs. The network also has many exclusive offers and competitions running throughout the year, more information on current offers are available on the main page of this site.
   
All companies have a beginning. And every company has a founder. But there are few companies in which its founder was clearer about his purpose than Bridgestone.

Even before his venture into the world of tyres, Shojiro Ishibashi proved he was quite an entrepreneur.

In 1925, he pioneered the mass production of Tabi; a traditional Japanese footwear in Kurume City in the southern island of Kyushu. Spurred by Japan's rapid industrialisation, he conducted research in the tyre market and made his first tyre in 1930.

In 1931, Ishibashi's realised his dream of becoming the first Japanese tyre manufacturer when he established the Bridgestone Tire Co. Ltd.

Bridgestone Tyre Range - Click here for images

Every year, more and more people in Europe choose to fit Bridgestone tyres to their cars, SUVs and 4x4s. These are motorists who enjoy driving, who understand the importance of tyres and who want to get the most out of their vehicles. From sports performance, to premium comfort, to rugged off-road performance, Bridgestone has a tyre for you.
 
  Potenza - Perfect Precision
Bridgestone's high performance Potenza tyre range is based on a culture of precision, developed on the world's most demanding motor sport circuits. Potenza tyres are designed for today's high-performance cars.
 
 Potenza RE050A   Potenza RE050A   Potenza RE050   Potenza RE050 
 Potenza RE720   Potenza RE040   Potenza RE040   Potenza RE71 
 Potenza S02A   Potenza S02   Potenza S01(Expedia)   Potenza RE030 
 Potenza RE031   Potenza RE010   Potenza RE070   Potenza RE080 
 Potenza RE88 
 
Turanza - Natural Harmony
Bridgestone's Turanza tyre range provides drivers with a superb harmony between driving comfort and stability. The Turanza range is designed to complement the power and stability of top-end touring cars, providing high performance and complete control without compromising comfort.

 Turanza ER300   Turanza ER300   Turanza ER30   Turanza ER33 
 Turanza ER33   Turanza ER31   Turanza ER31   Turanza EL42 
 Turanza ER42 
 
B-Series - Harmony
Bridgestone's B-Series tyre range creates a perfect harmony between comfort and stability for compacts, hatchbacks and smaller saloon cars.
 
 B250   B-330 EVO   B330   B390   B391 
 B340   B371   B381 
 
Winter
Bridgestone has a full range of winter tyres, designed for all conditions. Our studless Blizzak "lamellen" tyres are ideal for driving on snow, wet or dry surfaces. For more extreme Nordic winter conditions, our Blizzak Multicell tyres are designed with a unique technology making them ideal for severe and icy conditions. Our studded tyre, Noranza, provides maximum grip on frozen surfaces.
 
 Blizzak LM25   Blizzak LM25   Blizzak LM20   Blizzak LM18 
 Blizzak LM22   Blizzak LM22   Blizzak Nordic   Blizzak MZ03 
 Blizzak MZ03   Noranza 2   Noranza