Bridgestone Continue RFT Investment

Bridgestone continued its programme of preparing First Stop dealers for a rise in run-flat replacement fitments by inviting them to test the technology at a specially designed event in Bedford.

Dealers were given the chance to drive BMW 3-Series cars fitted with original-equipment Bridgestone Potenza RE050 RFT run-flat tyres around a track designed to simulate a variety of different road conditions, in order to test the tyres for themselves.

Jim Eden, director of Eden Tyre Sales in Nottingham, was one of those testing the technology for the first time. He said: “I was very surprised at how comfortable the RFT tyres were when inflated. I certainly wouldn’t have guessed they were run-flat tyres had I not known.

“More surprising still was how safe the car felt when one of the tyres was deflated. I was expecting the handling to be difficult, but I felt in total control of the car at all times, including when cornering, accelerating or even braking hard,” added Mr Eden.

Bridgestone has also increased the level of investment in its RFT training programme for 2005 and 2006. The Bridgestone Run-Flat Certificate Programme is accredited by the Institute of the Motor Industries, and offers training for tyre dealers and fitters across the UK. To date, more than 600 UK tyre fitters and store managers have attained certification, and more than 400 machines have already been inspected and accredited by Bridgestone.