Advertorial: Keeping your Ford Escort on the road with Bridgestone Tyres
Unveiled in 1968, the Ford Escort succeeded the Ford Anglia, and soon became one of the most popular vehicles to grace our roads.
It’s now ingrained in the fabric of the UK, with earlier models gaining classic status. It was even voted European Car of the Year in 1981, finishing ahead of the Fiat Panda and Austin Metro.
For Bridgestone Tyres, the Mk3 and Mk4 of the 1980s are among the most significant Escort models, thanks to their revolutionary front-wheel-drive systems and high specification.
The Mk3 Escort represented a radical shift from its predecessor. Featuring an increasingly popular hatchback body and a new front-wheel-drive system, the design was conceived as an efficient model to compete with the Volkswagen Golf.
When the Mk4 was unveiled in 1986, there appeared to be no major changes. However, under the bonnet, the new model gained a bigger engine and the option of the new Ford mechanical ABS system.
Escort out, in Focus
Despite being one of the best-selling car of the 1980s, with over 1.6 million registered during the decade, Ford Escort numbers are falling. Sadly, the number of Escorts on the roads has decreased at an alarming rate since it was replaced by the Ford Focus in 1998.
There are around 14,000 Escorts registered in UK, making some models valuable and highly sought-after. But what happens once you’ve acquired this diamond in the rough?
As the only part of your car which has contact with the road, tyres should be at the top of your list when maintaining a classic car, especially if you’re hoping to drive it – and why would you keep it in the garage? The Mk3 and Mk4 Escorts were originally fitted with a standard tyre size of 145 SR 13.
While it might be possible to source tyres of this original size, there are options that offer enhanced performance and handling in comparison to the standard Escort tyres. As one of the leading names in the tyre industry today, Bridgestone caries a range of tyres that would be compatible with the Ford Escort Mk3 and Mk4, which offer improved control and safety on today’s roads.
As a general rule of thumb, tyre sizes are interchangeable so long as the diameter difference is between 3 per cent and -2 per cent.
Choosing tyres for your Ford Escort
Before we leave you to do the maths, here are some top recommendations for best-selling tyres in alternative sizes on today’s market, which can be fitted to your Ford Escort and promise high performance.
155/65 R 14
The must-have of Bridgestone’s winter tyre collection, the Blizzak LM001 allows motorists to take on the winter roads with confidence. The additional traction and control on ice and snow makes this ideal for that extra security you need.
155/60 R 15
If you’re looking for a long-lasting and reliable summer tyre to cruise around in your Escort, the Turanza T005 offers unparalleled rolling resistance on all road surfaces.
175/55 R 15
For ultimate driving comfort and confidence in wet conditions, choose the Potenza RE050A. With optimised tread for evacuating water, it provides improved handling and stability.
185/55 R 15
If you need something to get you through the year, the all-season Weather Control A005 is for you. Boasting impressive longevity and high performance in all weather conditions, this is a popular choice for many motorists.
Don’t keep your pride and joy hidden in the garage collecting dust. Get your Escort back on the road, fully equipped to take on today. To view a full range of tyres in the above sizes, simply enter the desired size details on the Asda Tyres website.
This post was brought to you in collaboration with Bridgestone Tyres.
