Motorists Gear up for Winter by ‘Checking In’ at Tyre Hotel -
December 2011
A surge in demand for winter tyres has led to Halfords Autocentres to set up a 'tyre hotel' for motorists wishing to swap their regular tyres for cold weather rubber.
After two harsh winters with heavy snow falls and prolonged periods of freezing temperatures - and with warnings for more of the same to come - Halfords Autocentres has reported a five-fold increase in the number of enquiries from motorists looking to fit winter tyres to help keep them moving as the conditions deteriorate.
The tyre hotel service has been introduced after feedback from customers suggested a major barrier to the uptake winter tyres is the problem of where to store regular 'summer' tyres while not in use. Unlike our neighbours in Northern Europe, where the use of seasonal tyres is commonplace, few British motorists are equipped for the annual changeover.
The tyre hotel has therefore opened to address this demand. The service includes the re-fitting of the customer’s regular tyres in the spring and the subsequent storage and re-fitting of their winter tyres. The hotel is currently being trialled at the Halfords Autocentre in Aldershot, and is available immediately for motorists buying winter tyres from garages in Aldershot, Basingstoke, Byfleet, Camberley, Farnbourgh, Guildford, Sandhurst and Woking.
Martin Barber, Halfords Autocentres’ tyre expert said: “With winter now upon us, the number of customers asking about winter tyres has increased dramatically but a common concern is what do with their regular tyres until the spring. We aim to provide a helpful and comprehensive service so the tyre hotel has been quickly established to do away with this barrier.
“Championed by safety campaigners and the motoring media, winter tyres offer superior grip in cold and wet conditions compared to their regular counterparts and contrary to popular belief, they are not just beneficial in snow but for all conditions where the temperature dips below seven degrees. They extra grip they not only gets you moving but more importantly helps you stop – they dramatically shortens braking distances, which can be the difference between accident and safety.
“Winter tyres are fast becoming a necessity in the UK. We experienced particularly harsh conditions last winter that caused huge disruption to both individuals and companies. While most employers have been sympathetic to those left stranded by the hazardous conditions, we’re unlikely to see the same tolerance if poor weather returns this year. We’d therefore urge drivers to act now and prepare their vehicles now to keep them moving as the weather turns colder.”
In addition to the tyre hotel, Halfords Autocentres has also announced it is now selling the new Syron range of mid-range winter tyres. The German-engineered brand is popular on the continent where the use of winter tyres is commonplace. The network has also negotiated access to the UK’s largest stock of cold weather tyres. However, Barber is warning drivers not to wait until the weather takes a turn for the worse before taking action.
He adds: "Last year UK stocks of the most popular sizes sold out in just a few days after the first snow fall. While the manufacturers have allocated more stock for this winter, awareness has increased thanks to concerted campaigns in the motoring press and the frustration experienced by millions of motorists during the past few freezing winters. We therefore anticipate demand to outstrip supply once again.”
Access to the tyre hotel costs just £35. If the Aldershot trial proves a success, Halfords Autocentres bosses say they will look to roll out the scheme nationally next winter.
For further peace of mind, Halfords Autocentres is offering a 12-point Winter Inspection for a special price of £29.95. The package offers vital checks to the battery, wipers, tyres, lights alternator, starter motor and antifreeze that will help ensure the smooth running of your car, whatever the weather over next few months. The Inspection also includes a Duxback windscreen treatment, worth £24.95, and a free winter essentials pack with everything you need to get started on those frosty mornings, worth £10.
For more information, please visit www.halfordsautocentres.co.uk