A new network of 'tyre hotels' which will allow British motorists to prepare for winter driving conditions has been launched in the UK.
Tyre specialist ATS Euromaster has created the new storage facilities, enabling drivers to 'check-in' their summer tyres for the winter while they use cold weather tyres.
These 'winter tyres' offer a range of benefits, including improved grip, handling, cornering and reduced braking distances.
Chris Hufflett, ATS Euromaster's group operations director, claimed that it is essential to fit cold weather tyres this winter.
He said: "We have heard the stories about people rushing to buy 4x4s to try and get around in bad weather, but unless they are fitted with cold weather tyres, 4x4s risk being just as susceptible to ice and snow.
"Equipping a car or van with the right tyres can be more effective and a lot cheaper than changing your entire vehicle."
As part of the tyre hotel service, ATS Euromaster mechanics will inspect all stored summer tyres for wear and damage to ensure they are safe to be re-fitted in the spring.
Sounds good, i'm thinking about getting some winter tyres soon, but for a decent brand in the 235/35 R19 size they seem to be very expensive. I think it was michelin ones that were about £270 per tyre, so that's over £1000 for all 4 tyres. Wondering if it's worth it, or if I should just get some auto-socks which i've used in the past and are very effective in my opinion.
Sadly you'll find many of the larger sizes from premium brands are out of stock now with further deliveries not expected until dec/jan. The best time to buy is early spring or late summer when prices are upto 50% lower.
I bought a set of Michelin Pilot Alpins in Summer for €400 from Germany, but I went for 17s rather than 18s.
I use a wooden bike store in the garden to store them and my track tyres for the Boxster. It will work out much cheaper than a tyre hotel over a couple of years.
Life's too short to go slow
Skoda Yeti 4x4 Elegance 2.0CR
Revo, Steinbauer & Oscarli Dealer for Suffolk and N.Essex
I see a lot of people in the UK are thinking about getting winter tyre`s. Normally here in Switzerland we get tyre`s with a smaller cross section and smaller rim size. The idea is that there is more pressure on the road / snow surface which is better grip and the bigger height will save your rims if you go into the curb. I see a lot of overseas cars in the Alps with the tyre socks and they are really only good for small snow fall. It could be a good thing to keep in the car but there is nothing that beats a set of chains and probably about the same expense.
I don't know what the law is on chains in the UK as they can damage the road surface. ouch
Hopefully you don't have a snowy winter like last year and the snow falls where it is meant to in the Alps
Options: Truffel Leather, 19" Wheels, DVD Sat Nav, Xenon Lights, Bluetooth Phone, Parking Sensors, Drivers Electric Seat, Electric Fold-able Mirrors, Winter Pack, Hill Hold, Flat Tyre Indicator - added VW Racing Springs, and changed Bluetooth to newer model.
Agreed, it's not about look in the winter it should be about practicality. Go for steels or small alloy rims, ADAC will have the winter tyre test for this year out.
I store them under the bed at home, still too warm for them to come out, unlike last year.
Kev wrote:I think ATS have literally only just started it so that's all the info I have so far. I'm pretty sure they're going to charge £7.50 per tyre though.
i put mine under my bed, inside some plastic bags. A perfect place to fill that space between floor and bed. Smells lovely, of strawberry scent, from the chemical guys pink alloy sealant.
