Whether you live in a big city, like London, or usually drive around more rural locations, such as the Lomond Hills Regional Park in Fife, ensuring your tyres are fit for the job they’ll be doing is essential. Note that buying tyres over the festive season isn’t always as easy as it would be at other times of the year. For one thing, many fitting centres will be closed at least over the bank holidays which includes an additional day in the New Year if you happen to be north of the border. There again, even though you might find a local tyre fitting centre close enough to drive to, their seasonal stock may be depleted leaving you with less choice until the big tyre distribution centres reopen.
Therefore, it’s wise to know where to turn over the Christmas period for replacement tyres. In midwinter, tyres can be placed under greater strain than would usually be the case. The reduced daylight hours mean that it is often harder to spot debris and sharp objects on the road that can cause blowouts. Even running into potholes can cause slow punctures to occur. In snow and ice, you might also find that your tyres begin to fail.
What do you need to know to ensure you can have new tyres fitted whenever you might need them over the holidays?
Find a Tyre Dealer Close to Where You’re Staying
Many of us travel further than usual for the Christmas holidays. Londoners may visit family in Edinburgh, Dundee or Kirkcaldy while inhabitants of Perth might find themselves in Pimlico, Peterborough or Portsmouth. It doesn’t matter where you are heading for a Christmas break. What will count is knowing where you can find replacement tyres if you need them during your stay. A simple internet search will show you where tyre centres are but do a little more research to ensure which of the local centres offer the sort of tyres you want. For example, if you are in Fife, you can find a range of car tyres near you from leading brands at Fife Autocentre (01592 631211). Other tyre centres may offer only budget brands, of course.
Check the Opening Hours of Your Local Tyre Centre
Secondly, check when you’ll be able to access your preferred tyre centre. Some places may have restricted opening hours over the Christmas period. It’s no good finding the ideal place to buy replacement tyres from if they’re going to be shut, after all.
Reserve the Tyres You Want in Advance
Online tyre reservation is definitely a big improvement in the services available from modern tyre centres these days. Don’t just turn up and expect to be able to buy your preferred tyre, whether it is Michelin, Bridgestone or anything else. Tyre centres may need a day or two longer to get your preference over the holiday season.
Book an Appointment in Daylight Hours
To avoid further problems with your tyres, it is best to book a morning appointment with your tyre fitter. This way, you’ll be able to travel on your spare tyre without the problems associated with dark winter afternoons and – potentially, at least – running into more trouble.
Check Online Reviews for Service and Quality
Finally, read a few reviews or testimonials from other customers. Especially if you don’t know the area, checking the online reputation of a chosen tyre centre can be worthwhile and help you to avoid a disappointing outcome. Remember that it is not just the availability of tyres but the entire fitting and wheel balancing service you may also want that makes such a difference.
