Aberdeen motorists get a grip for winter

Motorists in Aberdeenshire are putting safety first this winter as demand for winter tyres soars, according to an Aberdeen business.

Specialist Cars has received a record number of orders for winter tyres, doubling the figure from the same time last year.

During the month of October the Craigshaw Crescent Volkswagen retailer sold 250 winter tyres and demand has not slowed down.

Following last years severe weather and treacherous driving conditions the Volkswagen retailer has ensured its ready to cope with the avalanche of customer enquiries as Specialist Cars Volkswagen aftersales manager, Scott Brunton, explains.

He said: “Motorists are a lot more aware of the safety benefits of winter tyres and the need for fitting them in advance of the snowfall and severe temperatures.

“Last winter demand outstripped our stock so we vowed to be ready for our customers this year.”

The Volkswagen retailer launched its cold weather campaign with a community-based, family friendly, Winter Safety Weekend.

The showroom was transformed into a winter wonderland of cupcakes, jewellery and craft stalls, with face painting for children, a Scirocco remote control racing track and a name the Volkswagen Steiff teddy bear, which raised over £164 for the company’s dedicated charity, the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre.

In addition Specialist Cars’ experts and technicians were on hand to answer questions on winter tyres and provide further information on alternative winter driving accessories.

Scott said: “The most common question we get asked from customers is why do we need winter tyres?

“Regular tyres are fine most of the year but once the temperature drops below 7c these tyres can start to under-perform.

“But winter tyres are specifically designed with a higher silica content which makes them more pliable at lower temperatures and the tread provides improved grip and performance during these colder conditions.

“Although many motorists are aware of the importance of good grip during winter driving we feel it’s our obligation to ensure that all drivers have the facts to hand to help them make an informed decision.

“In addition to our winter tyre experts we also have winter safety check packages and ‘guide to winter driving’ available on our website,” concluded Scott.

For more information, visit specialist-cars.co.uk.