Winter tyre check ... but not for Scots 26 | 11 | 2010

TOYOYA HAS launched a new trial winter weather tyre programme, coinciding with the first threats of snow in Englandshire. But while large parts of Scotland have struggled with snow for days, is Toyota basing any of its two 'trial' centres in Scotland? No. They're in West London and the East Midlands!

Now, ok, London did have a few days snow last year, as did the East Midlands; but is that really the justification for not at least opening ONE of its winter tyre centres in Scotland?

"Safety is of prime importance and, following the severe winters we’ve experienced recently, there is a much greater awareness of the benefits of fitting winter weather tyres," Steve Settle, Toyota customer services director, said.

Is he not aware that Scotland suffers "severe winters" which tend to last just a tad longer than the odd slushy day they get South of the Border? Anyway, he goes on:

“We have launched our trial programme to give Toyota owners the chance to gain the right advice and professional assistance to fit appropriate tyres to their vehicle.

"Although this is a pilot scheme, we will be monitoring its progress closely and there is the potential for it to be expanded to other models and to centres in other regions in the future.”

Now while we at Scotcars would never criticise any move which aids safety on our roads, it is disappointing Toyota has not thought to open one of its centres in Scotland.

That said — and before the boys at Toyota start jumping up and down — it's worth pointing out that Toyota centres are currently offering a free winter vehicle check until December 31 with the bonus of a free car care kit worth £35 on presentation of a voucher downloadable from Toyota’s customer web site.

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Jim McGill