With the advent of the modern motor industry, leading car manufacturers including the popular Mercedes-Benz have rolled out brand-specific parts and other accessories to be used exclusively on their cars. This includes tyres, and recently, there have been concerns raised about this supposed ‘customization’ of tyres and other factors revolving around it. Whether or not these original markings, that are usually inscribed on brand specific tyres, have any considerable influence on their suitability for use, is no longer a subject of speculation. In case you’re wondering whether using a non “M.O” marked tyre in your Mercedes is going to affect the performance or safety of the vehicle, then this short but detailed look into this subject might just clear the air.

What does MO stand for?

‘M.O’ which stands for Mercedes Original, is a trademark logo inscribed on tyres that this giant car manufacturer assembles to be used specifically with it’s branded vehicles. Not long ago, Bridgestone ( A UK-based tyre and independent tyre and auto care company) introduced a luxury line of M.O – Mercedes Only tyres to be used by luxury car brands including the Volkswagen Passat, BMW and Audi A4. These tyres have been solely made to optimise the luxurious comfort and performance of these cars while still maintaining high standards of safety and durability. So this raises the questions; Does it pay to invest in MO marked tyres for my vehicle of is it just some sort of branding hype? Is it permissible by law to replace MO tyres with non-MO tyres? What are some of the added advantages of riding on MO tyres?

The benefits of MO tyres

Truly speaking, there are some proven profits of using an MO marked tyre as compared to conventional tyres this includes;

• Optimised car stability and balance: The MO marked tyres are designed exclusively for the use with the vehicle’s suspension system and enhanced tread patterns to offer more control and better handling of the car.
• Reduced driving noise levels: The tyres are manufactured to fit specifically the car’s body’s and weight dimensions. This results in the vehicle’s mass been better proportionally distributed and a noise-free ride.
• Increased steering responsiveness: The MO marked tyres integrate a unique and intelligent design that includes a longitudinal rib that runs along the tyres’ groove to allow precise directional steering when driving.

Despite the numerous profits attached to using M.O marked tyres, at times, it may not be possible to replace your worn out tyres with these original branded tyres due to availability and costs constraints. In such an event, you may replace the tyres with non-MO branded versions but it’s worth getting a quote from tyrequote.com to find get the best deal on M.O tyres in your local area. Nevertheless, it’s important to point out that the vehicle insurance may be invalidated if, in case of an accident, the use of these non-manufacturer-approved tyres, is cited as a contributory factor.

There are, nowadays, increasing numbers of drivers looking for and buying tyres on the Internet, whereas numbers were negligible until fairly recently.  The last five years has seen an unprecedented explosion in online shopping of all types, but most especially in the field of tyre buying.  The UK appears to be leading the charge in this area, with a doubling in numbers of people preferring to buy tyres online only, in the space of one twelve month period; and other European countries are not far behind.  Recent surveys have shown that some 45% (approximately) of motorists are making tyre purchases online and this figure is expected to continue rising, particularly amongst younger motorists, who are at the forefront of most advances with the use of technology.  It is not just men either, female drivers are just as likely to research, and buy their tyres online.

Why buy tyres online?
It is said that the main factors driving this increase are price, choice and convenience.  Online companies are not restricted to nine to five working hours.  The convenience of being able to compare tyres and prices quickly and easily from the comfort of one’s own home, at any time day or night and 365 days a year, is a big attraction.  Drivers are feeling increasingly satisfied with the online buying experience because of the discounts and vast choice of tyre brands available and this is reflected in the numbers willing to repeat the experience of buying tyres online.  Added to this are things such as improvements in customer service and technical assistance, which can only give an encouraging boost to Internet tyre retailers.

Comparing prices is a big attraction
Many of the biggest names in tyre retailing have also seen the advantages to be had through selling online by reaching more customers and so increasing sales.  It is possible to compare different tyre brands and prices in order to get the best deal, in the same way that you can use comparison websites for such things such as insurance and utilities.  The internet has certainly provided a more level playing field which enables smaller companies to compete with the big boys more fairly and the bigger names will now offer tyres more cheaply or will sometimes price-match.
When you look at the obvious advantages of researching and buying tyres online it is hard to see why anyone should go to the trouble of actually going to a tyre shop at all, considering the inconvenience and the limitations in choice. Simply visit tyrequote.com, and all your options will be easily visible, allowing you to make the best choice for your car.

Running your own business can mean that at times you are left stretched pretty thin and sometimes the most vital things that will allow your business to grow are forgotten.

Have you noticed all the rain lately? With widespread flooding across the UK, and no sign of immediate relief it is vital that you take extra caution on the roads in these difficult and wet conditions. We have put together a simply guide of top tips to remember when you make your next journey in wet conditions.

Scenes like this are a common occurrence at present on Britain’s roads.

It is imperative that when you are about to go on a journey in wet conditions you plan your journey well and are prepared for the worst case scenarios. Never has it been more important that your tyres are within the legal limits and safe to drive on as they are what connects the road and your vehicle. There have been widespread reports over the pass week of drivers getting stuck or breaking down thanks to the wet conditions, so here is how best to prepare and drive in these conditions.

Driving in a flood or near floods

• Plan your journey: There are at present widespread road closures on both main roads and smaller country roads to be aware if this effects your journey in any way. Plan alternative routes and never risk driving down a closed road that is flooded. Water may be a great deal deeper than you think.
• Go Slow: Allow extra time to add to your journey. Don’t rush and take things slow. Speeding through floods will cause water to rise up quickly blocking your view or potentially entering your engine.
• Drive High: If possible drive on the highest part of the road and stay away from where the road banks to the side – water will of course be deepest here.
• Keep your gears low: Driving in a low gear and keeping revs high will prevent chances of water entering the exhaust pipe.
• Dry those brakes: Once you are out of the flood, gently press your brakes to dry them.

Remember only drive if you absolutely need to in these conditions – don’t take unnecessary risks.

According to tyre manufacturer Continental, the average driver has a punctured tyre at least once every five years, so its fair to say that some of you have probably already experienced a punctured tyre at some time during your driving career. With so much progress being made in tyre design many motorists may ask, is there a tyre available on the market that is puncture proof? Sadly, science has yet to progress that far (although fork lift trucks do have puncture proof tyres), so in the meantime drivers must either deal with punctures or find alternative ways to prevent them. We take a look at if there are any effective ways to prevent a tyre puncture.

Feeling flat?

There is one very easy way to attempt to prevent a puncture, and that is simply down to the way you drive. Those driver who read the road ahead are much less likely to puncture a tyre rather than those with tunnel vision. Its a cost-effective way of attempting to prevent punctures considering its free for starters! There are many potential hazards to tyres on the roads that could cause a puncture if ignored. Pot holes for example are a key contender in causing a puncture; driving over them at high speeds means that it puts unnecessary pressure on the tyre and can and will cause punctures. Drivers should also make a conscious decision to steer away from kerbs, broken glass or any other hazards on the roads. Its these kinds of things that will limit your tyre life even further. Driving in areas which had a great deal of debris can cause trouble for motorists, so its advise able to either steer clear of these areas or drive with caution.

If you have had a particular journey in which you believe their may have been potential to cause a puncture, its vital that you act upon it. Check your tyres for any cuts or bulges or for any objects that shouldn’t be there. Its better to do this immediately after the journey so you know if the tyre will go flat when you get back in the car. Its better safe than sorry! There are of course, many products present on the market which claim to “prevent a flat tyre”, the majority of which are sealants which will only act as a quick fix to a problem.

The best advice though to prevent a puncture is to always be prepared. Punctured tyres are one of those facts of life, so always carry a spare tyre and know how to change a flat tyre as it could save you a few hours by the roadside!

Tread pattern makes more of an impact with the road than you think.

Have you ever closely looked at your tyres and considered why they look the way that they do? Lets face it, the majority of us rarely take a second look at our tyres except to check tyre pressure and tread occasionally. However apart from this, it is pretty safe to say that most of us do not go beyond this. Yet, if you increase you knowledge just a little about the tyres on your vehicle it can make all the difference to your driving experience, the type of tyres you buy and how safe you are on the roads. This week we take an in depth look at why tyre tread design is more important than you think.

There are several main components to tyre design, however one of the most crucial parts of tyre design is the tread pattern. To many motorists they just appear to be a set of patterns that make the tyre look a bit nicer, or separate them from other tyres on the market. However these “nice markings” are in fact crucial to a tyres performance and the science that goes in to it can potentially save your life.

Tyre Tread Design

Groove: The groove is the sunken part of a tyres tread. The groove improves breaking performance and the driving power of a tyre. The groove depth directly effects road noise and the rate of a tyres tread wear.

Sipe: A sipe is the finer groove in the tread pattern. Its primary function is to enhance braking and driving performance whilst providing stability and comfort. In winter tyres, it allows grip on icy roads and improves breaking on wet roads.

Rib shape: Is the pattern along the circumference of the tyre. It gives good directional stability and steering control thanks to lateral resistance.

Blocks: The pattern of the independent block, which the groove is connected with each other. It allows for good steering control and stability on snow covered and wet roads and disperses water on wet roads.

Dimples: These are the indentations of the tread and improve cooling.

Shoulder: Provide continuous support with the road whilst maneuvering.

Winter driving can be dangerous, expensive and tiring. It seems that during the winter when you get in your car its dark, and when you get out of it its even darker. We are here though to make your driving experience this winter just that little  bit easier, and keep you safe and happy on the roads.

Risk of snow and ice this winter means its time to get clued up.

1. Be Prepared

Make sure you are carrying the essentials in your vehicle, especially during winter. The majority of European countries do this as though its part of the norm, however us Brits seem to neglect driving with the essentials in tow. Make sure you are carrying:

• De-icer: Everyone’s winter favourite which saves you some valuable elbow grease
• Blanket: You never know when a breakdown may occur and your battery run flat
• Torch: Winter brings with it dark nights that set on early so make sure you can see a problem under the bonnet
• In car mobile charger: This could be a valuable investment, especially if you find yourself in an icy situation
• Tyre Pump: that ‘just in case’ essential that could save you a long roadside wait

2. Check your tyres

Tyre pressure is vitally important during winter as the incorrect pressure can compromise tyre design, meaning your not getting the most out of them. Tyres are your connection between the road and your vehicle so make sure you look after them so they can look after you.

3. Look after your battery

With all that extra work your battery has to do during winter, be sure to make sure you look after it! A flat battery could spell disaster during a long journey and a long roadside wait. Make sure you give you battery a run out at least once a week so it can cope with that extra pressure. If its been a while since you battery was replaced take it to a local garage who will most likely test it for free.

4. Service time

Winter is a great time to get your car serviced to make sure you are well and truly prepared. Its also a great way of checking that your vehicle is topped up with anti-freeze and coolant.

5. Driving on ice

Black ice can be a real pain during winter, and cause unnecessary accidents due to careless driving. Make sure you take extra caution on journeys and always allow that little extra so you aren’t feeling rushed.

The following is the second in our series of open letters and addressed as an open letter to those at head office at Kwik-Fit. At no point do we intend to cause any distress to any parties mentioned. We readers will understand our perspective and perhaps share our views. The issues raised in this letter are by no means breaking news rather that they have been around for some time however no party has yet to bring them to the forefront for people to discuss. We hope that Kwik-Fit will kindly acknowledge out words and we look forward to receiving a response.

What is so special about Kwik-Fit?

F.A.O Kwik-Fit’s new owners:

Dear Kwik-Fit,

Nobody can take away from you the success Kwik-Fit as a company has enjoyed from its humble beginnings back in Edinburgh. Nor can they deny the success Sir Tom Farmer has achieved through building a company solely on good, strong disciplined customer service. I am sure Sir Tom Farmer himself didn’t even dare to dream of the success Kwik-Fit would later achieve. So, well done you.

Sir Tom Farmer is arguably one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the motoring industry, and the dominance Kwik-Fit now has is all down to one man. Having built a company on values of strong customer service rather than expensive marketing ploys, consumers favored the Kwik-Fit brand to any other. It is these ethics and values which have allowed Kwik-Fit to withstand the test of time and various duration under different owners. Customers keep coming back on the basis that they expect excellent service at a fair price.

It is evident that ‘providing superior customer service’ is central to your brand values within your marketing strategy. As a company Kwik-Fit have a comfortable share of the market, and for the most part are the first choice for many customers across the UK. Lately though you seem to have lost your direction and what aspect of the market you are actually targeting and the way in which you want to target particular aspects of the market. It raises the concern, where exactly do you want to go in such a diverse market when there is enough room for everyone? We would like to think that the new owners are approaching this in the careful and considered manner it deserves.

Having derived from such a humble background it is vital not to forget ones roots. Remember the values upon which you were founded. There is no question that the market has changed since Sir Tom Farmer first set up shop. Sir Tom Farmer had the insightful-ness to look beyond his competitors and offer something that customers actually wanted; a professional service, fair prices and a clean environment to wait whilst their car was being repaired. It seems such a simple set of values in theory, but many garages today miss the mark and that is why customers years later, still return to Kwik-Fit because they expect good service.

There is no doubting that Sir Tom Farmer had a proven plan and it worked, the proof is in the strength of Kwik-Fit today; how many branches are across the UK and how many bidders have fought to own such a prestigious company.

With so many garages across the UK it can be difficult to standardize the levels of service, especially to the levels that customers expect. We have found out first hand these difficulties. Working with garages from around the country, customers in different areas focus on different things. Some value price above service, others location and for some it’s all about the service. For independent garages it is never been more important to place emphasis on solid service. Whilst many assume that customers value price above service, the truth is much different. If a customer receives exceptional service they will without a doubt return, simply because they are make to feel like a valued customer and not another number through the door.

Since Sir Tom Farmer sold Kwik-Fit, the name has lived on and remained successful, this cannot be denied. But with new owners it is vital that core values survive as strong as possible and that the legacy continues.

Yours Sincerely,

Frances,

TyreQuote.

EDITORS NOTE: We would like to open this blog for comments to share and discuss the importance of customer service vs. price, and experiences from either mainstream garages like Kwik-Fit or independents.

The following is an open letter to those at head office at Volkswagen. We do not expect a reply but we felt so strongly about this issue that it needed to be said. We hope for those reading this you will see our perspective and we encourage constructive opinions to be shared in our comment box below. This letter is not intended to offend any party, but instead make light of various issues which have arisen from a recent radio advertising campaign headed by Volkswagen. We thank all those in advance for taking the time to read this.

Dear Volkswagen,

Firstly please acknowledge our congratulations on commissioning such a captivating radio advertisement, it has to be said it certainly got our attention.

You may be asking which radio advertisement we are referring too? It would be your very tempting deal of “fixed price servicing”. Business must be good for you if you can offer to match prices of independent retailers within a 5 mile radius and offer customers your quality Volkswagen parts also, (we dread to think what kind of parts independent retailers must be using). Business must also be good if you can go out of your way to undermine the service local independent retailers offer customers. However we sympathize with you, obviously it is a given that independent retailers cannot match your levels of exceptional service and maintain cheap prices too? We would however be interested to know how you can be so certain that their service cannot match up to yours, and how you can simply assume every single independent retailer (within a 5 mile radius of one of your garages) cannot match your service.

Now, we cannot blame anyone for wanting to gain any extra custom in such difficult trading conditions, however we do object to the way in which you are doing it. Kudos must be given though for the script you wrote during the campaign, it is very well worded. We particularly liked the phrase “It’s our service, their price. Volkswagen”. That’s some good advertising right there. It allows customers to envisage all kinds of things, primarily that because they provide cheap prices their service must be not up to standards.

What is interesting is that for a price match to be guaranteed a quote must be obtained specifying that the independent retailer must use Volkswagen parts. So why is it that independent retailers can use Volkswagen parts and quote a competitive price, and now you feel that you must shout to the world that you can match these prices. Dare we ask what prices you were charging beforehand, or what your profit margins were? But then again, you have to raise your prices to have that extra cash to spend on advertising campaigns so you can crush any perspective competition.

Well, we admire your guts. But we do wonder how the small independent retailers feel in all of this? Does it even affect them? Sadly it does. Did you know in the UK every month 30 garages close because they cannot compete on your scale? Take a moment to think about how many families that leaves every month struggling to pay their mortgage or wonder when they will get another job? You may answer they can simply apply elsewhere. For many though, the answer is not that simple. Many of these independent retailers service rural areas or small towns, but with customers being ever price savvier, they are now willing to travel further to get the price they want. In reality the price they wanted was always on their doorstep.

It must be nice in such a difficult economic climate to have money in the kitty to spend on advertising, we have to say your advert was very clever indeed. Not only did it undermine the hard work of independent retailers who continue to struggle in such difficult trading conditions, you also managed to lure customers away. We hope however customers have the ability to see beyond a tempting deal and instead support local dealers who continue to fight fairly to gain new business, not through expensive advertising campaigns but instead through good old-fashioned service and a great price.

If we had to choose between Bobs Autos in the advert, and Bob from Volkswagen, we would stick by Bobs Autos; we support the small guy in all of this and give him a voice.

We look forward to hearing your next radio advertising campaign,

Yours Sincerely,

TyreQuote

It’s a dog eat dog market out there, it’s every man for themselves and there is no room for friendly competition. If you can’t cut it, the market will cut you.

Consumers have never been savvier. With the rise of money-saving sites, consumers have learnt never to settle with the first price they are given, and in marketplaces like motoring they know they will always be able to get a better price elsewhere.

So where do the price wars end? Just where exactly is the reasonable point to draw the line? Many independent garages are finding themselves compromising prices to compete with national’s large scale advertising campaigns in a bid to gain new customers in the hope they will return, however it seems the nationals are now stepping up their game in their very on bid to retain customers.

How far will Halfords go to keep customers?

The difference now compared to 5 years ago is that customers have learnt to shop around, and prices are much more accessible now than ever before. With the growth of the internet, a customer can compare prices in seconds, and ensure they are getting the very best deal. However are they getting the best service?

There is an epidemic growing, the nationals are investing more money in marketing to ensure they don’t lose their “valued” customers. Superficially it’s a natural choice for a customer to choose a national garage. They care about PR which means you’re more certain to get a better service; they invest money to ensure you return with lucrative loyalty schemes and with garages across the country you are never far from a repair centre. Whilst this all seems all well and good in theory, customers are forgetting about the little guys in all of this.

Let’s face it, our economy is a bit of a state, and it’s not getting better. Rural areas in particular have been hit hard, and in their small microcosm there is serious damage being done. It’s in these areas that you will mostly find small independent garages that are desperate to earn a living. Many have been in business for decades and often passed down through families. Now though, they have to change how they operate.

Scenes like this are becoming more common across the UK

It seems to be common knowledge that an independent garage will naturally offer better prices than national dealers and garages. Nationals have a reputation for using quality parts but charging steep prices. Independents on the other hand are stereotyped to offer good prices but with lesser quality products. So just exactly where does the truth lay?

Well national garages think they have uncovered the truth.

The price match guarantee: Misleading customers and Killing garages?

Lets welcome the introduction of the “Price Match Guarantee”, and if you have yet to hear about it, then you really should because garages from Halfords to Kwik-Fit are proposing it, not to mention main dealers like Honda, Ford and Vauxhall are jumping on the bandwagon too. So just how does it work? Typically a price match guarantee is quite simple, and superficially it seems to benefit everyone. If a customer finds a cheaper quote from an independent garage within an area that is local to a main dealer, the dealer will match it. This simple promise will ensure that the customer gets not only exceptional price and service, but will be guaranteed the great service dealers offer along with certified car parts. It also guarantees that the dealership keeps their well-earned business. A win-win situation?

Sadly, someone is missing out. The independent garage. There seems to be this general presumption that every independent garage will quote you a great price, but the parts fitted will not be so great. This presumption seems to have derived from various consumer programmes which production companies believe are interesting viewing. Well, they also leave an interesting impact on our economy.

The reality is that these independent garages are fighting for survival in a competitive industry. They don’t have the spare money to splash out on flashy campaigns, and many have yet to embrace the internet to fight their corner. The reality is, is that independent garages cannot afford to lose custom, so they value everyone who comes through their door.  This is good news for the customer. Because they will be guaranteed a better service and price. The idea you will be getting knock-off parts is just that – an idea. If a customer can research various garage prices thoroughly, their research should also uncover the service and quality an independent garage delivers too. Independent garages are trying to fight back, but its a case of David vs Goliath, and this time David needs a little help along the way.

Yes, price matches may be good in theory, but they leave a lasting impression. So next time you choose a garage to service your car, think about who you are giving your money too.