ATS Euromaster: Motorists Urged to Prepare as Forecaster Predicts the Worst Winter on Record
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Mon Jun 13, 2011 6:40am EDT

ATS Euromaster: Motorists Urged to Prepare as Forecaster Predicts the Worst Winter on Record

ATS Euromaster is urging motorists to pre-order cold weather tyres after a meteorologist predicted this winter will “break all records” in terms of snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Specialist long-range forecaster James Madden, of Exacta Weather, correctly predicted the harsh conditions experienced over the last two years and gave his forecast to ATS Euromaster as it prepares to fit cold weather tyres in the UK for the second year running.

He warns: “The UK is to brace itself for well below average temperatures and widespread heavy snowfall throughout winter 2011/2012 which will result in the fourth bad winter in succession, and will prove to be the worst of them all.

“I fully expect records to be broken, with the Highlands of Scotland being once again particularly hard hit. It is vital to start preparing now.”

ATS Euromaster’s decision to introduce a system of pre-ordering cold weather tyres follows unprecedented demand last year, when many retailers sold out within days of the first snowfall.

From 20 June 2011, motorists can reserve Michelin, Pirelli, Avon or Riken cold weather tyres at their local ATS Euromaster. Customers will pay a 25% deposit, with the balance due when the tyres are fitted in September, October or November.

Chris Hufflett, Group Operations Director at ATS Euromaster, says: “With the forecast of another bad winter on the cards we’re confident our pre-ordering system will help car and van owners to guarantee supply and avoid the mad scramble to secure tyres when the wintry conditions return.”

ATS Euromaster warns that whilst it has ordered additional stocks, massive demand from mainland Europe – where fitment of cold weather tyres is a legal requirement in many countries – means UK supplies may still run short.

Cold weather tyres use a higher concentration of silica to prevent the rubber hardening when the temperature drops below 7°C, together with a specially designed tread pattern which ensures they provide better grip, handling and reduced braking distances in the cold – as well as on wet, snow and ice covered roads.

Prices start from £174 for a set of four Riken 145/70 R13 cold weather tyres, including fitting, and are available from 350 ATS Euromaster centres nationwide. To locate your nearest ATS Euromaster call 0800 601060 or visit www.atseuromaster.co.uk

James Madden’s forecast is based on major natural factors, including solar activity, and how they impact weather and climate on Earth. His forecasting techniques have attracted significant attention after correctly forecasting seasonal trends in the UK – and following the Met Office’s decision to scrap its own seasonal forecasts in March 2010, after being criticised for failing to predict extreme weather.

Madden’s forecasts are shared globally via Exacta Weather, a non-profit weather organisation that comprises a team of meteorologists from around the world.



ATS Euromaster
James Keeler or Lucy Harvey
020 8647 4467

Oh great. Thanks for making summer even worse than it already is.....

A tyre company suggesting bad weather so get your winter tyres?

Am I the only cynical one?

Based purely on a 'hunch' I also think we are in for a grim winter, therefore anyone out there who is yet to buy a FFRR then please come and see us and we will order one up for you (while stocks last of course)!!

In the meantime we have a good selection of vehicles with sunroof's and cool boxes.

James

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"Open Mike Night " sounded like a lot of fun until i found out i was going to an Autopsy

better start sending flyers to the bus companies in your area now "FFRR for hire !"

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I used my TDV8 to pull one of our Ivecos. It went really well with 5 tonnes on the back.

you'd better get this guy to make one of these

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If you going to spend ££££ on a Range Rover with a superb but complicated Four Wheel Drive system then it makes sense to ensure you have Winter Tyres so that it can function properly when you need it too.....

now there's a question...will a range go through snow better with snow tyres or will normal road tyres be equally as good..logic says yes but is it mostly down to the 4x4 drive..

When i was at a garage around february time (all car garage, mainly chryslers), the salesman said that Range Rovers were flying out of the window around christmas time. Everyone wanted to purchase one, and were selling way above the "book-price" due to the snow we were having in our area (rather than it being a christmas present)

If the weathers bad this year I may sell my FFRR for a good sum, and think about upgrading

scarey wrote:

now there's a question...will a range go through snow better with snow tyres or will normal road tyres be equally as good..logic says yes but is it mostly down to the 4x4 drive..

Actually I don't think 4x4 is as good as everyone thinks. Yes, it gives you more traction, but that is all it does.
On road tyres it will go further, but...

Stopping or turning require grip. A 2wd car on winter/snow tyres is better in the depths of winter than a 4x4 on road tyres. All our continental friends manage very well with 2wd and winter tyres.

My FFRR was fine in the snow on road tyres.
But our 2wd Yeti was better with it's winter tyres on. More grip and half the weight.

It doesn't matter how fast you can accelerate, you've still got to stop for junctions and get round the corner rather than end up in somebodies front garden.

4x4 = Better Traction.
Tyres = Grip.


So in summary, if I had the choice of 4x4 and road tyres or 2WD and snow tyres. I'd have the 2WD thanks.
It was a shock to me when I found out too, as I thought my RangeRover was much better than all these silly little 2WD cars in winter. Tyres are what's most important on an icy road.

Fox wrote:

So in summary, if I had the choice of 4x4 and road tyres or 2WD and snow tyres. I'd have the 2WD thanks.
It was a shock to me when I found out too, as I thought my RangeRover was much better than all these silly little 2WD cars in winter. Tyres are what's most important on an icy road.

but if you do stick to road tyres, then the weight of the FFRR will help with some traction. A light car with road tyres just stays where it is & moonwalks

i remember last time we had the heavy snow my bmw wouldn't even move so had to use the wifes maverick which was surprisingly good and yes it did have snow tyres....

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Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

I'd like to be in the vehicle to the right over Christmas !
That would be fun.