Kwik-Fit Unveils Alternative Calendar

BROXBURN, United Kingdom – December 29, 2008: Kwik-Fit today announces the launch of its Tyre Wall of Shame calendar 2009. Though not as glamorous as the famous Pirelli Calendar with its exotic locations and beautiful models, the Tyre Wall of Shame is equally compelling, and is the perfect gift in helping keep loved ones safe on the roads next year.

Kwik-Fit’s Tyre Wall of Shame 2009 calendar features a dozen shocking images of the most dangerous tyres that customers brought into Kwik-Fit centres during 2008. The really scary part is that, whilst each tyre represents the worst example seen in that particular month, they are just the tip of the iceberg. Indeed, Kwik-Fit says it saw enough tyres like these in 2008 to fill at least 50 calendars.

Worryingly, millions of motorists could be closer than they think to featuring in future calendars as Kwik-Fit research* found one-in-five (5.4 million) motorists to have under-inflated tyres, and one-in-ten (2.7 million) to have driven on tread depths below the legal requirement of 1.6mm.

Driving a car that has an under inflated tyre can result in sudden tyre failure, such as a blowout which can lead to a serious loss of control of the vehicle. Motorists with an under-inflated tyre may also experience poor handling and braking performance.

Tyres with a tread depth beneath the legal minimum of 1.6mm have a profoundly adverse effect on a car’s ability to stop, which can be made worse in wintry conditions.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: “The Tyre Wall of Shame Calendar 2009 is a timely reminder to motorists of the consequences of not looking after their tyres properly. The last thing we want is to produce a ‘Tyre Wall of Shame Calendar 2010’ so we urge motorists to check their tyres regularly to avoid adding to our collection of shockers.

“What’s more, with our popular, cost effective, online tyre booking facility, motorists can order a new set of tyres and have them fitted at a centre of their choice and at a time that is convenient to them.”

To book tyres online motorists should visit www.kwik-fit.com. Motorists who are unsure about tyre inflation or tread can also pop into their local Kwik-Fit centre where they will receive a free check to help keep them safe on the road.