As a tyre fitter in eastern Scotland, I have had my fair share of holidaymakers who have called in desperate need of assistance. Sometimes, drivers have headed too far or too fast on their spare tyre after suffering a flat and have found out the hard way that this can cause excessive wear and tear. There again, I’ve dealt with families who’ve driven hundreds of miles to get north of the border only to find out that their tyres aren’t able to cope with Scottish weather. This tends to affect people who are holidaying in the Highlands, but the fact is, you’ll find these problems all over the country from Fife to Shetland.

What’s my advice for staying safe on the road and enjoying your holiday without waiting hours for roadside assistance? I usually mention these tips to overwrought travellers…

Winter driving at Kinloch Laggan

Upgrade Your Tyres

Do not — under any circumstances — take a chance on tyres that still have a little bit of tread left in them. Street-legal tyres that are almost worn down beyond the limit just can’t cope on many Scottish roads, especially more rural ones, such as the B921. Fit new tyres before heading to more remote locations. Don’t take chances this holiday season — ensure safe driving and reduce the risk of car breakdowns. If you need to buy tyres in Glenrothes, you can book online at Fife Autocentre, where a new set of tyres can help prevent potential issues on the road.

Keep Your Spare Accessible

Even with the best-made plans, you might run over something and suffer a flat. If so, you will want not only your spare tyre to be accessible but also your car’s jack and locking nut. Check they’re all present and correct before packing your boot with bags. I’d also highly recommend a reflective warning triangle. Be sure to deploy, especially if you’ve been forced to stop on the side of the road without a clear line of sight from behind. Doing so could save your life.

Driving in Glen Docherty

Ask Yourself: Are Winter Tyres Appropriate?

If you have come for skiing or in the depths of winter for a Hogmanay celebration, then you might easily encounter sub-zero temperatures. Even if it isn’t snowing, cold weather makes all-purpose tyres less effective. Consider fitting winter tyres for the trip. You can always have them removed at the end of the holiday or when the weather takes a turn for the better and have them fitted again next winter when you return to Scotland for another break in the beautiful countryside.

Conclusion

Taking these steps is probably less costly than most holidaymakers think. New tyres, including upgrading your spare or fitting winter tyres, won’t break the bank, but they could make the difference between enjoying your holiday or feeling stressed out during it.

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