HiQ anticipating a hole lot of trouble

The HiQ fast fit network is urging motorists to take extra care on roads for the rest of the year, after it predicted a major surge in wheel and tyre damage this winter.

The network, with 150 centres across the UK, today said that wheel alignment related problems were up 20 per cent compared to September 2009.

With summer now firmly over and temperatures expected to drop, HiQ is advising motorists to be careful, as pot holes may start to show signs of reappearing.

HiQ’s fast fit manager Stuart Carr said: “Last winter, the damage caused to vehicles left many owners with unwanted bills, with specific damage to wheels, tyres and suspension.

“There is a huge need and demand for wheel alignment to be carried out correctly and we are in a position to do this.

“However, with the learnings from last year’s Big Freeze, we would urge motorists to take care on roads and continue to exercise as much caution as possible.

“Last year’s pot holes were horrendous. We saw around 20 extra pot hole related visits per week per centre, so the issue was a very real one.”

HiQ works closely with Pro-Align and has introduced the brand’s technology to a number of its forecourts already.

Pro-Align regional sales manager Greg Thompson said: “HiQ has stolen a march on its competitors with our wheel alignment systems.

“Hitting pot holes, speed humps and paving kerbs can all create mis-alignment. This will result in poor handling and an overall safety concern.

“We can’t stress enough the importance of regular tyre and alignment checks, and this equipment plays a big part.”
For more information about HiQ, click on www.hiqonline.co.uk

VAN CENTRE CALLS FOR MOTORISTS TO REPORT POTHOLES

A Bristol van centre has issued advice to drivers on avoiding expensive damage to vans caused by potholes.

With complaints about potholes reaching unprecedented levels, Heritage Volkswagen Van Centre has recorded a 100% increase in damage to customers’ vehicles.

The site is now urging all commercial vehicle drivers to be aware of the dangers on the region’s roads.

Charles Roberts, Heritage Volkswagen’s brand manager, said: “Hitting a pothole can damage the tyres, wheels, suspension or steering. It could even cause an accident.

“Commercial vehicles are particularly vulnerable as they are heavier than normal cars, and often carry loads.

“The most common repair work is on broken wheel rims, split tyres and wheels forced out of alignment, causing steering problems.

“Drivers may not be aware if you hit a pothole that hasn’t been reported to the local council and damage your car, you can't claim against the council because they can say they didn't know about it.

“We’re advising drivers to inform the local council of any potholes, so they can be repaired and reduce the damage to other vehicles using the road.”

The AA backed the warning, and said that emergency road maintenance funding was required to stop crumbling roads costing more in compensation and accidents.

AA President Edmund King said this week: “The pothole season has come early this year. Drivers are relieved when the snow and ice has gone, but shouldn’t be complacent.

“Due to the severe winter, it could be a record year for potholes – one million scars of the worst winter in 30 years.”