Kwik-Fit offers puncture protection through Michelin deal

Research carried out for Kwik-Fit shows tyre damage from potholes to have more than doubled in the last year. Based upon the findings of the ICM Research-conducted survey of 2,000 adults, the fast fit company estimates the number of motorists sidelined by a pothole related puncture to have grown from 1.5 million in 2009 to 3.8 million in the preceding 12 months. In 61 per cent of cases this brief pothole encounter led to irreparable tyre damage; survey respondents reported spending an average of £65 on replacement tyres.

In all, more than a quarter of UK motorists – 8.8 million in total – are estimated to have experienced a puncture in the past 12 months and a total of £570 million was spent getting these hapless drivers mobile again. Alongside pothole damage, another significant factor leading to the replacement of previously perfectly good tyres was the force of collision against a kerb; in severe cases this can rupture a tyre’s structural integrity, causing bulges, and alloy or steel wheels can get bent out of shape. Unlike punctures, bulges can go unnoticed, usually leading to sudden deflation, or blowout, at a later time.

Kwik-Fit customers can gain additional peace of mind, however; the fast fitter reports it has entered into an exclusive arrangement with Michelin to offer a free accidental tyre damage guarantee. Kwik-Fit will repair or reimburse all or part of the cost of any Michelin tyre purchased through its outlets until May 28 should an unexpected puncture occur. The guarantee provides free puncture repair, valve, rebalancing and nitrogen for the legal life of the tyre and if a puncture can’t be repaired a replacement tyre will be offered for free or for a reduced price, depending on the tyre’s age.

“Cars may have improved in quality over the years but the same can’t be said for our road surfaces, which in places resemble an obstacle course for motorists,” comment Kwik-Fit chief executive Ian Fraser. “Britain’s road network has borne the brunt of two harsh winters and the explosion in potholes has piled on the misery for motorists already reeling from recent fuel hikes. As well as deteriorating roads, driving too fast over speed bumps has also contributed to a large number of damaged tyres. While speed bumps can be frustrating they serve a purpose and motorists can easily avoid coming a cropper by slowing down.

“By teaming up with Michelin to offer an accidental tyre damage guarantee, motorists can take to the road safe in the knowledge that a blow-out won’t end up deflating their wallet too,” Fraser added.