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The newspapers are full of the winter weather forecasts and it seems we’re in for a full repeat of last year’s snow, but given the prediction for a barbeque summer I won’t be holding my breath. What is more certain, though, is my Dragon’s Den idea for dealers.

Last year we saw first-hand proof that it’s not what you drive, it’s the way that you drive it. Full size 4x4s slipped around on wide wheels and cars that usually cope in all weathers were suddenly stopped in their tracks by their own low-profile alloys. Meanwhile skinny-tyred hatchbacks made decent headway on roads that caught councils out across the country..

Online, the debate seemed to be between opting for a four wheel drive or winter tyres and with the consensus split down the middle, you couldn’t buy block-tread rubber or a ropey Pajero for love nor money. eBay seemed to do a roaring trade in barely-MOT’d 4x4s and tyre fitters couldn’t get winter wheels in quickly enough.

So this year, I think more drivers will try to be better prepared. Our local fast-fits are already advertising winter tyres on their hoardings and the prices of off-roaders seems to be hardening a little as we brace ourselves for whatever blows in from the Arctic. It’s probably only a matter of time before winter rubber is mandated for car in the same way it is in parts of Europe, so here’s where my idea comes in.

Two sets of tyres a year will mean upfront sales but slower overall wear for consumers who are unlikely to want to bin their tyres after six months, which could be bad news for dealers. The solution? Offer a second set of alloys pre-fitted with winter rubber and rent customers some year-round space to store their spare wheels. A low charge to swap them over twice a year and everyone’s happy.

The weather forecast might not be accurate but I think I could be onto a winner here.

By Tim Heavisides, Group CEO of Car Care Plan Holdings.

This article originally featured in Car Dealer Magazine.

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