SATURDAY PITSTOP WITH ESSEX FORD BILLERICAY - 12.1.8

Beat the winter weather on the road

First guest to make a pitstop on Phoenix FM this morning was Chris Wakley, of Tyre Safe - promotors of tyre safety and awareness. Chris came on air in the light of car accidents on wet roads in winter leaping by a huge 267 per cent increase.

To be safe on the road Phoenix FM listeners were reminded of the 1.6mm minimum tread depth required on tyres. A new product now available is the cold weather tyre - developed for improved grip at seven degrees Celsius or below.

The tread compound of normal tyres hardens and loses grip at this temperature. Cold weather tyres avoid this thanks to more natural rubber content which doesn't harden as temperatures plunge. If desired, cold weather tyres can be used all year to avoid changing between two different sets. More at www.tyresafe.org

Further advice on the Saturday Pitstop covered a seven-point plan for drivers this winter:

1. Set off with sufficient fuel
2. De-ice whole windscreen (no "porthole vision")
3. Stick where possible to gritted routes
4. Take fully charged mobile
5. Headlights on in heavy rain/snow (foglights too where visibility less than 100m)
6. Take high energy snacks and flask of hot drink/soup
7. Ensure blanket, waterproof and stout footwear are on board

Going underground to park

Saturday Pitstop listener Gary Ames, of Primrose Hill, wanted to know why underground parking was not part of plans for a new shopping/cinema development destined for Brentwood's William Hunter Way.

Allan Lockhart, boss of the developers Stockland Halladale, had answered precisely this question as part of a wider William Hunter Way discussion shortly after first plans for the site were submitted.

According to Stockland Halladale, three main factors count against putting the 650 spaces earmarked for the new centre in the basement:

1. Amount of plant and ventilation equipment required to circulate air and vehicle fumes, with associated noise and emissions from this machinery
2. Cost
3. Removal of material off site and out of town to make way for planned four-storey car park

From Saturday Pitstop sponsors Essex Ford Billericay

In support of winter driving, Essex Ford Billericay announced two offers to Phoenix FM listeners:

1. Buy a set of four Continental tyres and pay for only three with 500 Nectar points available on the transaction (available to 31.1.8) 2. Free tyre and tracking check anytime (call for an appointment)

Essex Ford, London Road, Billericay, 01277 652242 www.essexford.com

Article by Oliver Rowe, 12 Jan 2008
Posted in Saturday Morning with Oliver Rowe

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