MOST private motorists see the buying of tyres, shock absorbers, or

batteries as something of an imposition -- just another series of items

to be added to the total bill for staying mobile.

Unhappily, many otherwise responsible citizens still try to postpone

this expense until it is too late and subsequently either fall foul of

the law -- or are involved in an accident.

Prudent drivers do not grudge spending money on what is, after all,

preventive maintenance. Regular checks on tyres and exhaust systems can

be carried out by the expert staff at any of the 21 McConechy depots

nationwide, and there is no pressure put on motorists to do anything

that's not required.

Tyre wear happens very slowly at the outset and then accelerates as

the component clocks up the miles. In winter, when the weather

discourages frequent car-cleaning or checks, we are inclined to soldier

on, even to the extent of ignoring that tell-tale twitch when cornering.

Any deviation from the car's normal handling is put down to road

conditions.

It is false economy. Better that we take a leaf out of the competition

driver's notebook and look at our tyres, shock absorbers, and brake

shoes before anything else.

The McConechy network now offers a 24-hour roadside emergency service

throughout Britain and accessed via a Freephone number. This is

accomplished by using a network of qualified agents nationwide who can

help out in an emergency -- an essential back-up particularly for

commercial vehicle operators and high-mileage business drivers.

The company is also deeply involved with Fleet Tyre Management, an

independent management company which provides a complete national tyre,

exhaust, and battery service to the country's biggest leasing and rental

organisations.

This allows these companies to enjoy all the benefits of a

nationally-agreed customer care code operated through 800 outlets, with

guaranteed pricing on 19 brands of tyres, a collection and delivery

service, and a whole portfolio of other important services which will

save them time and money.

In other words: if you are a private motorist, a small trader, a large

fleet operator, contract hire or vehicle rental company, McConechy's can

be of help.

Firestone, Dunlop, Goodyear -- name your brand of tyre and it can

probably be supplied. Being independent, McConechy's is not locked into

promotional deals with any manufacturer.

The philosophy today remains what it has always been: to give the

customer top-quality service allied to the widest possible choice at the

most competitive price. This, in a nutshell, is what BS5750 is all

about.