Ford is to offer a 'tyre hotel' summer tyre storage package, when customers change to winter tyres.

The car manufacturer is recommending the option for high performance cars, such as the all-new Ford Focus RS and Mustang, as well as SUVs including Ford Edge and Kuga - but it is available across the Ford range.

A legal requirement in some European countries, winter tyres outperform summer tyres in temperatures below seven degrees across all weather conditions. They reduce braking distances by up to 20%, increase grip and ensure optimum vehicle performance.  

Ford’s tyre ‘hotel’ service will store customers’ summer tyres for up to six months for a recommended retail price of around £22 per tyre.

More than 150 Ford dealers are offering this service across the UK.

Sarah Brettle, Ford of Britain aftersales marketing manager, said: “Ford is responding to the demands of customers, especially those driving high-performance or all-wheel drive cars interested in the reassurance of improved tyre grip during colder weather.”