Tyre retailer Kwik Fit has introduced social distancing measures for its mobile fleet operators as interest in the service has risen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has seen a 15% rise in enquiries for tyre-fitting appointments at customer homes, the majority of which are due to people self-isolating, it says.

Measures include avoiding direct contact between the Kwik Fit technician and the customer.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “While normal life has been severely curtailed and many people are keeping travel to a minimum, it is still important for people’s peace of mind that their car is ready in case of emergency.

“We have responded to the increased requirements with greater stock levels to meet demand but, more importantly, by introducing key precautions to help reduce the spread of the virus.”

To avoid direct contact between the Kwik Fit technician and the customer, the company is asking customers to provide their car key without direct contact, for instance by putting the key on their front doorstep and going back inside.

Where possible, Kwik Fit will ask the customer to also provide the locking wheel nut from inside the vehicle. 

This way, the technican can carry out the work without entering the interior of the car.

The technicians are cleaning their hands between each job and using fresh protective gloves for each vehicle.

These measures, along with not coming into close contact with the customer, are designed to minimise any risk of passing infection between customers.