That is the message from tyres giant Michelin now aiming to spread its 'have two sets of wheels-tyres' philosophy Europewide.
Cost: An average £550 for family cars, it estimates.
Already in the Netherlands and Belgium up to 12 per cent of motorists accept having10 wheels for two sets of tyres. Five shod wheels are always in store for £1-day or often f.o.c.
Tyre and fast-fit specialists are permanently storing tyre shod wheels for thousands of motorists. In Holland British-based Kwik-Fit has recently bought a large warehouse for the purpose.
Netherlands born Frank Tanke, 29, a key account manager at Michelin, is now launching its cold weather tyres in Britain. He says: 'In noise, cost, and wear they are the same as summer tyres.
'But tread compounds differ so that summer tyres ride on the road surface and cold weather tyres key into it. Maintaining optimum safe braking distances in all road conditions is the big gain.'
Between October and March in 2003 (latest available figures) road accidents in England and Wales were 6393 more (267 per cent higher) than in the other half year.
Why store wheels f.o.c? To retain customers. Motorists go back twice a year for their wheels. With paid for fitment they frequently also buy check-ups and other attention they might otherwise miss.
Plus, the centres sell wheels and tyres - smart alloys with summer tyres and steel wheels with cold weather tyres.
Some storage centres charge around £50-year.