Compass Royston Coach Hire Benefits from Giti Winter Tyre
Giti Tire’s first specific winter marked tyre, the Giti GSW226 has proven its extreme weather credentials during a nine-day trip to Switzerland and Austria for Compass Royston. Stockton-on-Tees-based Compass Royston, which undertakes transport for schools, travel operators and counts Middlesbrough and Hartlepool United Football Clubs among its many sport clients, decided to trial the tyre based on brand feedback from its sister companies, Esk Valley Coaches and Proctors Coaches.
For the trip the company selected a DAF Berkhof Axial Mk3, which carries 57 passengers and has a load capacity of 18,000kg, and operated with 315/80R22.5 across all six positions. One of the many tyres which are being rebranded to Giti from GT Radial, the size has benefitted from an increased load index to 158/150L (154/150M), with all four sizes being three peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) accredited.
Martin Bainbridge, Transport Manager at Compass Royston, said: “We have primarily used various premium manufacturers for our overseas winter routes, but with feedback from our sister companies who operate with the tyres year-round, and our great relationship with the regional salesman, we decided to put Giti to the test.
Workshop Manager added Gary Buxton; “The feedback from the workshop and the drivers is nothing but positive. The main observation is the excellent road handling in both snow and ice, but also it was noted how good they perform when the roads were simply dry or wet.”
The Giti GSW226 is designed for coach operators, hauliers and gritter fleets who need to meet UK and trans-European winter road regulations. Classed as a high traction steer and trailer axle tyre, it is available in 315/70R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 385/55R22.5 and 385/65R22.5. The load index ranges from 156/150 (154/150) to 164K (160L). The tyre offers all-season capabilities and decent performance in severe winter conditions including snowy, icy and wet roads. It has been designed with a wide shoulder groove to deliver optimum handling and stability and utilises an advanced compound for high mileage potential.