Unused Air Conditioning Systems Top the List for Driver Concerns

Seventy-three per cent of motorists think their unused air conditioning systems are the part of their cars that require the most "TLC" after a long winter.

The remarkable figure comes courtesy of a recent customer poll by the Good Garage Scheme, which asked over 3,300 motorists what parts of their cars they think require extra "TLC" after the cold winter months. Unused air conditioner came out on top as the motoring nation’s biggest concern; 62% more saying that they are worried about their cooling system rather than their engine. Tyres (6%), windscreen wipers (5%) and brakes (4%) also made the final list.
 
Poorly maintained air conditioning systems can amass harmful mould and bacteria through periods of disuse that has been linked by medical professionals to ill health, symptoms of influenza and even Legionnaires' disease – a potential killer!
 
Legionella bacteria are widespread in nature, mainly found in air conditioning and cooling systems which spread droplets of water over a wide area. Circulating water droplets in air-conditioning and cooling systems, cooling towers and evaporative condensers have been proven to cause such side effects as a high temperature, cough, muscle pains, headaches and in more extreme cases, pneumonia, diarrhoea and mental confusion.

 

Dr Sarah Jarvis, television GP and blogger at Patient.co.uk, said: "We all value our health, but in our busy lives it’s all too easy to forget that overlooking simple maintenance tasks can put our health at serious risk. Legionnaires' disease is a potentially fatal lung condition which can be spread through air conditioning systems, whose warm water provide an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria that cause it. These days, most cars are equipped with air conditioning systems – and they need proper maintenance to keep them safe. Look online at Patient.co.uk to find out more about Legionnaires' disease and how you can avoid it."
 
Anndi Sheppard, Marketing Manager for the Good Garage Scheme added: “The results of our latest poll show that a significant number of motorists are concerned about their air conditioning systems. Fortunately, there are thousands of Good Garage Scheme members able to offer a Spring Check and offer peace of mind going into the warmer months.”
 
To find a garage offering a Spring Check, visit http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/spring_check and enter your postcode or town name.
 

Fifty-two year old Hillman Minx donated to Coventry’s Transport Museum

A 1960 Hillman Minx, affectionately called “Betty” by the car owner’s family, which has been off the road for the last eighteen years has been donated to Coventry Transport Museum. An engine problem caused the end of its travels and the owner couldn’t bear to see the car scrapped or sold.

The car is thought to be one of just five left in existence, due to the Easidrive automatic gearbox system in it. It will begin being displayed “as found” but a restoration of the vehicle is planned for a later date.

Stephanie Brown, of Coventry Transport Museum, said: “We are delighted to have been able to save the car, because the Minx is a very significant car for Coventry. Considering the car’s age and the fact that it has been untouched in a garage since 1994, it’s in much better condition than you would expect.”

“It’s not suffering from the level of rust that we would usually see in such a vehicle, and the interior is particularly immaculate.

It’s got very nice red seats that are pretty much perfect. It’s like a time capsule in there.”

 

This will extend the museum’s collection of Minxes, which also has another of this owner’s previous cars, which was donated in 1991 - a 1967 Super Minx estate.
The Hillman Minx was a car produced by Rootes at its Ryton-on-Dunsmore plant for nearly forty years from the early 1930s to the end of the 1960s.

Keeping your car maintained is vital to ensure the longevity of your car’s life. For tips on maintaining some of your car’s parts, visit http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.u/maintainyourcar 

A star is born…Please help us name him

We are proud to introduce a new member of the Good Garage Scheme team.

He will be appearing in our brand new television marketing campaign due to start in March on SKY and DAVE TV.

We're looking for a name for our new star. Please help us give him a great name, and if your suggestion is chosen you could win a Free Tank of Fuel*.

If you wish to enter please send your suggestion, your name and a contact email address and telephone number to marketing@goodgaragescheme.co.uk.

All entries must be received by 31st March. Any received after this date will not be considered. *worth up to £70

In the event that the winning entry is suggested by more than one person, all entries with the same name will be placed in an envelope and one winner will be drawn.

For further information about the competition visit http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/chappie