Good Garage Scheme on BBC Radio

The Good Garage Scheme began its radio campaign on the first day of summer with a message to motorists to check their cars before setting off on holiday. Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy spoke on behalf of the Good Garage Scheme warning of the dangers of air conditioning contamination.

As always the British summertime weather is keeping us guessing, so to ensure you’re not raging in a lay-by instead of enjoying that all-important family holiday, it’s essential to be prepared to drive in all conditions.

Maria spoke on BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Scotland to name a few about the results of the research the Good Garage Scheme has carried out.

Anyone interested in a Holiday Check should visit the Good Garage Scheme website and find a local garage offering this service.

Safe motoring this summer!

Breathe Easy This Summer

When the sun finally does come out this summer, you will naturally reach for the coolest setting of your car's air conditioning once again to drive in comfort. Like most people you probably haven't given the air conditioning unit a thought over the winter, but while turned off for so many months, bacteria, mould and fungi may have collected in the pipework.

Bacteria found in the ducts of
 a vehicle's air conditioning 

A bad smell in the car is a telltale sign that the air conditioning system needs a specific treatment. Nasty bacteria and mould are not so easily detected but may cause allergic symptoms for the driver and passengers.

Good Garage Scheme members are offering customers a Holiday Check this summer which includes checking the operation of the air conditioner including a bad odour. The check can be carried out while you wait.

Why not find a local Good Garage Scheme member offering the Holiday Check and make sure you and your passengers can "Breathe easy".

Is Your Car Ready for Summer Driving?

With the summer holidays fast approaching, the Good Garage Scheme is encouraging motorists to get their cars professionally checked to ensure they are safe, reliable and comfortable as the temperature increases.  Members of the Good Garage Scheme across the UK are offering a Holiday Check to offer drivers peace of mind, as research undertaken by the organisation has found that 38 per cent of motorists do not plan to get their car serviced before their next long journey.

Towing a caravan or carrying passengers with a boot full of luggage demands that a car is in the best possible condition to provide safe, reliable and comfortable summer motoring.  The 21-point HolidayCheck provides an expert assessment of a vehicle’s condition, covering essential areas including the condition and level of the coolant and engine oil, as well as the brakes, tyres, wiper blades, windscreen and lights.  The Good Garage Scheme also recommends that motorists have their air conditioning systems checked.  Harmful bacteria and mould may have built up in the ducts of systems that have been switched off during the cooler months, posing a health risk to drivers and passengers as they switch them back on.

Phil Dugmore, the Good Garage Scheme’s Technical Manager, comments: “The Holiday Check campaign gives motorists the confidence that their car is well prepared by getting it expertly checked at their local member workshop.  With our research finding that 38 per cent of drivers are not thinking about getting their car serviced before setting off on a long journey, the Holiday Check aims to give motorists peace of mind before setting off on travels with family and friends.”

Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and enter your postcode to find your local Good Garage Scheme member offering the Holiday Check.  Smartphone users can also download a free iPhone or Android app to help them locate a nearby Good Garage Scheme member anywhere in the UK.