Friday 25 October 2013

Maria McCarthy Promotes Good Garage Scheme

Motoring journalist, Maria McCarthy, is the spokesperson for the Good Garage Scheme's Winter Check national radio campaign, which begins today and urges motorists to be safe as the days get shorter.



Maria will be on the radio with the likes of BBC Scotland and LBC (London's Biggest Conversation) Radio answering questions about the importance of having your car checked and knowing where to find a Good Garage Scheme member if you need one.

Winter vehicle check

With the clocks going back this weekend and darkness on its way, it’s crucial that drivers and their vehicles are prepared for the dangerous driving conditions ahead of them.

Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com to find a local garage offering a Winter Check.

Maria McCarthy has written The Girl's Car Handbook: Everything You Need to Know about Life on the Road and The Girls' Guide to Losing Your L-plates: How to Pass Your Driving Test.

Maria is a regular commentator on motoring matters on BBC Breakfast News and News 24, GMTV, Radio 5 Live, Woman's Hour, You and Yours, and Jeremy Vine.

For more information about Maria McCarthy, visit www.mariamccarthy.co.uk.


Tuesday 22 October 2013

Drivers, Know Your Limits

There are not too many drivers who can say that they have never exceeded the speed limit.

The rules are there to keep everyone safe, and it is astonishing how many drivers are unsure of the speed limit rules.

According to The Highway Code (available in most bookshops as a paperback at a cost of approximately £2:50 or available free online),  Rules 124
states:

You MUST NOT exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle. The presence of street lights generally means that there is a 30 mph (48 km/h) speed limit unless otherwise specified. 

Rule 125 continues to advise:

The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions. Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions is dangerous. You should always reduce your speed when:

  • the road layout or condition presents hazards, such as bends
  • sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders, particularly children, and motorcyclists
  • weather conditions make it safer to do so
  • driving at night as it is more difficult to see other road users

The National Speed Limit for cars and motorcycles (including car-derived vans up to 2 tonnes max laden weight) are as follows:
  • Built-up areas*                  30 mph

  • Single carriageways          60 mph 

  • Dual carriageways            70 mph 

  • Motorways                        70 mph  

* The 30 mph limit usually applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.


The Good Garage Scheme advises all motorists to drive safely and if in any doubt about the braking system on their vehicle, visit a local member garage soon.

It's like having a friend in the know.


 

Friday 11 October 2013

Good Garage Scheme Kicks off on DAVE TV

The Good Garage Scheme is pleased to have kicked off its winter advertising campaign on Monday, 7th October.  Miles Better appeared once again on on Dave TV and its plus-one channel, Dave Ja Vu TV, encouraging motorists to visit the website and find a local trustworthy Good Garage Scheme member garage.

So far results have shown an increase 120% of visitors to www.GoodGarageScheme.com and the number of motorists downloading the app has increased by 160%.
photo courtesy of Lawlor Motor Company

The advert was filmed at long-standing member garage, Lawlor Motor Company in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. John and the team, along with our own Miles Better, will be appearing on Dave TV alongside Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear crew and other favourites on Have I Got News for You.

If you missed the advert on DAVE or Dave Ja Vu, click here to watch now.

The Good Garage Scheme is now promoting its Winter Check. The temperatures have started dropping. Make sure your car is ready for winter. Find a Good Garage Scheme member near you offering a Winter Check.

It's like having a friend in the know!


Friday 4 October 2013

Get Ready for Winter Driving

With cold weather just around the corner and nights beginning to draw in, the Good Garage Scheme is encouraging motorists to have their cars professionally checked to ensure they are safe and reliable in the winter months ahead. From October 1st Good Garage Scheme workshops across the UK are offering a Winter Check to help protect vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents, costly repairs and breakdowns.

The Good Garage Scheme Winter Check covers the condition and level of antifreeze, engine oil and brake fluid as well as the state of brakes and tyres. The Winter Check also includes inspection of wiper blades and all
lights. As a result, motorists taking advantage of the Good Garage Scheme Winter Check can be sure that their car is well prepared for the frosty months ahead.

Simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and enter your postcode to find your local Good Garage Scheme workshop offering the Winter Check to protect you and your car.

Smartphone users can also download a Free iPhone or Android app to keep on the phone when out and about.

The Good Garage Scheme - it's like having a friend in the know!