Friday 24 October 2014

Tiff Needell Promotes Good Garage Scheme Winter Check

British racing driver and presenter, Tiff Needell, is once again in the studio today helping the Good Garage Scheme to promote itsWinter Check campaign.

With clocks going back this weekend, it is an ideal time to visit a Good Garage Scheme member to ensure your car is ready for darker days and colder temperatures.

The Good Garage Scheme Winter Check gets your car ready for winter with a 20-point check to assess the condition of tyres, brakes, lights, antifreeze, wiper blades and air bags.

By taking advantage of this seasonal check, motorists will be made aware of any problems with their vehicle and give them the opportunity to make any neccessary repairs.


It is quick and easy to find a garage in your local area offering the Winter Check – simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com. Enter your postcode or town name and a list will appear of garages for you to choose from.

Useful Tip: Download the Good Garage Scheme's Free app before you drive this winter so wherever you go in the UK, a garage you trust will never be far away.

Friday 17 October 2014

Don't get blown away this autumn

Changes in wind speed can affect your driving, but with the latest tips from the leading road safety charity, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), you can find ways to better prepare for the windy weather – ensuring your drive is as safe as possible.

What’s around the corner?
As you approach a sharp bend, ease off the acceleration. You never know what’s around the corner. Gusts of wind can force large branches to fall onto the road, completely blocking it. Be prepared for any debris that obstructs the road and be ready to make a U-turn and use another route if necessary.

Don’t get blown away

Be aware of other motorists around you as the windy weather can affect both their and your vehicles. Strong winds usually come in gusts blowing motorcycles, lorries and buses from side to side. If you’re driving on the motorway, keep an eye on other vehicles making sure you hold firmly onto your steering wheel to stay in control. Be aware that as you come out from overtaking a lorry, there is likely to be a strong side wind pushing against your vehicle.

Park it right

If possible, avoid parking your car in a bay that is surrounded by trees as high winds can cause large branches and debris to fall on to your car bonnet. Gusts of wind can also force parked cars to shudder, so make sure you fully apply your hand brake before leaving the car. If it’s a manual gearbox leave it in gear – this is very important if you’re parking your car on a slope.

Planned and routed

Last but not least, make sure you plan your route ahead to avoid any disruptions. Narrow roads are more likely to get blocked by fallen trees, branches and wet leaves in the windy weather – it is therefore best to avoid narrow roads and lanes which are exposed to debris.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM for these useful tips and also remind motorists to always ensure your phone is charged before setting off in the car and download the Good Garage Scheme app in case you need to contact a nearby garage for help.

Wednesday 1 October 2014

Tyre Safety Month - October 2014

The Good Garage Scheme joins with Tyresafe, one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, in this year's Tyre Safety Month by helping to spread the message about the importance of checking tyres.
courtesy of Tyresafe

According to Tyresafe, more than 1,200 road casualties are caused by illegal, defective or under-flated tyres and after experiencing the wettest winter on record only last year, this year's campaign focusses on tread depth which is essential for safe driving in wet conditions.

Points to remember about tyre tread depth:

  • Good tyre tread depth keeps you safer in the wet
  • Adequate tread depth reduces your risk of aquaplaning
  • Tyre tread depths should be checked at least once a month
  • Driving on tyres with illegal tread depth not only reduces your safety but also risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre

What you can do

  • Check the tyre tread depth using a 20p coin (if you can see the outer edge of the coin, your tyres may be illegal). Carry out this test on all grooves of the tread and on all four tyres.
  • If you are unsure, take your car to a local garage you can trust. Find a Good Garage Scheme member near you offering a Winter Check, which includes a tyre check.
  • Tyresafe says take a #Tyreselfie and share with friends on social media to help promote Tyre Safety Month

yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf