Tuesday 31 March 2015

Spring Clean Your Car

Spring drive, couple, convertible
The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is sharing advice with drivers to ensure their cars are well-prepared for the spring. Here are seven important tips from the IAM’s chief examiner, Peter Rodger, to see you through the season.

  1. Now is a good time to give your car a complete spring clean inside and out. Give the outside of your car specific attention as patches of grime and dirt collected over the winter can cause corrosion. Wash your car thoroughly and take it to a car wash that specialises in under-side cleaning.
  2. Check your car lights and windscreen wiper blades are working properly and make sure the tyres are not damaged or worn – if any of these need replacing do it before you start your journey. Keeping a spare pack of car bulbs in your boot is also a good idea.
  3. Top up your brake fluid as you may have used more of it during the winter months. The same applies to your washer screen fluid and coolant levels. If you’re unsure about topping these up consult your handbook or take it to a mechanic.
  4. If you’re allergic to pollen, the onset of hay fever can affect your driving during the spring. Use a pollen filter or switch the air-conditioning on to help purify the air.
  5. Tree sap can be hard to remove once it hardens so don’t forget to give your car a regular wash-over using some hot water and a clean sponge – this should help the sap to dissolve.
  6. If you find the sap has hardened and difficult to remove use a colour restorer and an electric polisher. Use specialist cleaning pads to buff the car paint into the metal, but don’t ever use household cleaning pads as these will ruin the car’s paintwork.
  7. Always keep a pair of sunglasses with you; these will come in handy when dealing with glare from early morning and evening low sun.
Peter said: “Many annoying problems can be prevented by simple checks and regular maintenance. Keeping your windows and mirrors clear of dirt and blemishes can prevent accidents and save lives.”


The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the IAM for this week's helpful blog and advises motorists to visit their local member garage for a Spring Check.

http://www.goodgaragescheme.com/spring_check











Wednesday 18 March 2015

BBC Radio Oxford Interviews Good Garage Scheme member


Mike Nash, NMV Service, Mechanic in workshop
photo courtesy of NMV Services Ltd

Kat Orman of BBC Radio Oxford called on her family mechanic at NMV Services in Faringdon,
Oxfordshire and interviewed owner and mechanic, Mike Nash, live on the morning programme on Wednesday, 11th March 2015.

She asked some great questions including, "How do customers react when you have to give bad news?" He answered that he is good at it because he understands what it is like as he has a family and is sympathetic to their reaction.

Kat also asked Mike to imagine if he weren't a mechanic and then asked how he would find a trustworthy garage. Without missing a beat he answered, "Good Garage Scheme."
He went on to say he had been a member of the scheme since 2010 and he enjoyed being a member and working with the Good Garage Scheme.

When asked what guarantees a customer had with a Good Garage Scheme member garage, Mike answered, "Customers can see all reviews that previous customers leave with cards or online. It is an opportunity to see bad press as well as good and helps everyone."

Kat Orman then asked Mike how the garage is regulated. He answered, "We are regulated by the cards (feedback) received and if bad reports are received, the Good Garage Scheme can strike you off the list."

The BBC presenter then went on to interview marketing manager, Anndi Sheppard, to find out more about the Good Garage Scheme.

The link is available to hear on iPlayer for a limited period here.

For more information about NMV Services Ltd in Faringdon, click here.