Friday 24 June 2016

Good Garage Scheme Poll Matches Results

EU - In or OUT poll box from Good Garage Scheme websiteWith just under half a million visitors to its website each year, the Good Garage Scheme periodically asks visitors their views and opinions on a variety of topics in our seasonal polls.

During the past few weeks in the run up to the EU Referendum, we asked visitors to tell us if they were "for" or "against" staying in the EU.


Good Garage Scheme pie chart showing poll results for EU Referendum
The Good Garage Scheme poll revealed the same outcome for today's referendum results with 65% who took part voting for a Brexit and 35% voting to remain.

We thank those who took part in our survey and now we will all wait to see what happens next.

Take part in our polls by visiting GoodGarageScheme.com and find a garage you can trust.

Monday 13 June 2016

Driving to France for Euro 2016?


If you are driving to France over the next few weeks to see some live football matches at Euro 2016,
Good Garage Scheme's animated character, Miles Better, with footballhere are some handy tips from the the Good Garage Scheme:




What you'll need

All drivers, including motorcyclists, must carry a warning triangle, hi-visibility jacket and a breathalyser with them. According to French law,  you must be able to produce an unused and certified breathalyser (showing an ‘NF’ number) and it is recommended that you carry two in case one is damaged.

Seat belts and child passengers          

Seat belts must be worn if available and children under ten must travel in a car seat and not in the front passenger seat unless there are no rear seat belts, or the if the back seats are already occupied by other children under ten.
It’s the driver’s responsibility to ensure that all passengers under 18 are properly restrained.

Watch your speed

Speed limits are indicated by road signs, in kilometres per hour. These are usually 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 90km/h (55mph) outside built-up areas, 110km/h (68mph) on urban motorways and dual carriages, and 130km/h (80mph) on regular motorways. During poor weather, these limits will change, so be aware of the conditions before you set off.

Before you go

Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before you set off.
Visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage for a Holiday Check to ensure you arrive safely and in time for the match.

Bon voyage!

Monday 6 June 2016

SKY TV Advertises the Good Garage Scheme

animated mechanic, Miles Better, holds SKY logo

The Good Garage Scheme’s national television advertising campaign began this week with a fantastic line-up of programmes, including the popular Game of Thrones.

The message to motorists showing how easy it is to find a trustworthy garage and read reviews from previous customers will be broadcast across a range of Sky channels during the week.

If you have not seen our TV advert, please click here.

It's like having a friend in the know!

Thursday 2 June 2016

Ladies Night a Succes at Field's Car Centre

Good Garage Scheme member garage, Field's Car Centre in Woking, Surrey held a successful Ladies Night at the garage in May and  great time was had by all.


3 photos, 1st shows man demonstrating tyre change, 2nd under bonnet and 3rd around car in workshop with ladies
photos courtesy of Fields Car Centre in Woking, Surrey
So what happens at a Fields Car Centre Ladies night?

The evenings are designed to encourage ladies to come into the workshop environment and learn, in an informal atmosphere, about their car, but the aim is to have a bit of fun while the learning goes on.

The ladies are split into groups and they rotate around several work stations manned by the garage's ‘Friendly team of technicians and mechanics’.

Attendees learn to do for some things for themselves, like checking levels and changing bulbs.  changing a wheel and also learn about warning lights, the underside of the car and what’s involved in an MOT inspection.

There is an “Ask any question you like” policy and some great questions come up.

The willingness and dedication of the team make the evening a success. They give of their time and enthusiasm and the ladies were appreciative of how the guys patiently demonstrated, answered questions and tried to explain things simply and clearly.

By holding these evenings  Fields are trying to break down the ‘man’s world’ image of the garage.  A huge proportion of current customers are ladies. In fact we probably see more woman bringing their cars in or the ‘family's’ car, than we do men!

However, a garage is seen as a male dominated world where ladies tell us they often feel patronised and spoken down to.

These are some of the feedback comments our lovely ladies had to say...

"Brill evening - really useful! Relaxed atmosphere, gave plenty of encouragement to ask questions, will recommend others"


"Very fun evening! I know a lot more and feel more comfortable now, the atmosphere was great - just the right length."


"All the staff were friendly and extremely patient in answering all our questions. I would definitely recommend any lady to come"


"Wow what a fabulous evening! I had no idea what to expect but it exceeded all expectations. A friendly bunch and I learnt so much, thank you!"


"Brilliant, brilliant evening. Thank you guys for a very informative, fun evening. Very helpful for new drivers like me. Kudos to you guys for coming up with the idea. Highly recommend it to every new driver, will see you soon!"

Fame for Richard Field...


Richard Field had a call, out of the blue a couple of weeks ago from BBC RADIO SURREY.
  
Richard said, "I received a phone call from BBC Radio Surrey's Breakfast Show a couple of weeks ago asking if I would I come into their studio and tell their breakfast listeners about the Ladies Night we are running at Field's Car Centre.  
Apparently their Saturday cleaner had seen one of our flyers and gave it to the producer who thought it was a brilliant idea and why hadn't other garages thought of it?"
  
So it was an early start to Guildford BBC for Richard where he had to demonstrate to the breakfast host, Suzanne Bamborough, how to change a light bulb.  This was filmed as well as broadcast. Click here to see Richard in action.


With thanks to Mike Field of Field Car Centre for sending the Good Garage Scheme this update.
The next  Ladies Night is planned for July 7th from  6:30 - 8:30 pm.
Limited space available, so please book a place now if you are in the Woking area.
Bring a friend, come as a group or on your own. Either way you will be made very welcome. 
And it’s free!

To book a place please contact lynne@fieldscarcantre.co.uk