Tuesday 27 June 2017

Tiff Needell Advises on Summer Driving

With new research by the Good Garage Scheme revealing we are nation of motorists unprepared for long car journeys during the summer, Fifth Gear presenter, Tiff Needell will be speaking with radio stations this week on the importance of a Holiday Check for your car and advising motorists to visit their nearest Good Garage Scheme member for a check.
Photo courtesy of Tiff Needell

More than 41% say they have no plans to get their car checked before their next long journey, and this can lead to unwelcome breakdowns on holiday or even while travelling to the airport.

What precautions should you take before a long car journey?
  • Give your car a visual check. Are there any visible cracks or bulges on the tyres, and are they looking as full as normal? Check with your tyre pressure gauge
  • Ensure your fluid levels (namely coolant and oil) are topped up sufficiently. This five minute job may mean the difference between a trouble-free journey and parking at the road side with an overheating car.
  • Ensure you have plenty of water in the car for you and your passengers (including any pets) when travelling in hot weather.
  • Lastly, make sure your air conditioning system in the car is clean. A musty smell from the vents is a tell-tale sign there may be bacteria lurking.

If you are unsure about carrying out these checks yourself and want peace of mind before you set off, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and look for a garage you can trust for a Holiday Check.

It's like having a friend in the know!




Monday 26 June 2017

Kevin Toms of FRL Autoservices in Top 5

Kevin Toms stading in front of FRL Autoservices garage
photo courtesy of FRL Autoservices
Kevin Toms from Blackawton has made it to the Final 5 of the the industry's prestigious Top Technician competition in the UK.
The Top Technician competition began in 2002 to find the UK's most skilled automotive technicians and to highlight areas of training. 

Kevin works for Good Garage Scheme member garage, FRL Autoservices in Dartmmouth, where he has been for 32 years. He is a local lad who has worked his entire life with engines of all sorts, from lawn mowers to lorries, tractors to Teslas and has now battled his way through the heats of this prestigious award to the final five.
Out of thousands of entries, Kevin was whittled down from the last 250 to 20 by a series of tougher tests, the last 10 were then invited to the practical semi-final in Bournemouth on Thursday 11th May 2017. They were put through a series of tasks with a twenty minute time limit. The five technicians with the highest score move forward to the next stage in Warwickshire on July 13th  with the final live event in Daventry on September 16th.

He has been overwhelmed that he has got this far. Having previously reached the top 50, he can’t quite believe it. Owner of FRL Autoservices, Ian Gobel and all of the staff, family, friends and customers are all so proud of Kevin and wish him all the luck for the final.

The Good Garage Scheme would also like to wish Kevin the very best of luck as he proceeds to the semi-final round.