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.

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

BBC asks Good Garage Scheme Member about Winter Checks

Nigel Cash from BBC Radio Derby interviewed Craig Lane from Five Lamps Auto Centre on the Sally Pepper show and asked for advice on the Good Garage Scheme's Winter Check.

Here are some of the things they discussed...

BBC: Why is it so important to check our cars at this time of the year - when temperatures plummet?
Craig Lane: It is important as there is more dangerous driving during poor conditions.
We need to make sure that things like tyres and windscreens are ok.

BBC: Do people overlook the need to have these checks done?
Craig Lane: Yes, people have their cars serviced once a year and believe that is all that's needed for the year. There are differences between a summer check and a winter check.




BBC: What are some of the things that people overlook during their own checks that are part of the Good Garage Scheme Winter checklist?

• Tyre tread depth
• Antifreeze and antifreeze strength
• Windscreen wash 

Craig advised that water alone will freeze and an antifreeze solution is required. He recommended a 50/50 mix to prevent it freezing when you need it most.

Nigel also spoke with Craig about winter tyres and had a Winter Check carried out on his own car while he was at the garage.

Listen here for a limited time. The interview starts on the iPlayer at 46 minutes into the programme and continues about at hour later at 1:47.

If you would like to find a Good Garage Scheme member near you to carry out a Winter Check, visit the Good Garage Scheme website and enter your postcode or town name.

It's like having a friend in the know!

Tiff Needell on Cars, Tyres and Winter Checks

Former racing driver and current presenter of Fifth Gear, Tiff Needell, was in the studio on Friday, 23rd October promoting the Good Garage Scheme's Winter Check.

Tiff spoke with radio stations across the UK including BBC Radio Berkshire, Big City Radio and BFBS Radio UK about the Good Garage Scheme's recent research which revealed that 54% of people will not have their cars serviced before their next long journey.

The research also showed that common items of neglect are tyres and anti-freeze.

Tiff reminded listeners that an MOT is not a service. Passing an MOT test will not mean your car will be guaranteed to be fault-free for the next year. Regular checks and advice from your local Good Garage Scheme member garage will give you peace of mind and ensure you and your family are safe  and that your car will get you to where you need to be.

Find your nearest Good Garage Scheme member at www.GoodGarageScheme.com and ask for a Winter Check.

Diesel Prices Lowest Since 2010

The BBC reported today that the average price of diesel has fallen below 113p per litre for the first time since January 2010*. Supermarkets have cut their forecourt prices, and diesel prices were lower than petrol prices for the first time since July 2001.

Petrol prices have also fallen this week which is welcome news for all motorists. There is a handy tool at Petrol Prices website which allows you to find the lowest fuel prices in your area. If you sign in, you can change the settings on the finder tool to look for cheapest diesel, LPG or premium diesel as well as petrol in your area and also check more than one postcode.

Whatever the cost of fuel, the Good Garage Scheme recommends that you visit your local member garage to ensure your are getting the most from what you buy. A clean engine is an efficient engine. Ensure your car is working as efficiently as it can, and make the most of every drop of fuel.

Visit www.Good Garage Scheme.com to find a garage you can trust.

*Source: Experian Catalist information group report

BBC Radio Oxford Interviews Good Garage Scheme member

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.

BBC Highlights Illegal DPF Removals

BBC’s Inside Out West Midlands programme that aired on 20th October went undercover and found diesel particulate filters (DPFs), are being illegally removed by garages in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) are fitted to meet European emission standards and are used to reduce the emission of particulate matter (soot) produced by diesel vehicles.

Cutaway image of diesel particulate filter

The DPF is designed to trap larger soot particles within the filter. As the soot particles build up, the filter requires emptying. The only way to empty the soot is to burn it off at high temperatures - most often when you are driving on a motorway.


If your car is used most often for short journeys, it may not reach the temperatures required to burn off the soot and can lead to a clogged filter.

Some garages have been found to offer a removal of the affected part rather than replacing it as a quick fix; however, a vehicle that is modified in this way no longer meets the emission standards. Not only that, the car owner has now modified the car and must notify the insurer. This modification makes the car illegal and in turn invalidates any insurance cover.

Diesel Particulate Filters and the MOT
Annual MOT tests require an inspection of the condition of the exhaust system and since February 2014, the MOT test includes a check for the presence of a Diesel Particulate Filter if fitted when manufactured. Vehicles will automatically fail the MOT test if a Diesel Particulate Filter which was fitted when manufactured has been removed.

Replacing the removed components and returning the vehicle back to original equipment will be a costly exercise for vehicle owners who took the decision to remove the diesel particulate filter.

It is the car owner's responsibility to ensure this part is in tact.

If you are concerned about your diesel particulate filter, please visit your local Good Garage Scheme member garage for advice.



The Driver and Vehcile Standards Agency (DVSA) say...

The DVSA is aware of an increasing number of businesses offering a service to remove or bypass the DPF. This practice compromises the MOT testing standards and therefore undermines the principle of inspecting their presence. 

Authorised Examiners are responsible to ensure that MOT Testing is carried out to the required standards. Where a Vehicle Testing Station is offering a service which could undermine this (such as removing or bypassing DPFs), DVSA will consider this as bringing the MOT Scheme into disrepute.

Where the scheme is brought into disrepute DVSA may consider taking action to remove the Authorisation if appropriate.

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.


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.

Good Garage Scheme on BBC Radio

The Good Garage Scheme began its radio campaign on the first day of summer with a message to motorists to check their cars before setting off on holiday. Motoring journalist Maria McCarthy spoke on behalf of the Good Garage Scheme warning of the dangers of air conditioning contamination.

As always the British summertime weather is keeping us guessing, so to ensure you’re not raging in a lay-by instead of enjoying that all-important family holiday, it’s essential to be prepared to drive in all conditions.

Maria spoke on BBC Radio Kent, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Scotland to name a few about the results of the research the Good Garage Scheme has carried out.

Anyone interested in a Holiday Check should visit the Good Garage Scheme website and find a local garage offering this service.

Safe motoring this summer!

Good Garage Scheme Member in BBC Programme

Ajay Gokani, owner Empire Garages

Empire Garages in Enfield, Middlesex has been involved in an episode of the current series, "Don't Get Done, Get Dom" which is due to air on BBC One on 3rd May at 11am.
Don't worry if you are unable to watch it on Friday - the programme will be available to view on BBC iPlayer.

Ajay Gokani, owner of Empire Garages, was approached by the BBC's research team and participated in two hours of filming. As the programme investigated a garage that did not treat a customer fairly, Ajay was on hand to offer advice to viewers on how to best to protect themselves.

Ajay commented, "After the two hours filming, there was a worry that the final version may have only been sensationalist, so it was good that the editors kept a few very important messages to consumers in the brief, edited version:

• Regular servicing is very important
• Use review websites to make educated choices about the garage you use
• Ask what is included in a service. The word 'service' should have a defined structure such as a service schedule

All of these are important messages that have always been endorsed by the Good Garage Scheme."

Even more good news for Empire

Not only are they stars on the television, they have also been shortlisted for the Motor Trader Industry Awards for 2013 and are now in the running for the "Independent Garage of the Year Award". We are not surprised that the Industry has recognised Empire to be one of the best garages in the UK and wish them all the best in the competition. Congratulations Empire!