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!

Member Wins Day with Tiff Needell

Tiff Needell in the recording studio

Good Garage Scheme spokesperson Tiff Needell recorded interviews a few weeks ago encouraging motorists to have their cars checked for winter weather with our Winter Check and promoting Good Garage Scheme Service Plans.

He kindly took time to answer a few questions on his thoughts about the new The Grand Tour programme with former colleague, Jeremy Clarkson, but he managed to steer the conversations back round to car safety and reminding motorists that an MOT is not a service.

Tiff Needell and James Brown

One lucky Good Garage Scheme member technician, James Brown, from Essex Street Garage Ltd in Nottingham won a competition awarding a prize of an overnight stay in London, time in the studio and lunch with Tiff Needell.

James said, "Brilliant night and day in London after winning the Good Garage Scheme competition. Amazing hotel, great food and the chance to meet Tiff Needell!
If that wasn't enough we had a slap up meal paid for and a chance to have a real chat with Tiff after.
The Good Garage Scheme / Radio team were all really accommodating and everything went spot on! Awesome company and a fantastic experience!"

To find out more information on a Good Garage Scheme member near you, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.

It's like having a friend in the know!

Tiff Needell Promotes Winter Checks

Tiff Needell in the studio for Good Garage Scheme

Former British racing driver and Fifth Gear presenter, Tiff Needell was in the studio last week promoting the Good Garage Scheme's Winter Check, encouraging motorists to have their cars checked so they are prepared for the weather ahead.

Tyre safety was one of the key messages. 1.6 mm is the legal limit, although 2.0mm tread is legal, you will have less grip.

Tiff also mentioned survey information from the Good Garage Scheme which showed that many drivers are delaying car servicing because of the cost and this is a false economy. He highlighted the new budgeting tool from the Good Garage Scheme in their new Service Plans.

If you would like to book a Winter Check or find out more information about spreading the cost of your car servicing and MOT, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.

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.

Tiff Needell Launches Good Garage Scheme Holiday Check

photo courtesy of Tiff Needell, Fifth Gear

Good Garage Scheme spokesperson Tiff Needell was in the studio last week speaking with BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Oxford and BBC Radio WM about the importance of checking your vehicle before setting off on the long-awaited summer holiday.

According to research, a worrying 54% admitted they were not planning to have their car serviced before the next journey.

Tiff reminded listeners about the dangers lurking in an unused air conditioning system, an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that is potentially blown into your passenger cabin area causing flu-like symptoms.

Visit GoodGarageScheme.com and find a local garage you can trust to carry out a 21 point Holiday Check for peace of mind before you make the trip to the airport or in the UK with your family and friends.

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.

Tiff Needell Promotes Good Garage Scheme

We had a great day yesterday recording our Good Garage Scheme radio campaign with British racing driver and well-known television presenter, Tiff Needell.

Tiff Needell in London studio records radio campaign for Good Garage Scheme

Tiff spoke with various radio stations including BBC Radio Solent, BBC Radio Newcastle and Moorlands Radio in Staffordshire to name a few about the importance of servicing cars before heading off on a long-awaited family summer holiday.

Good Garage Scheme members offering the Holiday Check will check your car to ensure your tyres, brakes, wipers and lights are all up to the challenges of summer heat, extra passengers and luggage.

One item that even Tiff was surprised about was the danger of bacteria lurking in air conditioning systems unused over the winter months. Good Garage Scheme members can offer a steriliser and deodoriser treatment to create a freshened passenger cabin space.

Many thanks once again to Mr Tiff Needell for helping the Good Garage Scheme promote the importance of a Good Garage Scheme Holiday Check.

The Good Garage Scheme - it's like having a friend in the know!

Tiff Needell Working with Good Garage Scheme

Photo courtesy of Tiff Needell

Tiff Needell, British racing driver and television presenter, is best known as a former co-presenter of Top Gear and current co-presenter of Fifth Gear. Before he sets off on another race or television film set, his next starring role will be as spokesperson for the Good Garage Scheme's Holiday Check Radio campaign in June.
Good Garage Scheme members offering a Holiday Check will be making sure cars are ready for family holidays, extra luggage and pulling caravans.
They will also check the air conditioning system to ensure a healthy cabin for the driver and passengers.

The radio campaign is set for the 19th June to coincide with the first official weekend of summer.

Click here for more information about the Good Garage Scheme's Holiday Check.

It's like having a friend in the know!