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 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 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!

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!