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.

Potholes Prompt Tyre Check Advice

Despite an extra £200million being pledged in the budget to help fix potholes and damaged roads, the Good Garage Scheme joins the tyre safety campaign group TyreSafe in urging drivers to make even more regular checks for damage to their tyres and wheels. Drivers failing to do so face an increased risk of being involved in a tyre-related accident. 

"While the announcement of extra funds to help repair the UK's roads is welcome news, this will not happen overnight," comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "In the meantime, it's critical that drivers pay particular attention to the condition of their tyres and wheels as hitting a pothole can cause significant damage. If this damage is left unchecked it can present a very serious safety risk for them and other road users."

After hitting a pothole, a buckled wheel or lump in the tyre are the most obvious signs of damage, but hidden problems can be just as dangerous. Hairline cracks in alloy wheels can allow air to gradually escape. If tyres are driven in an under-inflated state for a prolonged period, they are more likely to overheat and suffer from a rapid deflation. This type of event can be extremely difficult to control as it often occurs at high speeds on motorways. If you are unlucky and hit a pothole, monitor the pressure and condition of the tyres in the days following the incident.

Drivers can find their correct tyre pressures in their vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate located on the driver's door sill. TyreSafe has also developed an online tool, and a free iPhone app that provide drivers with their correct tyre pressures.
When checking pressures, TyreSafe also advises that drivers give the rest of the tyre a thorough inspection for other damage such as cuts, lumps or bulges. They should also pay particular attention to any changes in the vehicle's feel or handling as this may be a sign of the wheels becoming misaligned.
Anyone in doubt about the condition of their wheels and tyres are advised to visit their nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage to have them checked.

To find a local garage you can trust, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank TyreSafe for their help with this week's blog.