Showing posts with label winter check. Show all posts
Showing posts with label winter check. Show all posts

Monday, 30 January 2017

Love your Car!

Miles Better holding Red heart with car logo, Good Garage Scheme
Miles Better says, "Love your Car"
Roses are Red, 
Violets are Blue, 
Look After Your Car 
And it will look After You!
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the Good Garage Scheme asks you to spare some affection for something you may often overlook...your car.
It's always there to take you and your family to work, school and for the all-important weekly shop, but do you give your car the due care and attention it deserves?
Whether it’s booking that overdue service, checking the oil or making sure you make a note of the due date for your MOT or insurance renewal, there are plenty of ways to show you love your car.
The Good Garage Scheme can help. Simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com for motoring advice or to make an appointment with your local member garage for a Winter Check.
 

Monday, 16 January 2017

Driving on ICE

Despite an unseasonable start to the year in most parts of the UK, temperatures are predicted to drop in many places.

Is your car ready for Winter, snowflake, snow
Icy roads are always a danger during the winter months, especially as it is sometimes a hidden danger in fog or darkness.

This week’s tips give advice on how to deal with driving on ice, from IAM RoadSmart’s head of driving and riding standards Richard Gladman.

  • Only drive if it is really necessary. In very bad weather it is better to stay in or take public transport rather than risk an accident. Always check the weather and road conditions on your route before setting off
  • Make sure you know how the demister settings on your car work and how to adjust them properly
  • Never pour hot water on the windscreen as the sudden temperature change may cause cracks. Prevention is better than cure, so if possible cover the glass overnight with cardboard or an old sheet to prevent freezing, or invest in a windscreen cover. Adding boiling water or heating up a key can melt plastic components in modern car locks so be gentle when it comes to warming them up or use a squirt of de-icer
  • If you haven’t done so already, get an antifreeze check at your local garage or fast-fit centre. Keep your washer bottle topped up with an even stronger concentration of de-icer
  • It might sound like old advice, but you need to triple or quadruple the distance from other cars in front of you in icy conditions. If a car has to stop suddenly or  an accident occurs, you will need that extra time to react and stop

IAM RoadSmart, Logo
Richard said: “As ever preparation and planning are the key to worry-free driving when the mercury plummets. Plan your route carefully as major routes are likely to be treated with salt and less likely to be icy although this might still form in dips and on bridges. Leave more time for your journey. Respect the conditions and don’t expect your journey to take the same amount of time as normal. Factor in delays and give yourself plenty of time to clear the ice properly from all the windows of your car. A crystal clear view will give you the best chance of surviving the arctic blast.”

The Good Garage Scheme would like to to thank IAM RoadSmart for this week's reminder on safe driving in the winter.

For a Winter Check on your vehicle, visit your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage here.


Friday, 16 December 2016

Are you breaking the law when defrosting your car?

--> frosted windscreen, snow, wipersDuring the winter months, it is not uncommon to have to de-ice the car in the morning before driving off. However, many motorists are unknowingly breaking the law by going back inside the house, leaving their cars to defrost outside.

It is a criminal offence to leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running, even if it is freezing cold and you are waiting for your car to warm up.

Not only are you breaking the law by leaving your car to defrost with the engine running, but you are also providing thieves with an easy opportunity to steal your vehicle.

When the frosty weather started in earnest a couple of weeks ago, six cars were stolen in the space of 30 minutes, in one area alone.

Drivers are being urged to stay on the right side of the law this winter by being in control of their vehicle at all times when the engine is running, even when unloading Christmas shopping or defrosting the windscreen.

Leaving your vehicle to warm up in this way is not only breaking the law, but may also void your car insurance if an opportunist thief steals your vehicle whilst you have returned inside the house.

We haven't seen the last of winter frosts this season, so make sure you have the necessary equipment – de-icer, scraper and a good pair of gloves – to defrost your vehicle safely and legally.

If you are worried about your car performance in the cold weather before visiting friends and relatives this holiday season, why not book in for a Winter Check?

Visit our website to find a participating Good Garage Scheme member garage in your area.

Friday, 9 December 2016

Member Wins Day with Tiff Needell

Tiff Needell, Radio, Good Garage Scheme, recording, interviews
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.

10 Year Anniversary banner, Tiff Needell, James Brown
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!


Friday, 25 November 2016

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.


Thursday, 6 October 2016

More Motorists Are Booking Online

green button with mouse icon for booking online Good Garage SchemeResearch from the Good Garage Scheme has shown that more motorists are booking appointments online for car services, car repairs and MOTs. In fact, there has been a 14% increase in jobs booked online via the Good Garage Scheme website.

Customers can search for a Good Garage Scheme member garage offering online booking and go online at any time of the day to select a time and date for an MOT, car service or car repair.

The Good Garage Scheme member will then contact you to confirm the appointment and ask any other questions relevant to your request.

Looking for a garage with online booking? on green bar with tickWhy not visit the Good Garage Scheme website and book your next MOT, car service or Winter Check?

Simply click here to find your nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage.


Monday, 30 November 2015

BBC asks Good Garage Scheme Member about Winter Checks


FIVE LAMPS AUTO Centre premises photo 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 Logo, BBC RADIO DERBY 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!




Monday, 26 October 2015

Tiff Needell on Cars, Tyres and Winter Checks

Tiff Needell, radio studio, Good Garage Scheme
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.

Monday, 5 October 2015

Is your car ready for the worst winter in 65 years?


According to meteorologists, this coming winter could be the worst in 65 years.  With the complex weather pattern known as El Nino predicted to be the strongest since 1950, experts are warning of a long, harsh winter with heavy snowfall.  As if it couldn’t get any worse, some reports are also heralding the early arrival of plunging temperatures and snowfall as soon as this month.


is your car ready for winter text with snowflake
Even if you are not one to believe in early weather forecasts, it is always better to be safe than sorry, which is why we are advising motorists to get their vehicles checked now to minimise breakdowns and repairs when the winter weather arrives.

Salty roads and freezing conditions can cause problems for cars during the colder months, but being prepared beforehand can reduce this impact, not to mention the cost of repairs.

mechanic, Good Garage Scheme, WInter Check, checking tyre with clipboardThe Good Garage Scheme Winter Check will prepare your vehicle for driving in cold conditions.  This essential check not only carries out standard tests on bodywork, lights and suspension but will also address winter-specific concerns such as:
  • Checking and recording antifreeze protection
  • Carrying out a tyre report
  • Checking the operation of interior and exterior lights
  • Ensuring windscreen washers and wipers are in full working order
  • Checking power steering operation and fluid levels

Ignoring the warning signs and simply waiting until your next annual service could mean your car faces problems and costly repairs this winter, particularly if the weather is to be as severe as is predicted.

It is quick and easy to find a reliable garage in your area offering the Good Garage Scheme Winter Check.  Simply visit our website and input your postcode to find a nearby garage. 

If you’re out and about this winter why not take our app with you?  A garage you trust will never be far away.

Wednesday, 1 October 2014

Tyre Safety Month - October 2014

The Good Garage Scheme joins with Tyresafe, one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, in this year's Tyre Safety Month by helping to spread the message about the importance of checking tyres.
courtesy of Tyresafe

According to Tyresafe, more than 1,200 road casualties are caused by illegal, defective or under-flated tyres and after experiencing the wettest winter on record only last year, this year's campaign focusses on tread depth which is essential for safe driving in wet conditions.

Points to remember about tyre tread depth:

  • Good tyre tread depth keeps you safer in the wet
  • Adequate tread depth reduces your risk of aquaplaning
  • Tyre tread depths should be checked at least once a month
  • Driving on tyres with illegal tread depth not only reduces your safety but also risks a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre

What you can do

  • Check the tyre tread depth using a 20p coin (if you can see the outer edge of the coin, your tyres may be illegal). Carry out this test on all grooves of the tread and on all four tyres.
  • If you are unsure, take your car to a local garage you can trust. Find a Good Garage Scheme member near you offering a Winter Check, which includes a tyre check.
  • Tyresafe says take a #Tyreselfie and share with friends on social media to help promote Tyre Safety Month

yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
yreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf
TyreSafe is one of the UK's leading tyre safety organisations, dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers associated with defective or illegal tyres. It was established in 2006 as a not for profit organisation and campaigns in line with current legislation and duty of care regulations. - See more at: http://www.tyresafe.org/other-information/about-tyresafe#sthash.MIox8GHm.dpuf

Friday, 10 February 2012

Driving in Snow? Be safe...


Before you set off in snow...
If you do need to travel, clear any snow from the roof of the vehicle before you drive off. If not, it could slip down over the windscreen and obscure your view.
 
Use main roads
Even when the main roads are clear, the side roads can often be snow-covered because they won't have been treated or travelled on as much. Plan your route on roads more frequently used.
 
Slow and steady for snow and ice!
Avoid revving your engine and spinning your wheels on the slippery surface. Slow and steady works best. Try starting off gently in second gear. Then move into third and avoid sudden changes in steering and braking. Braking harshly may risk locking up your wheels and you could skid even further.  

Unmelted snow may turn to ice making driving conditions very challenging, even for the most experience of drivers.
 
Anticipate the road ahead and try to keep moving steadily where you can safely do so rather than stopping and starting off again - especially on hills. Keeping momentum going will help tackle the challenges of a snow-covered hill.
 
Be aware of Winter Service Vehicles
Vehicles spreading salt or plowing snow will be recognisable by the flashing amber beacons and will be travelling at slower speeds - around 40 miles per hour or less.

Keep a safe distance from the maintenance vehicle as salt or spray may be thrown across the road. Don't overtake unless
it is safe to do so - there may be uncleared snow or previously untreated surfaces on the road ahead.

Always carry a charged mobile phone for emergencies
and make sure your battery, lights and wipers are up to
the challenges of winter.

Find a garage near you offering
a Winter Check at http://www.goodgaragescheme.co.uk/winter_check