Dangerous Sun Dazzle

Low sun can be potentially dangerous for many drivers at this time of year. The Good Garage Scheme welcomes advice from the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) in this week's blog.

You will often see dirt and grime highlighted on your windscreen in low sun, so it’s important that you clean your windows. Use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the inside and make sure your washer bottle is filled with a good quality screen washer liquid.

A sun visor will not necessarily stop low sun from beaming into your windscreen. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your glove box so you can get to them easily.

With the night’s drawing in, ensure you switch on your headlights before sunset and keep them on for an hour after sunrise so there is no possibility of other road users not seeing you.

Always drive at a steady speed, and if low sun is obstructing what you see ahead, slow down – this is particularly important at sharp bends where it’s important to have a clear view of the approaching hazard.
When road surfaces are wet, the dazzle from the sun is increased by its reflection in the water. Take care when driving on wet road surfaces and ease off the accelerator if necessary.

Look out for vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, mobility scooter and electric wheelchair users – they are all difficult to spot in low sun conditions. Always take extra precautions at known hazard spots such as schools, junctions and crossings.

If you’re affected by low sun, the chances are other drivers are too. Pay attention to vehicles around you and anticipate any sudden manoeuvres. As a rule of thumb, you should increase the stopping distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

Looking directly at low and sharp rays can affect your vision. If this happens to you, take a break from driving by stopping safely and legally.

Peter Rodger, the IAM's Head of Driving Standards said: “The key aspect of driving in low sunlight is how it reduces your vision. If you cannot see, you cannot drive the same way. Don’t continue at the same speed if you cannot see where you are going. It might sound obvious, but many drivers will battle on in near zero visibility despite being blinded by the sun. Trust your instincts – slow down and prepare to stop if this happens to you.”

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling.  The IAM has more than 200 local volunteer groups and over 90,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving and motorcycling courses.

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.

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.

The 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.

Concerns on MOT Test Change Proposals

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The Good Garage Scheme is concerned about the Government’s proposal to extend the time period before a newly-registered car receives its first MOT test from three years to four.

The Good Garage Scheme, along with industry and motoring bodies including the IMI and IAM, are all working hard to educate motorists about the importance of regular car servicing.

The MOT is just as important for three year old cars as it is for older vehicles. Some 20% of cars fail their first MOT when they reach the three year stage. Extending it to four years will increase the number of cars with issues on the road.

The MOT is not a cost to the motorist if it provides them with safe motoring. If problems go undetected, it could cost financially more at a later stage, or could even result in road safety issues, putting motorists and their families at risk.

Visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and enter your postcode to find your local Good Garage Scheme workshop to carry out your next MOT test.

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

Tips for Driving with Children This Summer

School holidays are here and there may be many trips this summer with children in the car.

Peter Rodger, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM's) head of driving standards reminds us this week that no matter how difficult it sounds, the driver's duty is to the road and road users first - the children second.
He says, "Any problem the children have can be dealt with when the car is stationary, and should never be dealt with on the move. Easier said than done, but it is the only way."

Here are some helpful tips from the IAM:

Seatbelts on! 

If you’re travelling with children under the age of three years you must use a child restraint. Children three years and above must be placed in a booster seat, safely secured with a seatbelt. Make sure you make the appropriate adjustments before you start your journey. If you’re using a child restraint,check whether it needs to be front-facing or rear-facing beforehand.

Everyone comfy?

Avoid placing large and heavy objects or luggage on the rear seat where your children will be seated.

Be prepared

Make sure you have packed important items for your journey including a fully charged mobile phone, first aid kit, water, blanket and high-visibility jackets – you may need these items if you’re vehicle breaks down and you are waiting for help to arrive.

Fun and games

Think about what games your children can take with them on long journeys to keep them occupied. If they will be using a portable device or in-car DVD player, make sure they have headphones plugged in so the sound doesn’t distract you.

Take a break

The longer you’re on the road, the higher the likelihood your children could become irritable. Plan to take regular rest breaks at least every two hours so you can rest and they can release some energy.

Travel with a friend

If you can, travel with another adult passenger who can keep an eye on the youngsters. This will allow you to fully concentrate on the road and prevent them distracting you.

'Have a word' when safe

Never turn around to deal with fighting youngsters while you are driving. Always find a safe place to stop first. Don’t continue your journey with children fighting in the back – it may affect your behaviour behind the wheel.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to wish everyone a happy and safe summer holiday.

Make sure to visit your local Good Garage Scheme member to check your vehicle is ready for the road. 

Congratulations Empire Garage

Congratulations to Ajay Gokani and his team at Good Garage Scheme member garage Empire Garage in Enfield for winning this year's FSB London Business Award for Enterprising Business.

The garage is a family business with a strong reputation, comprising a 24-hour forecourt and shop and a 4 bay workshop which has received over 3770 customer reviews on the Good Garage Scheme website with a 97% star rating.

On the awards night of 31st July, Steve Warwick, the London Regional Chair of the FSB, said, "Convincing a panel of independent business judges that you are the best in London is no mean feat. I hope that winning here tonight will be a stepping stone for growing businesses."

The Good Garage Scheme would like to congratulate the team at Empire Garage for this fantastic achievement and wishes them continued success.

For more information about Empire Garage visit www.empire-garage.co.uk.

Hiring a car abroad this summer?

Brits who are travelling abroad this summer are being warned to plan ahead if they are hoping to hire a car during their trip.

The DVLA’s plans to scrap the paper part of the UK driving licence means that from the 8th June 2015 UK holidaymakers will have to present a code, they have obtained online, to their car hire company in place of the paper counterpart.

Additional information, such as endorsements and penalty points, had previously been presented on the paper counterpart driving licence, however with this section due to be scrapped, the only way this information can be checked is via the DVLA’s online database.

What does this mean for holidaymakers?

If you want to hire a car abroad you will need to first log on to the DVLA website and enter your driving licence number. You will then be given a code which you can pass on to your hire company when you arrive.

Ideally you should do this at home before you leave, however as the code is only valid for 72 hours, you may need to generate the code during your holiday if you are not picking up a hire car from the airport.

Even if you are not collecting your hire car until a few days into your holiday, it is advisable to visit the DVLA site before you leave home so that you know exactly what information is required of you to get your code – this includes your driving licence number and National Insurance number.

Many people are unaware of the changes and even some hire car companies have admitted it is news to them, which is why we at the Good Garage Scheme we are doing our best to raise awareness so that these changes do not impact on your holiday. Contact your hire car company to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive.

You can view your licence information and generate your licence check code here.

Don't forget to download the Good Garage Scheme's free app for peace of mind before you head off to the airport.