Motorists urged to make vital vehicle checks ahead of potential surge in ‘staycations’

Release Date: 2nd July 2010 Motorists urged to make vital vehicle checks ahead of potential surge in ‘staycations’ Motorists looking to holiday in the UK this summer because of concerns over ash cloud and flight disruption chaos are being urged to make vital vehicle checks to avoid ‘staycation’ disasters. The call has come from the UK-wide Good Garage Scheme ahead of holidaymakers taking to the nation’s roads this summer in vehicles which could leave them stressed and stranded. It has launched its summer ‘Holiday Check’ campaign for over 2900 member garages to help keep their customers’ cars free from trouble during the holiday season. The comprehensive 21-point checklist is aimed at ensuring their customers’ cars run as smoothly as possible during the holiday season. Common problems on unchecked vehicles include failing to check coolant levels to avoid overheating engines and driving on tyres with the wrong pressure to cope with the increased weight of luggage and passengers. Other checks that can be made before taking to the roads include brakes, clutches and power steering, fluids and oils to help prevent breakdowns on busy roads and to potentially ruin a holiday before it even starts. Motorists still concerned about what to check on their vehicle can find their nearest Good Garage Scheme member offering a ‘Holiday Check’ by visiting www.goodgaragescheme.com Phil Dugmore, Good Garage Scheme Technical Manager, said: “The recent problems with the volcanic ash cloud and associated flight chaos have prompted many people in the UK to look closer to home for a holiday this summer. For those heading to the coast or other UK holiday hotspots this summer, making sure their cars are in the best condition possible can’t be stressed enough. “Power steering fluid and brake fluid are particular areas to look at, especially when you consider how much more work the brakes need to do with the additional weight on board. Statistics have shown that one in three vehicles needs brake fluid changing while around 3.5 million motorists in the UK are driving on illegal tyres. These are all potential problems that can be avoided, making sure motorists are driving safe vehicles that are less likely to wreck their family holidays.” – ENDS – Editor’s note:- The Good Garage Scheme was set up as a self-regulatory body for independent workshops and MOT centres throughout the UK to ensure the best industry standards are maintained by its members. It has more than 2,900 members who adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and offer an Industry Standard Service. Good Garage Scheme members: • Adhere to a strict Code of Conduct and pledge to have their customers’ best interests at heart • Must agree what work needs doing with their customers before it is carried out • Work to an Industry Standard Service checklist • Must supply each customer with a feedback card allowing them to give their views on service directly to the Good Garage Scheme, which operates a stringent complaints procedure For further information, please contact: Anndi Sheppard, Good Garage Scheme, on tel: 024 7647 2649 or at marketing@goodgaragescheme.co.uk or Gary Lillistone, Bridge PR on tel: 024 76 520025, email: garyl@bridgepr.co.uk.

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