Give Your Car a Spring Clean with Trust My Garage

With the sun starting to shine and spring finally in full force, it’s time to make your motor shine with some well-deserved TLC. Here at Trust My Garage, we have some top tips for giving your car its spring clean.

It’s bigger on the inside

Your car may look simple to clean internally and whilst a quick hoover and dusting will do a great deal, it will leave some areas in your car untouched. Ensure that you hoover everywhere in your car, including the hard-to-reach bits in between your seats and under your car mats.

When did you last clean your car mats? For rubber mats, you can simply shake them down, then douse them with a car shampoo or washing up liquid before grabbing a brush and scrubbing them clean. You can then rinse them off with a hose or high-powered jet wash to make them fully clean before leaving them out to dry.

Remember to think first about the cleaning solution you are using as it may make your car mats unsafe and slippery.

Obviously, jet washing your carpeted car mats is not an option, therefore some carpet cleaner and a brush goes a long way. Simply spray the carpet cleaner and brush out any stains or dirt before leaving the car mat out to dry, but always follow the instructions on whatever product you choose to use.

When removing your car mats from the car, you may notice wet patches underneath the carpet from the winter. This might be a sign of water penetration, which can lead to serious problems. In this case it’s always worth having your car looked at by professionals at a local Trust My Garage member, who will locate the source of water and rectify the problem for you.

Cleaning the outside of your car

Over the winter, your car may have collected mud, dirt and dust that has stuck to your car. Not only will dirty windows, mirrors and lights reduce your ability to see and be seen when driving, dirt can damage your paintwork and even lead to rust, so don’t put off cleaning your car any longer! 

All you need is a good car shampoo, bucket and sponge, alongside a hose or jet wash to wash it all down after, if you don’t have a hose or a jet wash you can always use a watering can!! Parts of your car that are typically missed during a car wash tend to be inside the alloys, and the door shuts and inside the petrol flap on your car – be sure not to miss these if you want your car to look pristine.

Of course, if you don’t have a driveway, cleaning your car can be a bit trickier. Arm yourself with some change and visit your local petrol station; chances are they have a hoover and a jet wash for you to use.

Wheels tend to be the dirtiest part of the car as they have contact with the road and kick up dirt. A simple bristly brush and some car soap, or some wheel cleaner, will make your car wheels and alloys shine. Whilst cleaning your car tyres you should check their pressure and tread, as your tyres may have been through a lot during the winter.

Waxing your car

While waxing your car isn’t essential, it provides protection by creating a barrier between your car paint and the outside world. Rainwater in particular can affect your car’s paint as it is full of pollutants that can stick to the paint causing damage; if you have wax on your car, rainwater runs off faster and therefore allows less time for pollutants to stick to the paint.

Refresh your senses

Once your car is clean, treat yourself to a new air freshener. There are plenty out there with a variety of scents to revitalise your senses – just make sure nothing is obstructing your view of the road.

According to Air Pro, some car air fresheners have an impact on your mood and help reduce stress whilst being stuck in traffic.

Carry out some essential checks

Whilst carrying out some essential checks on your car is not strictly speaking cleaning it, it is good practice to check that your car is well maintained and in roadworthy condition after the harsh winter weather.

Spring is the perfect time to replace your windscreen wipers as they’ll have been almost in constant use during the winter and therefore, more likely to be worn and damaged, chances are if they judder during in use, they will need replacing.

Brakes should also be checked. You should ensure that your brake fluid is at the correct level, as low brake fluid can be a sign of excessive brake wear or fluid leak, have the brake discs inspected and measured as well as checked for pad wear.

Batteries have to work much harder during periods of cold weather, so old or depleted batteries may need to be replaced. If your battery is over three years old, you should get it checked before any issues arise.

Have your car serviced at a local Trust My Garage member

These checks will play a vital part in your car’s overall wellbeing, and although you should get into the routine of carrying out these checks regularly, there’s no substitute for having your vehicle looked at by a professional.

A Trust My Garage member will ensure that your vehicle has not been badly damaged by winter weather conditions and is safe and fit for driving during the new season.

Visit the Trust My Garage website to find your nearest member.

Top Tips for Saving Fuel

As of March 2022, BBC News revealed the price of fuel across the UK has risen to £1.50 per litre as the cost of oil rises. With the increasing cost of filling up your tank, Trust My Garage has some top tips on how to drive economically and make your MPG go further – check them out below!

Check your tyres

Find out what pressure your tyre pressures need to be by either check in your owner’s manual or locating your tyre information label, like this one,

which could be located inside you fuel flap or inside your door aperture. Checking your tyres regularly and ensuring that they are at the correct pressures is a simple and effective way of reducing your fuel consumption. Under-inflated tyres cause your car to burn more fuel due to a greater amount of the tyre in contact with the road, which increases your vehicle’s drag and therefore your fuel consumption.

One of the best ways to improve your fuel consumption is to keep your car well maintained and serviced regularly. If you think your car could need a service, your local Trust My Garage member can advise you on the type of service your car may need. Pop your postcode into the TMG’s ‘Find a Garage’ service and we can tell you who is nearby!

Don’t be idle

If you’re waiting for someone, rather than leaving your car running, it may be worth switching the engine off. Whilst you are not moving, leaving the car engine running can still use a substantial amount of fuel, not to mention the emissions that can harm the environment.

All in one

Did you know that when you drive a car that has been parked for a few hours, the engine is cold and therefore uses more fuel to power the engine for the first five miles or so? Combining errands that you have throughout the day into one journey may be more beneficial, as your car engine will already be warm, helping you to save fuel.

Cruise control – Friend or foe?

Using cruise control can be both your friend and foe for saving fuel. As you know, driving at a constant speed helps to save fuel and cruise control can do this effectively when you are wanting to maintain a constant speed on a flat road such as a motorway. However, if you were to use cruise control on roads where you were to stop and start, or where you would be encountering a hill, cruise control could potentially use more fuel; the car cannot see a hill approaching and therefore it is slower to adjust the accelerator to the situation, which means your car will use more power and therefore more fuel.

Unload unnecessary weight

Your car uses more fuel the heavier it gets, which means you should not carry around items in your car that you do not need. This also applies to roof racks – if you do not use them regularly, consider taking them off to relieve your car of that extra weight. Roof racks, even empty, add drag to your car and this too increase fuel consumption.

Think ahead

If you know your route to work can sometimes get congested, it may be worth checking your route on your phone or satnav in the morning before you set off, to see if there is heavy traffic. This could potentially allow you to look for an alternative route or maybe leave a little earlier or later to help avoid the heaviest traffic, stop start traffic is a fuel burner and therefore costs you money.

AC and heat

In general, car heaters do not use up much fuel as they recycle the heat from the car’s engine. Air conditioning, however, is very different and does use fuel. Using air conditioning in your car is a good thing as it helps keep the cabin air fresh and can stop you feeling drowsy when driving. Air conditioning isn’t just for summer, air conditioning dries out the air in your car and helps prevent your car from steaming on those damp days.

Modern cars are designed to be streamlined for fuel efficiency, so even driving with the window open can have an adverse effect you’re your cars economy, especially at higher speeds!

What is Trust My Garage?

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s best local garages – each one different and each one dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service. All garages in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association – which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who have to comply with a strict code of practice.

Whether you need help with car maintenance to improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency or require an MOT, service or repair, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved code of conduct that our members follow, means that you and your motor both get the best possible service – no matter the problem!

For more information about Trust My Garage or to locate your nearest TMG member visit www.trustmygarage.co.uk.

Caring for your Car in the Winter

With the UK well into winter and frost prominent across the UK, are you taking steps to ensure that your car is well maintained and safe during the cold months? The Trust My Garage blog has some handy tips to help protect you and your car this season!

Do I need Antifreeze?

Antifreeze stops the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing, and potentially causing significant damage. As well as preventing the water from freezing, antifreeze raises the boiling point of the engines coolant to prevent overheating. The fluid also protects your engine from internal corrosion, aids heat transfer, and prevents scale from building up internally, all of which could result in costly repair bills.

You can buy concentrated antifreeze or ready mixed with water. Always check the pack’s instructions for the right ratio to use, as well as your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual, to make sure you use the correct variety for your car, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Braking

We all know brakes are an essential part of any car and therefore should be regularly checked and well maintained.

It is particularly important to check that your brakes are working correctly at this time of the year, when wet and icy roads are common. When you’re driving in the rain, your stopping distance is double what it would be on a dry road. This increases even more if you are driving in icy conditions, rising up to 10 times the stopping distance needed in dry weather.

Listen out for warning signs such as your brakes grinding or squeaking, or your car pulling you to one side or the other when you apply the brakes, all of which could indicate your braking system needs attention.

Check your tyres

Wet and icy roads require a deeper tyre tread than dry roads, the legal requirement for tread depth is 1.6 mm but it is recommended that your tread depth be 3 mm for driving in the winter months.

To learn all you need to know about ensuring your vehicle’s tyres are ready for the road, regardless of the time of year, read our “What to do when… you need to check your vehicle’s tyres” post.

Winter tyres are designed to offer optimum traction and grip in cold, icy conditions. If you are unsure about driving in the icy weather, winter tyres are good to use as they outperform your standard ‘summer’ tyres for traction in lower temperatures, providing improved cornering grip and braking.

If you have a spare tyre in the boot of your car, don’t forget to check this too, both for condition and the tyre pressure to ensure it is usable should you need it. Having a spare tyre is useful in situations where you may find yourself with a damaged wheel or a sudden puncture, however it is important to know what the rules are when it comes to using them, as many spare tyres are different in size and structure compared to the standard tyre fitted to cars and may be restricted to lower driving speed and vehicle load. Check your vehicle handbook for the instructions specific to your vehicle.

Lights

Before setting off on a journey, it’s a good idea to check your vehicle’s lights, you can either walk around the vehicle to conduct a check, or ask a passenger to check them whilst you operate the switch, and don’t forget the brake and reverse lights too.

If any lights are dim or aren’t working, including fog lights and number plate lights, you should get them replaced as soon as possible.

The weather this time of year means that there is a lot of dirt and grit being thrown up from the road surface by other vehicles, and whilst it is not illegal to have a dirty car, you need to ensure that your number plates are clean and easy to read. Many cars these days have headlamp washers to keep your head lights clean, but it is also important that your rear lights are clean and visible. In the event of snow fall, make sure you clear ice and snow from your front and rear lights, to ensure you have good visibility and that other drivers can see you.

Keep windows clear

Before setting off on your journey, it is important that your car windows are clear of any potential obstruction, including ice and snow. This can be achieved by a simple ice scraper or a can of de-icer. It is worth mentioning that you may need to leave for work early, so that you have plenty of time to clear your car’s windows before you set off driving!

If it has snowed, using a snow brush is a good way to clear your car. A lot of people forget to clear their car roof of snow before setting off – it is important that you clear the snow from your roof, as not doing so could potentially cause the snow to hinder your vision when braking or could fly from your roof and land on someone’s windscreen behind you, impairing their vision and potentially resulting in a crash.

Window Wipers

The winter weather can affect your wipers and windscreen. Take a look at your wipers and make sure they are in good condition. Check the wiper rubbers for cuts and tears and if they are damaged, replace them to ensure they clear your windscreen effectively.

Before turning on your wipers in frosty conditions, ensure that your wipers are not frozen to the screen, as turning on the wipers whilst they are frozen to the window can tear the wiper blade rubbers or even blow a fuse.

You should also make sure that your car has plenty of screen wash, as driving in the winter can bring up a lot of dirt and mud, impairing your vision. It is handy to remember that you can purchase a winter screen wash that does not freeze in the cold weather.

Battery

Did you know that cold temperatures reduce the efficiency of a vehicle’s battery? If you feel that your battery is not operating effectively, it may need charging or even replacing. If you are unsure as to the condition of your battery, consider having a set of jump leads in your car just in case you need them.

There are some signs you can look out for to tell if your car battery is running low. You may find that your headlights dim when the car is ticking over, also when starting your car the starter motor may seem to turn the engine over much slower than normal.

If you are concerned about the condition of your battery, your local Trust My Garage member can advise you.

Winter Breakdown Essentials

If you do suffer the unfortunate experience of a breakdown, it’s important to keep some essentials in the car, so you can stay warm and safe when waiting for help in winter weather. Consider keeping the following items in your car in case of an emergency:

• Warning triangle – lets other drivers know your situation

• A high-vis jacket or vest– this helps you stand out and ensures you are visible to other road users
• Cat litter or sand – to put under the wheel to help traction in slippery conditions
• Snow shovel or spade
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes and footwear
• Snacks and water
• Torch
• Mobile phone and a portable charger
• Blanket
• Jump leads
• First aid kit
• Heat pad – If you are stranded in the snow and the exhaust pipe is covered, it can be dangerous to run the engine, so keeping some outdoor hand warmers in your car will help you stay warm.

Keep safe this winter with Trust My Garage

If you are unsure of your vehicle’s readiness for winter driving or if you experience any issues with your car, Trust My Garage members are here to help you.

Whether it’s for a check-up, service or repair, the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved code of conduct that our members follow means that you and your motor both get the best possible service – no matter what the weather!

For more information about Trust My Garage or to locate your nearest TMG member visit www.trustmygarage.co.uk.

Why Choose a Local Independent Garage?

Finding a garage you can trust and rely on can be a worry. MOT demand is currently at an all-time high due to the six-month MOT extension that occurred as a result of the pandemic in 2020. This raises the question, where is the best place to get my car MOT’d?

It’s not just when we need an MOT that we are faced with this question, it’s when that ‘check engine’ light flashes at us or when your vehicle needs servicing. Where do you go when your vehicle starts to fail?

Ultimately, you’re left with the choice of an independent garage business or a dealership – which one do you choose?

Supporting your local business

Your local independent garage is here to support your local community and keep your vehicle roadworthy, and you’re likely to have one around the corner as opposed to a dealership, which may be some distance away.

When you choose to take your vehicle to a local independent garage, it goes without saying that you’re supporting a local independent business and your local economy. According to the Independent, for everyone £1 you spend at your local independent, 56p goes back into the local economy. If the average MOT costs £40, when you attend your local independent, that’s approximately £22 put back into your local area.

Investing in your local independent garage also helps to sustain local careers and create careers for future generations. Who knows, one day your child or someone you know could be working there.

Excellent customer service

Choosing an independent garage for your automotive needs means you’re paying for a service where you get that added personal touch.

At a main dealer you are more likely to hand your keys to the receptionist, not the mechanic. Whilst there is nothing wrong with this, it leaves little room for you to discuss any of your concerns or questions.

When you drop your vehicle off at your local independent garage, you’ll more than likely speak directly to the technician who will fix your car, who has more time to chat with you and allows you to ask questions about your vehicle – there is no ‘middleman’ so to speak.

Local customers are the life blood of local independent garages and your custom is vital to their survival. They grow their businesses by relying on your word of mouth, to pass on their good company name. You can be assured that when you are visiting an independent garage, it will be important to them that you and your vehicle are looked after, and they will do everything they can to give you confidence in the services they provide.

Better value for money

Independent garages are generally greater value for money! The average hourly rate at an independent garage tends to be lower than that of a main dealer. A Labour Rate study from the Independent Garage Association conducted in 2020 found that the average labour rate charged by independent garages was £47.47 an hour. According to AMM Online, a nationwide survey of 6,000 garages found that franchised dealers were typically charging an average of £99 per hour, a massive difference of £51.33.

Despite the difference in price, independent garages have access to the same technical information, vehicle parts, and industry training as main dealers, so you can be confident that your local garage can carry out work at the same level as dealerships without invalidating your vehicle’s warranty.

In fact, all Trust My Garage members follow the TMG ‘Code of Practice for Service and Repair’, and commit to our Customer Charter, so giving you the peace of mind that  your nearest member will work to the highest standards and have up to date technical information, techniques and tools.

How do I find an independent garage I can rely on?

You can find an independent garage that you can trust in a few simple steps. Simply visit the Trust My Garage website here: https://www.trustmygarage.co.uk/find-a-garage and type in your postcode! With over 2,900 member garages nationwide, you’re never far away from a TMG member.

When you’ve found your nearest trusted garage, you can view their profile, give them a call, email them, access their website, or request an estimate.

Unlike comparison websites, you can contact garages directly through the Trust My Garage website. This means you get to build a relationship with your local garage and discuss your vehicle with them from the outset.

About Trust My Garage

Trust My Garage members are the best of Britain’s local garages – every member is dedicated to giving their customers the best service and working to the highest standards.

All the garages in the Trust My Garage network are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. If you want to find out more about Trust My Garage, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

E10 Petrol – Is your vehicle ready?

E-10 fuel – you’ve heard all about it, but do you know what it is and how it could affect your vehicle?

What is E10?

E10 is a petroleum fuel that is now the standard grade fuel across the country. It is more renewable, greener and helps to cut down the CO2 emissions from your vehicle. It is also expected that E10 petrol will be cheaper than the current E5 petrol by around 0.2 pence per litre.

The government have issued a warning, however, that E10 preserves less energy than E5 and therefore it is likely that you will find yourself topping your vehicle up more regularly. The government have highlighted that driving with under-inflated tyres or with a roof rack fitted to your car, will have more of a significant impact on your fuel top ups than E10 will.

Until now E5 petrol in the UK has contained up to 5% bioethanol, which means 5% of the mix is produced from crops and wood waste – which are renewable sources. E10 means that 10% of the fuel is renewable, which makes it more environmentally friendly.     

There are some vehicles that cannot use E10 petrol, however.

Is E10 made for my vehicle?

Not every vehicle can use E10 fuel and in fact, it is incompatible with as many as 600,000 vehicles, including classic vehicles, specific models of vehicles from the early 2000’s and some mopeds under 50cc. The good news is that all cars manufactured after 2011 are compatible with E10 petrol.

It is recommended that you check whether your vehicle can use E10 fuel. Checking is quick and easy, and not checking whether your vehicle can have E10 fuel means risking putting the wrong fuel into your vehicle, and consequently shortening your vehicle’s engine life along with that of other components.

To check, simply head over to the GOV.UK E10 online checker here.

(Photo: Screen shot of the E10 checker on the government website)

If you are still unsure on whether your vehicle can use E10 petrol or not, there are some further simple checks you can do. You can:

• Check your vehicle owner’s manual, as the instruction booklet is specific to your vehicle

• Look inside the fuel filler cap (as shown below)

• Contact your vehicle manufacturer

If you are still unsure, E5 will still be available at most filling stations.

It goes without saying, but E10 fuel is not compatible with diesel engines or electric vehicles.

What if I use E10 and I Shouldn’t Have?

If your vehicle cannot use E10 fuel, simply stick to E5. However, we all know that sometimes slip ups can happen and that people put the wrong fuel in more frequently than imagined – so will this mistake affect your vehicle? Can you use E10 fuel even if your vehicle is not on the approved E10 list?

In short, using E10 fuel in your vehicle that is not compatible with E10 is not the end of the world. There is no disastrous consequence like if you put diesel into a petrol vehicle, and you do not need to request an engine drain

So, if your vehicle is not compatible with E10, yet can run off E10, why can you not use it? The answer is simple: older vehicles have older fuel systems and using E10 fuel for prolonged periods of time will damage the vehicle significantly. Continuing to use E10 whilst it is advised that your car should not use it, could damage your seals, plastics, metals in the fuel system and could make it harder for your vehicle to start. You will also risk having condensation in your fuel tank, and the strong dose of ethanol could eat through the aged rubber pipes in your vehicles fuel lines.

If your vehicle cannot use E10, don’t use E10. E5 fuel will still be available.

Of course, if you use other petrol appliances such as a lawn mower, ring the manufacturer to see whether your appliance can use E10 or not. The same applies to boats and some aircrafts too.

If you use E10 petrol continuously to the point in which your car breaks down, the Mirror have investigated and found that 46% of car insurance policies will not pay out any repair costs caused by mis-fuelling your car.  

If you wish for you vehicle to run on E10 but it is not compatible and you do not want long term damage, you will have to change components in your car. You would have to get rid of your fibreglass petrol tank and replace it with an aluminium one. Furthermore, ethanol does not like solder, so if you run a solder float in your carburettor it is advised you carry a spare as it is easy to change. Of course, these are not the only changes you would have to make to your car as E10 will eat your rubber lining and damage your seals, so you would still risk water in the fuel tank.

When will E10 be available?

E10 is expected to roll out in the UK in September 2021. Northern Ireland can be expected to have E10 introduced in early 2022.

Be sure to check whether your vehicle is E10 compatible here.

More about Trust My Garage

Whether you need to ask a professional if the petrol you are using is right for your car or locate a trusted garage to upgrade your car to make it E10 compatible, finding out whether a garage is the best of the best is easier than you think. Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service. Trust My Garage members are the best of Britain’s local garages – every member is dedicated to giving their customers the best of the best service. All the garages of Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. If you want to find out more about Trust My Garage, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

It’s Time to Book Your MOT Early

As we are beginning to see the easing of lockdown and things getting back to a new sort of normal, it’s all too easy to forget the things that have changed. Back in April 2020 many vehicles were given a six-month MOT extension to ensure that those needing their vehicle to deliver key services, were able to do so, whilst feeling safe and staying mobile.

The knock-on effects of this six month extension to MOT’s is that these MOT’s are now due in October, November, and December, on top of the vehicles that are already due to have their MOT in the same period. This, as we saw last year, will again create long lead times and high demand for MOT’s in the last three months of the year. We are also seeing that many people no longer have their Tax, MOT and motor insurance all due at the same time, making it likely that the out of sync MOT may get missed at worst, or forgotten about until the last minute at best, causing frustration and potential long delay for MOT appointments, or even vehicles not being able to be driven if their MOT expires before an appointment can be arranged.

With Brexit and the effects of COVID-19 working hand in hand, garages have experienced a delay in parts coming through from the EU and have also experienced financial and staff losses due to COVID-19.

This caused a backlog, which has then consequently clustered and caused ‘peaks’ and ‘troughs’ in MOT demand throughout the year.

But how does this affect my next MOT?

It is expected that in September, the number of vehicles needing an MOT will rise by 16% and up to 29% in October. If your car has an MOT due in the coming months, it’s worth thinking about booking your MOT test early, so your garages can meet demand and guarantee your MOT spot. You can book your MOT up to a month early while keeping your renewal date the same.

If you leave it to the last minute, you risk not being able to have your car MOT’d in time for when it is required, which consequently means your car is undrivable. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal and you could face consequences such as a fine up to £2,500, three points on your licence and of course, the obvious danger, that your car may not be roadworthy which could you, your loved one and other road users at risk.

This ‘peak’ MOT testing time could potentially last years, meaning it may become the norm to book your MOT sooner than you are typically used to, you could also re-align your vehicles MOT to its original date, making it less likely you will forget it, if it aligns to your tax and insurance renewals

Help your garages help you and your motor by booking early.

Book your MOT with Trust My Garage

Are you looking for a garage you can trust for your MOT needs? Ensure that your car is MOT’d and safe to drive with Trust My Garage. Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who must comply with a strict code of practice. Every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best value service for you and your vehicle. If you want to find out more about Trust My Garage, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Keep your vehicle road ready in lockdown with Trust My Garage

A new survey of the nation’s drivers has revealed more than half (54%) don’t know when their next service is due – so how can you keep your vehicle in top condition all year round? Find out with Trust My Garage!

Every year Highways England’s traffic officers deal with more than 85,000 breakdowns. 40 per cent of these breakdowns are caused by vehicles running out of fuel, poor tyre maintenance, power loss and engine trouble. These basic checks and maintenance can prevent many breakdowns:

• Check tyres – check your tyre pressures are suitable for the load and their condition, including the spare. Always look out for cuts or wear and make sure tyres are comfortably over the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm.
• Check fuel – before every journey, check your fuel levels and make sure you have enough to get to your destination. Always keep your tank at least one quarter full.
• Check engine oil – use your dipstick to check oil regularly, if your vehicle has one.Alternatively, you can use your vehicle’s information system. Top up if needed, making sure you use the correct oil. Take your car to a garage if it is requiring frequent top ups.
• Engine coolant – check your coolant is within the minimum and maximum markings.
• Check screen wash – Always keep your screen wash level topped up so you can clear debris or dirt off your windscreen.
• Check lights – look at whether indicators, hazard lights, headlights, fog lights, reverse lights and brake lights are functioning properly and that your lights are clean.
• Windscreen wipers – check your wiper blades for cuts, nicks and wear. Replace them if they are not clearing your windscreen properly – and if they judder during use it’s a sign they may need replacing.

For more in-depth details on how to conduct basic checks and maintenance, take a look at our “What to do when… your vehicle needs some TLC” blog post!

If you’re looking for further help, Highways England has prepared a guide showing road users how to carry out the five most important vehicle checks: tyres, engine oil, water, lights and fuel. The guide has written details and helpful videos showing you how you can make sure your vehicle is always safe and roadworthy.

According to Highways England, knowing the benefits of regular checks and maintenance before getting on the road is key to travelling safely – but so is maintaining your vehicle’s regular servicing and maintenance schedule!

If you’re looking for a professional local garage to help with your servicing, repair or MOT needs, you can find a local CTSI approved Trust My Garage member by visiting the Trust My Garage website’s ‘Find a Garage’ map! You can even read reviews from other motorists about the members in your area to help you decide which garage is right for you. Try it out here:

Want to know more about Trust My Garage?

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who must comply with a strict code of practice. That way, every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best quality and value of service.

Have you got any top vehicle care tips? Let us know in the comments below!

Prepare your vehicle for the New Year with Trust My Garage

With the imminent arrival of 2021 it’s important to get your vehicle ready for the New Year – but what steps can you take to ensure you’re motoring happy over the next 12 months? The Trust My Garage blog is here to help! Read on to find out what you need to know.

MOT

This year has been an unprecedented experience for almost everyone, including motorists. For safety, the DVSA began to issue six-month MOT extensions for vehicles due an MOT between April and the end of July. The extension means that many vehicles due their MOT over the summer will now been condensed into the last few month of 2020, creating much longer waiting times for MOT appointments.

The extension was entirely optional, and you were still able take your vehicle to your local Trust My Garage member garage at its normal MOT time, which is usually in line with its registration, if you want to do so. This may be helpful if your key dates, such as MOT, tax renewal and insurance renewal, are due at the same time, as it will be easier to remember.

The DVSA have predicted a 24 per cent increase in demand for MOT’s in December and a 45 per cent increase in January, so a great way to prepare for the New Year is to ensure your test is booked in plenty of time ready for its due date and avoid your car being unusable due to an expired MOT.

To check when your vehicle’s MOT test is due, you can visit https://.gov.uk/check-mot-history. All you need is your vehicle’s registration number!

Tax

About a month before your road tax expires the DVLA will issue you with a V11 Vehicle Tax Reminder, containing the information you need to either renew your tax online, via telephone or at a Post Office branch. Your V11 will also tell you the date your current road tax period will expire.

You can check the status of your road tax or renew it online via the Gov.uk website. Driving without road tax will result in a DVLA-imposed fine of £80, which can be reduced by half if paid in 28 days. However, it could result in a fine of up to £1,000 or five times the annual road tax fee if the case goes to court. Even if your vehicle is not being driven but is parked on a public road, if you’ve forgotten to pay tax, it could be clamped or even impounded!

Insurance

It’s illegal to drive a vehicle on a road or in a public place without at least 3rd party insurance – and even if the vehicle itself is insured, if you’re not correctly insured to drive it you could get penalised. The police could give you a fixed penalty of £300 and 6 penalty points if you’re caught driving a vehicle you’re not insured to drive.

If the case goes to court you could get :

• an unlimited fine
• disqualified from driving

The police also have the power to seize, and in some cases, destroy the vehicle that’s being driven uninsured. You can check your vehicle insurance renewal date with your insurance provider, and you can do a quick check on whether your vehicle is insured here: https://ownvehicle.askmid.com/

Car maintenance

It’s important to make sure your vehicle is running at its best ready for the next year, so take time to ensure your motor isn’t displaying any warning lights on the dashboard, your fluid levels are topped up as needed and your lights are working clearly with no damaged or broken bulbs.

Our “What to do when… your vehicle needs some TLC” post covers the basics you need, in detail, to make sure you’re driving into 2021 with all cylinders firing.

The other posts in our ‘What to do when…’ series can also provide some further tips and insight across many areas of motoring and vehicle maintenance to help you ensure your motor is running at its best! You can check out our posts in the series here.

Tyres

The tread of a tyre refers to the rubber on its circumference that makes contact with the road or ground. The legal limit for minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters, however it is recommended to keep your tyres at 3mm or above for optimum grip. Drivers who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.

The ‘20p test’ is a quick way to check the tread depth. Place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves at three points across the tyre and then repeat around its circumference. If the outer band of the 20p piece is visible, the tyres may be unsafe or illegal and need to be checked by a professional garage or tyre specialist.

You can check and correct your tyre pressure at most UK petrol stations using a pay-per-use air and water station, or you can purchase your own tyre pressure gauge – the choice is yours.

If you aren’t sure what pressure is correct for your vehicle’s tyres you can refer to your Owner’s Manual. Details should be provided in either/both BAR and PSI, and you can adjust your pressures to the recommended figure. Often a vehicle’s tyre pressure information is also provided on the interior frame of the front passenger or driver’s door, and sometimes inside the fuel flap, so be sure to check there if you need a quick reference point as well.

Find out more in our “What to do when… you need to check your vehicle’s tyres” blog post.

Finding a local garage

If you’re looking for a professional local garage to help you, you can find a local CTSI approved Trust My Garage member by visiting the Trust My Garage website’s ‘Find a Garage’ map! You can even read reviews from other motorists about the members in your area to help you decide which garage is right for you. Try it out here:

More about Trust My Garage

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who have to comply with a strict code of practice.

Each and every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best value service for you and your vehicle.

How does coronavirus affect MOTs? Find out with Trust My Garage!

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic continues to affect the public in many aspects of daily life – whether you’re working from home, ordering take-aways instead of eating out, or exercising via a run instead of going to the gym, many people have had to make changes to their lifestyle.

Unlike the first lockdown, the MOT is one thing that hasn’t been affected by the second wave of COVID-19 restrictions; so, what can you do to ensure your car’s MOT status remains valid and roadworthy? Trust My Garage is here to help!

What is the MOT?

The MOT is a government-mandated test for vehicles to ensure they meet safety and roadworthiness standards, as well as environmental standards.

A new vehicle requires its first MOT test after three years, and then will need one every year after that. You cannot drive or park your vehicle on a public road if the MOT has run out, and you can be prosecuted if caught without a valid MOT.

The Gov.uk website states you must get an MOT for your vehicle by either:

• the third anniversary of its registration
• the anniversary of its last MOT, if it’s over 3 years old

The MOT checks many important parts of your vehicle, as shown here:

(source)

These checks ensure vehicles meet the minimum requirements for road safety and environmental legislation.

After a vehicle’s MOT test, it will receive a certificate stating whether it has passed or failed the MOT. You may get a list of ‘minor’ or ‘advisory’ problems to monitor or fix in the future.

If the vehicle has ‘dangerous’ or ‘major’ problems it will fail its MOT, and you will not be allowed to drive it until the problems are fixed. The fail will be noted in the vehicle’s MOT history and you will get a ‘refusal of an MOT test certificate’ from the test centre.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a ‘dangerous’ problem.

Why was there an MOT extension in the first lockdown?

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the national lockdown restrictions, some vehicles were granted a six-month MOT extension by the government to help protect the public and avoid the spread of COVID-19. It was also to help the many key workers that found it difficult to get their cars to a garage, to stay mobile and continue to provide the vital services they delivered.

The extension was not mandatory, and the Government still advised the public to have an MOT test for their vehicle if they felt it necessary at the original time their MOT was due. 2.1 million MOTs were still carried out in April and May, despite lockdown restrictions and the implementation of the MOT extension.

Does my car need a valid MOT during lockdown?

In short, yes. Regardless of any lockdown restrictions, your vehicle must always have a valid MOT. You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT, and unless your MOT date has been extended by the Government you must submit your vehicle for testing before the expiry of its current MOT.

To check your vehicle’s MOT expiry date, you can use the Gov.uk MOT check service. The service also lets you set up text reminders for your MOT due date and check if there are any manufacturer recalls issued for your vehicle. If there are any recall issues, you can find out more information about them with our “Vehicle safety recalls – what are they and how can they affect motorists?” blog post.

Where can I go to get an MOT test?

To conduct MOT tests, a garage (or dealership) must be a DVSA-approved MOT testing station. You’ll know if a premises is an MOT testing station by the display of the official logo:

 Some service and repair garages also conduct MOTs, and some garages will only offer MOTs, so check which is best for you before booking in your test. If you purchased your vehicle from a branch of the manufacturer’s franchised dealerships you can also use their facilities for your MOT, depending on your preference.

Many Trust My Garage members offer MOTs as part of their range of services, so it’s always worth checking if there’s a member in your area! It’s simple to do, just head to our “Find a Garage” map and pop in your postcode! Try it out here:

You can check TMG members in your area by distance, number of reviews or star rating. You can also view their profile page to see what services they offer and even request more information directly from the garage. TMG member profile pages also provide direct contact information, so if you prefer a phone call you can contact a garage quickly and easily. 

As for pricing, there’s a maximum amount MOT test stations can charge, depending on the type of vehicle. The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle, and the fee is not subject to VAT.

How can I prepare my car for an MOT?

Once you’ve booked an MOT, you may want to take extra steps to prepare your vehicle during the pandemic.

Many motorists have taken to leaving Personal Protective Equipment (PEE) in their vehicle’s for convenience, such as face coverings and/or disposable gloves; make sure these are removed in advance of your MOT test so garage staff don’t have to touch them. Some garages have taken to  reminding to customers at time of booking and again on the day of their visit to ensure any used PPE is removed from vehicles to ensure the safety of both staff and customers.

You may also want to clean your vehicle prior to it entering the garage. Our “Keep your vehicle germ-free with Trust My Garage” blog post has some great tips on how to keep the germs at bay!

Some garages are currently offering deep-cleaning services at an additional charge when you take in your vehicle, so if you’re interested in a professional clean you can discuss this with the garage to see if it’s an option they provide.

Once your garage visit is over and your MOT is passed successfully, you can put your PPE back in place and carry on motoring.

More about Trust My Garage

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who must comply with a strict code of practice.

Every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best value service for you and your vehicle.

If you want to find out more about Trust My Garage, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Beat the rush for MOTs this autumn with Trust My Garage

Is your motor due for an MOT in the coming months? Find out how you can beat the rush with Trust My Garage!

In March, the DVSA granted six-month MOT exemptions to vehicles due a test after 30^th March 2020 and before 31^st July as part of the UK government’s measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Those exemptions will begin to expire in September. Due to this, the DVSA are predicting October and November will be extremely busy for garages, as well as the usual December demand over the festive period.

Why should I book an MOT now?

Of the 9 million tests the DVSA moved, nearly 3 million vehicles have since had an MOT and passed. However, they want to help increase that number and ease the burden on the industry as demand increases in the autumn.

Autumn tends to be the busiest time of year for MOT tests under normal circumstances, but this year DVSA are expecting demand to double in September, October and November. If your MOT is due this autumn, consider getting it done as soon as possible to avoid the rush and ensure your vehicle is safe and roadworthy.

Using any vehicle with defects present on the highway, regardless of its MOT status, is an offence. You can be fined up to £2,500 – and be banned from driving and get up to 3 penalty points per defect for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

It’s worth remembering that just because your vehicle has an MOT it doesn’t mean it’s safe or roadworthy. Always carry out regular vehicle checks – you can find out which in our “What to do when… your vehicle needs some TLC” blog post. If you want more complex items, such as suspension components, to be checked you can contact your local trusted garage and request some help.

How do I check a vehicle’s MOT expiry date?

To check the MOT status and MOT expiry date for your vehicle, you can use the DVSA’s MOT History service. If your vehicle was subject to an MOT extension throughout the UK lockdown, its MOT expiry date will automatically have been moved by six months.

You can also use this webpage to check if there are any outstanding recalls on your vehicle. This service allows motorists to check for defects or problems reported by the vehicle manufacturer which can impede vehicle safety or performance. If a recall is noted within the service, it is best to contact your manufacturer’s nearest garage to arrange an inspection or repair.

How can I book an MOT?

To book an MOT, you must first locate an MOT station in your area and contact them to discuss their availability. An MOT test takes around 45 minutes, plus additional time if there are any advisories, minor or major defects which require further attention.

Some motorists opt to book an MOT along with a vehicle service within the same appointment, as this saves them a return trip to the garage at a different date. Be careful though, as not all garages are MOT stations, and not all MOT stations offer vehicle servicing!

To find a garage in your area, you can use the Trust My Garage “Find a Garage” search and locate your nearest TMG members! Each garage in our network adheres to a Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) approved Code of Conduct to ensure the highest levels of service and professionalism.  You can even read reviews from other motorists about the members in your area to help you decide which garage is right for you. Try it out here:

Why use Trust My Garage?

Trust My Garage is a collection of Britain’s trusted local garages – each one different and all dedicated to the highest standards of skill and personal service.

Every garage in Trust My Garage are members of the Independent Garage Association, which is part of the RMI, one of Britain’s oldest motor trade organisations. IGA members are true professionals who must comply with a strict code of practice.

Every customer of all Trust My Garage members can rely on using a nationally recognised brand to help you and your vehicle get the best value service for you and your vehicle. If you want to find out more about Trust My Garage, visit our website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!