PRESS RELEASE
Release date: 26th April 2016
Free maintenance
classes keep Oxford drivers on the move
Free car maintenance classes offered by an independent garage in Abingdon in response to the news that nearly one in ten motorists can't perform basic car maintenance, has been so successful, there are now plans to extend the scheme further.
Trust My Garage member Martin Gilbert Motor Repairs launched the initiative in response to online research which reported that among a list of car repair tasks, a third of motorists are unable to change a car tyre. Concerned by the results, the garage conducted its own research among customers which confirmed that a lack of knowledge regarding simple car repair tasks was a common concern among drivers. As a consequence, the garage is now extending its trial of free car maintenance classes to run once a month, ensuring local car owners have the skills and knowledge to spot early issues before they become more serious.
The evening classes are being run on a two hour basis, once the garage is closed, and cover a number of topics including how to check oil, water and windscreen washer levels, as well as demonstrations on how to check tyre pressure and tread depth. The classes have been so well received, they will continue to run for the foreseeable future, with dates for April and May already confirmed, and additional classes on topics including examining common MOT failures and essential considerations when driving abroad, already in the pipeline.
The classes provide motorists with the opportunity for one-to-one guidance and support from technicians, meaning that they will not only be shown how and when to carry out maintenance tasks but also have the opportunity to ask specific questions they may have. Having the knowledge to spot potential issues early reduces the risks of major failures and costly repairs and even more importantly, by ensuring cars are in their best condition, motorists can be confident they're doing everything they can to keep themselves and other road users safe.
Trust My Garage’s Terry Gibson commented: “The free classes offered by Martin Gilbert Motor Repairs is a fantastic initiative, offering vital car maintenance knowledge in an accessible way. While garages are more than happy to guide owners through car maintenance tasks, classes such as these give motorists the skills to be checking certain parts of the vehicle themselves with an understanding regarding what they should be looking out for in different vehicles. It can help motorists to clearly identify the warning signs that their car requires a professional service, before it turns into a costly repair.”
Wendy Gilbert, Managing Director at Martin Gilbert Motor Repairs explained: “If you take your car to a garage, technicians will explain to you what the issue is but may not have the time to explain why the issue occurred in the first place. Classes such as these are a great opportunity to do just that, giving motorists a better understanding of why faults may occur, meaning they're much better prepared to spot possible risks early before they become more serious. The success of these classes prove there is an appetite amongst drivers to learn these skills. We hope other garages will look to our example and offer similar services.”
Martin Gilbert Motors is a member of Trust My Garage,
which recently became the only government backed code in the UK solely for
independent garages. The next scheduled class to be held by the workshop is due
to take place on and Monday 9th May. For more details or to book your place,
call Mirabelle Mack on 01235 55 30 55
-ENDS-
TRUST MY GARAGE
(TMG) is the only government backed code exclusively for independent garages,
launched by the Independent Garage Association (IGA) to recognise the high
standards of independent garages throughout the UK.
For further information, please contact:-
John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025,
or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk
For
further information, please contact:-
John Edden, Bridge PR & Media Services on 024 76 520025,
or e-mail john@bridgepr.co.uk