Orchard News

Happy International Women's Day! Here at Orchard Garage, we are proud to have so many women working with us! Pam (company owner along with husband Geoff), Alex (MOT tester), our fabulous front of house team Sophie, Abbie, Abbie and Megan and Jane behind the scenes! Thank you to each and every one of you for all that you do on a daily basis and for helping us to build Orchard Garage to what it is today! We love our OG girls. Here's to strong women... May we know them. May we raise them. May we BE them! 

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So, would you let a hairdresser fix your car? No, of course you wouldn’t! But have you ever driven into a garage and just handed over the keys to your vehicle, without first checking that the person you’re trusting it to knows what they’re doing? I thought you might have… 

Most of us take it for granted that before technicians are let loose on a car, they have been on dozens of courses and have all sorts of qualifications.  Sadly, that’s not always the case. Garage owners can employ anyone they like and believe me, I’ve seen some …

We love our cars – of course we do, we’re surrounded by cars all day every day, but we’re not alone.

Lots of our customers have names for their cars and like to treat them every now and then to a wash, valet, perhaps the more expensive fuel…..

Let’s face it, we rely on our cars to get us about, to be there ready to go when we need them. We buy our friends and loved ones little treats to show how much they are appreciated. Why not do the same for your car? And the best bit…..you won’t be in trouble with …

Your car’s timing belt, sometimes called a cam belt, tells the valves in the engine when to open and close. It keeps everything moving in exactly the right order and at the right time. And, just like the belt that holds your trousers up – if it snaps or comes apart, you’re exposing yourself to a whole load of trouble.

Despite doing a vital job, a timing belt is basically a metal or rubber band with grooves in it. So, it’s a cheap part, sometimes costing as little as £30. 

The problem is that they’re often …

An MOT is a legally required, annual health check for your vehicle.  Here are a few dos and don'ts to help you out:

• Do make sure your car is clean and tidy, inside and out. A tester can refuse to inspect a vehicle that is dirty or cluttered. 
• Don’t arrive with an empty fuel tank or you could be turned away. An emissions check is an important part of the test and that needs fuel.
• Do avoid failing due to something simple and inexpensive by making sure you check bulbs and wiper blades, plus tyre condition and pressures. 
• Don’t assume …

Road trips, extra driving on family days out – it’s best to make sure your car is ready for the summer, because no-one wants to be broken down waiting for recovery!

Here are our top tips for safe driving this summer – pop by one of our garages to have a check or repair to get you on your way!

Tyres:
Check your tyres before you go anywhere, making sure the pressures are correct. If you’re filling the car up with people or luggage, add more pressure to the tyres.
Your tyres are at a higher risk of puncture in the heat if they’re not at the right …

We had a car in at the weekend for a vibration when driving along the A2, all down to the o/s/f tyre having cords exposed.... blow out waiting to happen! Remember to please check your tyres regularly for your safety. We can do it for you at either branch, or for a comprehensive check over of your car, why not book in for a Summer Health Check and we can check them for you whilst we also check the rest of the vehicle!? Only £10 at our Heath Lane site - 01322271000, opt 2.