Tuesday 26 January 2010

Yale Searches for the Oldest Truck in Anniversary Year

Widely recognised as introducing the very first electric powered low lift platform truck to the European market, Yale is searching for the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck, still in operation today, to mark its 90th anniversary year in 2010.

In 1919, the very first battery powered low lift platform truck was manufactured in Staten Island, New York by C.W. Hunt Co which was purchased by Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co in 1920.

Yale is offering a trip to the Big Apple in return for information on the oldest Yale forklift truck or pallet truck still in operation*.

Richard Czepukojc, Yale Europe’s marketing communications executive, explains: “We regularly receive feedback from our customers saying they are still using a Yale forklift truck or pallet truck purchased in the 1960s and we know of one operator that up until a few years ago was using a platform truck that was well over 40 years old, but we are certain that there must be more examples out there.

“As well as being at the forefront of forklift innovation and technology our products are recognised as being robust, durable and hard wearing so we are looking forward to discovering where these forklift and pallet trucks are still in operation today.”

The competition is open to operators of Yale forklift trucks or pallet trucks in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa who currently operate Yale materials handling equipment that is at least 20 years old.

Operators can enter the competition by visiting www.forkliftaction.com/yaleoldesttruck or by emailing a picture of it in use, together with your name, company and age of the truck, to yaleeurope@yale.com. A selection of images will be uploaded on the gallery on the new Yale blog site: http://forkliftsrus.blogspot.com/ and entries will be updated on Twitter at www.twitter.com/yale_forklifts.

- ends -

* Prize details and terms and conditions can be found via http://forkliftsrus.blogspot.com/.

Friday 22 January 2010

HiQ dealing with a hole lot of trouble


Pot holes created by the January Big Freeze are already taking its toll on motorists, with dozens of drivers making emergency visits to their local HiQ centre.

The HiQ fast fit network, with over 135 centres across the UK, have reported around 50 car repair jobs, created by the adverse weather conditions.

Marketing manager Geraldine McGovern is now urging all motorists to take extra precaution as the snow melts away in place of milder temperatures.


She said: “Hitting a pothole can damage the tyres, wheel, suspension or steering. It could even cause an accident.


“We can only urge motorists to continue to drive with caution. While the roads appear a lot safer as the snow and ice thaws, the issue of pot hole damage is a real one.”


The AA backed HiQ’s warning, and said that emergency road maintenance funding was required to stop crumbling roads costing more in compensation and accidents.


AA President Edmund King said this week: “The pothole season has come early this year. Drivers will be relieved when the snow has gone but shouldn’t be complacent.


“Due to the severe winter, it could be a record year for potholes – one million scars of the worst winter in 30 years.


To find your nearest HiQ centre just click on www.hiqonline.co.uk

FIRST BABY OF THE DECADE

A Wigan couple who are the proud new parents to one of the first baby’s born in 2010 have received a generous gift from a local car retailer.

Corkills Volkswagen teamed up with Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh hospital to congratulate its first baby born with a brand new Volkswagen Approved car seat.

Baby Amelia Waterworth was born just 15 minutes after the clock struck midnight, weighing a tiny 6lbs 8oz.

New parents Angela Ellison and Alan Waterworth from Leigh near Wigan said, “We are so proud of Amelia, she is gorgeous and been one of the first baby’s of the new decade, makes her even more special.

“We were delighted to receive the new car seat, it was a complete surprise and we would like to thank Corkills for their generosity. Amelia will certainly be travelling in style.”

Carl Hazelton, brand manager for Corkills Volkswagen, said: “All babies are precious and keeping them safe is every parent’s priority. We were more than happy to support the hospital by to donating the car seat.”

“We wish Alan, Angela and baby Amelia all the best for the coming year.”

Marie Cunliffe, Matron of the Maternity Unit at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust said, “The staff at the Maternity Unit were delighted with the generosity of Corkills, Volkswagen in Wigan with their kind offer of a new car seat for the first baby born in 2010 at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary Wigan.”

“Ms Angela Ellison, who gave birth to baby Amelia at 00:15 hours on the 1st January 2010 and her partner Alan Waterworth are extremely pleased with the gift and the very kind offer from the staff at Corkills.”

Thursday 21 January 2010

ARBROATH STUDENT PENS HERSELF A BIG SUCCESS STORY

A talented writer from Arbroath has penned herself a huge success story after an award winning children’s author judged her work as ‘perfect.’

Samantha McLaren, aged 16, received the high praise from author Michelle Harrison and has won a prestigious short story competition from leading pen manufacturer uni-ball.

The competition celebrated the importance of good handwriting skills. Budding young authors were given the chance to showcase their talents by continuing an introduction specially penned for the competition by Michelle.

Samantha, who beat scores of other students across the UK to win the accolade, now hopes to forge a lengthy literary career for herself on the back of her success. She said: “I am thrilled to have won this competition. It is an honour to be given such praise by a leading author.”

Samantha’s winning creation is an imaginative story about a man named Luke Buckley and the complicated situation he finds himself in after witnessing a murder.

Michelle, 2009 winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, said: “I think Samantha has the makings of a very talented writer. She fulfilled the brief perfectly and I was immediately hooked when her words took over. I stayed hooked throughout due to her ideas, her writing style, her language, everything. My only complaint is that now I want to know all about Luke Buckley!”

Samantha’s creativity was awarded with the prize of £150 Waterstone’s voucher, a signed copy of Michelle Harrison’s debut book ‘The Thirteen Treasures,’ and a bumper stationary pack.

Marketing Manager at uni-ball, Stuart Barker, said: “Congratulations to Samantha on winning the competition with this story. Her entry clearly showed that she has a real talent for writing and we hope she uses her new stationery to pen many more imaginative tales.”

To find out more about uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Tuesday 19 January 2010

MITSUBISHI PENCIL CO. CHARTS IN BEST STATIONERY LIST


A leading national newspaper has listed two must-have products from Mitsubishi Pencil Co. in a guide selecting the 50 best stationery items for 2010.

The Kuru Toga mechanical sharpening pencil and the Posca marker pen both made their mark on the pages of The Independent by claiming top spots in the rundown.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at Mitsubishi Pencil Co., said: “We are thrilled to feature in this prestigious list amongst other well-regarded stationery brands. It’s great to be acknowledged for our innovative approach to developing writing instruments that appeal to a wide range of users.

“This news signals a promising start to the new year, which we hope to build upon with further product launches and marketing support.”

Launched in 2009, the Kuru Toga was designed to eliminate the chiselled pencil edge often associated with conventional pencils. Thanks to its core rotation engine that continually rotates as you write, the Kuru Toga’s lead always stays sharp to deliver a constant thickness.

POSCA marker pens are available in a wide range of vibrant colours. Great for blending and producing paint-like finishes, they can be easily used to produce a wide range of unique designs.

Both the Kuru Toga and Posca marker pens are available to buy from all good stationery retailers and online via Cult Pens at www.cultpens.com.

For further information on Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR. For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Friday 15 January 2010

THE RETURN OF AN OLD FLAME


An old flame is making a welcome return to heat residential living spaces.

A hit amongst home owners in the 1960s, the Baxi Bermuda Back Boiler Unit (BBU) was a reliable and practical boiler that sat directly behind an existing fireplace. It proved so popular at the time that around 80% of all back boilers installed were Baxi.

Today, the new and improved Baxi Bermuda BBU HE has been developed with energy efficiency and ease of installation at the forefront of its design. Replacing an existing unit is a straight forward process. One of the main advantages is that the existing pipe work can be used so that an entire system, including a new Valor Dimension™ electric fire, can be replaced in a single day. This results in minimal disruption, no costly redecoration fees and space is not lost elsewhere in the home.

Recent demand for the unit has been fuelled further by the Government’s recent announcement to launch a boiler scrappage scheme. Offering a £400 incentive to scrap old SEDBUK Band-G rate boilers, over 125,000 households will benefit from newer, more efficient models that could save the householder up to £235 per year on their fuel bills as well as saving 1.2 tonnes of CO2 per year.

As the only A-rated appliance on the market suitable for use as a direct replacement, the Baxi Bermuda BBU lowers fuel bills and considerably reduces a home’s carbon footprint. The unit also serves to strengthen Baxi’s tradition of back boiler expertise.

For more information visit www.baxibermuda.com, www.baxi.co.uk/scrappage or call 0844 871 1525.

ENDS

Released on behalf of Baxi Group by Connect PR. For further information contact Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

New sponsorship puts HiQ in pole position


Leading fast fit retailer HiQ has put itself into pole position to overtake its automotive competitors after agreeing a high octane new sponsorship deal – a year ahead of schedule.

HiQ, which has been title sponsors of the British Touring Car Championship for the past two years, is now moving into the fast lane to sponsor a coveted area of Britain’s premier motor racing series.

As sister company Dunlop makes a return as title sponsors of the BTCC in a four year agreement, HiQ will now see its name in lights as the sponsors of the Teams’ Championship - also through to the end of 2013 at least.

The exciting development is a year ahead of schedule after HiQ’s association with the championship proved even more effective than anticipated in helping it re-profile its network across the UK.

Its four-year commitment to sponsoring the Teams’ Championship will now enable it to continue to build on those results.

The massively popular HiQ Champagne Moment awards will remain in place for fans to make the most of, while exclusive BTCC content will soon appear on the revamped HiQ website, along with giveaways and offers for motorists.

This latest arrangement will extend the BTCC’s relationship with the Goodyear-Dunlop group to 11 successive years. Dunlop has been the BTCC’s exclusive tyre supplier since 2003 and became title sponsor in 2005, with the nationwide chain of HiQ fast-fit centres taking over for 2008 and 2009.


Group Managing Director Mark Brickhill commented: “We re-launched the HiQ network in 2008 with the signing of new franchise stores, a new impactful visual identity and a plan to set new standards of service in the fast-fit market. Our BTCC sponsorship has helped achieve these goals and the extension of our investment to include the HiQ Team Championship for four years will help drive our ambitions for the network in the tyre fitting and servicing market.”

BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said he was delighted that HiQ’s use of the championship had reaped such tremendous rewards and also welcomed back on board Dunlop’s famous black and yellow colours – for more than a hundred years associated with automotive and motor sporting success all over the world.

Gow said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we are able to continue our extremely close relationship with both Dunlop and HiQ for another four years – making it one of the most successful and enduring major sponsorships in the BTCC and, indeed, British motor sport.

“But it is more than just sponsorship; it’s a close partnership between two very committed and enthusiastic organisations and one that I’m incredibly proud of. With its huge public following, both trackside and on ITV, the BTCC is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of British motor sport and Dunlop is a very important part of our success”.

As part of this long-term partnership, Dunlop will continue to provide the BTCC’s teams with tyres manufactured at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham, UK – home to the company’s European Motorsport Operations. This plant produces over 200,000 high technology racing tyres each year for the World Moto2 Motorcycle Championships, International GT and Endurance racing in addition to the BTCC.

The first round of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship will take place at the Thruxton circuit in Hampshire on Sunday 4 April. All rounds will be televised live on ITV4 with highlights on ITV1, ITV4 and Men & Motors.

THE SEARCH IS ON TO FIND THE UK'S SNOW SAVIOUR

Has someone come to your rescue during the UK’s big freeze? Maybe they helped shovel snow from your drive, gave you a push up a steep hill or simply shared a flask of tea in gridlocked traffic. Whatever the reason, leading tyre specialists Goodyear, want to hear from you.

To acknowledge the best story of a saviour in these snowy conditions, a set of Goodyear cold weather tyres will be given to the winning ‘snow angel’ to reward them for their act of selflessness.

Providing better traction, grip and handling on the snow, the tyres offer excellent control in winter conditions. Making sure you get from A to B safely, the tyres have undergone stringent testing to ensure that they are the leading cold weather tyres on the market.

James Bailey, Corporate Communications Manager for Goodyear, said: “By going out of our way to help others in distress we are preventing winter driving from becoming a stressful experience. By sending in your stories, we want to acknowledge the spirit that exists within the driving community to ensure we are kept safe during these treacherous driving conditions.”

People are encouraged to send in their nominations via snowangel@connect-group.com or via ‘I got stuck in the snow 2010’ on Facebook. Closing date for entries is Friday 5th February 2010.

For more information about Goodyear please visit www.eu.goodyear.com/uk

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of Goodyear by Connect PR

For further information call Lee Southen on 01902 714 957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Monday 11 January 2010

TOP QUALITY PROMOTIONAL GIFTS FROM UNI-BALL


Companies looking for promotional or corporate gifts can now have their name, logo or corporate message printed onto a range of revolutionary writing instruments.

uni-ball, the leading brand in the UK rollerball market, offers many desirable pens that can be overprinted with personal branding or supplied as plain stock for your own printing purposes.

Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball, said: “The desk appeal of our writing instruments mean your customers and suppliers will want to hold on to them – keeping your name and message close to them at all times.

”The key reason being that our products feature uni Super Ink – a unique pigment ink that is light, water and bleach resistant and will not fade over time.”

Products offered for overprint, or supplied plain for customers’ own printing, include the uni Grip, Powertank, Gelstick and Jetstream as well as the Kuru Toga pencil, Click BP and Click Gel. Screen printing is offered in an unlimited range of colours.

For further information on uni-ball visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of uni-ball by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com.

KIDS TO DESIGN SUPERHEROES FOR A SUPER SITE

Spider-Man and Batman better beware as children across Yorkshire design their very own superheroes to rival the biggest names in comic book history.

Youngsters across the county have been invited to design a colourful new character as leading stationery brand uni-ball celebrates the launch of www.unisuperpens.co.uk; a new website that reveals a range of pens with incredible writing powers.

Judges will pick their favourites entries from across Yorkshire selecting one winner and two runners-up who will each receive a selection of superhero goodies and pencil cases brimming with stationery treats.

“We wanted to mark the launch of our new super site by giving children the chance to design their very own superheroes,” said Stuart Barker, marketing manager at uni-ball. “Children will love the heroic world of our website and we look forward to seeing their creations.”

The competition is open to children aged 11 years old and under. Children are encouraged to send in their drawing along with a short description of their powers to: uni-ball press office, Connect PR, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT. Closing date for entries is Friday 22nd January 2010.

To find out more about Mitsubishi Pencil Co. visit www.uniball.co.uk, www.unisuperpens.co.uk or view their latest tweets on Twitter by following @uniball_uk.

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Mitsubishi Pencil Co. by Connect PR

For further information, please contact: Lee Southen on 01902 714957 or email lee@connect-group.com

Friday 8 January 2010

WD-40 TO THE RESCUE

As the ‘Big Freeze’ continues to grip the country and is bringing most of us to a standstill, there is one product out there that really can help us out in the treacherous conditions.


Lubricant specialists WD-40 is fast becoming a favourite of motorists, homeowners and businesses for its de-icing qualities and helping the nation get back on track. Normally used for cleaning, freeing rusty parts, stopping squeaks and freeing mechanisms, during the cold spell a good spray application from the famous WD-40 yellow and blue can frees frozen car locks, loosens padlocks and prevents windscreen washer spray nozzles from freezing.

WD-40’s senior brand manager, Neil Gow, said: “As people and businesses struggle to cope with the cold weather, many are now discovering the extra uses and benefits a can of WD-40 can provide.

“With over 2,000 uses, WD-40 is a product everyone just can’t do without, whatever the weather.

Other ways WD-40 can help with during cold weather include;

· Spraying on pipes and plumbing joints to stop them freezing
· Prevents snow sticking to shovels
· Keeps snow from sticking to satellite dishes/patio door runners
· Helps start wet damp engines

In conditions such as these a small investment in a can of WD-40 really can save people and businesses up and down the country a fortune.

Thursday 7 January 2010

THREE PEAKS CHALLENGERS RAISE OVER £2500 FOR CHARITY

Three friends joined forces to take on a notoriously tough climbing challenge raising just over £2,500 for children’s charities.

Andrew Harmer, Scott Taylor and Matthew Hall, from Nottingham, had all experienced a personal loss which led to their decision to take on the charity trek.

The trio committed themselves to climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon - the three highest mountains in UK – all in under 24 hours raising funds for the LAMBS Appeal and the Meningitis Trust.

After months of gruelling training, the three men completed the challenge in 23 hours and 25 minutes.

Andrew, who was given a generous donation from his former employer, Nottingham Volkswagen, raised £1,028 for the LAMBS Appeal which provides memory boxes for parents who lost their babies in the early stages of pregnancy.

Set up by two midwifes who are based at the Queen Medical Centre Hospital; the LAMBS Appeal provides an unique service for parents who tragically experience the loss of their child before 24 weeks.

Scott and Matthew successfully raised £1500 for the Meningitis Trust.

Andrew, said: “We put a lot of effort into training for the day but it was still extremely tough, definitely the most physically demanding thing any of us have ever done.

“Crossing the finish line was an exhilarating feeling and we would like to thank everyone especially Nottingham Volkswagen for supporting us so generously.”

Declan Oglesby of Nottingham Volkswagen added: “We were happy to support Andrew, he may not be a member of staff but he is still a familiar face and well liked individual. We are pleased to have helped his fund raising efforts.”

The trio started the challenge at Ben Nevis in Scotland, taking two hours 45 minutes to climb the 1,344 metres to its summit and two hours to descend. They travelled to 978 metre Scafell Pike in the Lake District, which took them two hours 45 minutes to climb and one hour 15 minutes to descend. Finally, they climbed 1,085 metre Snowdon in Wales, taking them two hours and a further one hour 15 minutes to descend.

For further information contact Sue Foster 01902 714957 / 07850 274 889 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

SERVICE TEAM BOOST AT CAMERON MOTORS

A Perth based Volkswagen retailer has increased its service and expertise with the expansion of its aftersales team.

Cameron Motors has appointed Heather Smith as its new service manager who will lead its12 strong team.

Heather, who has worked as a service advisor at the Dunkeld Road retailer for the past five years, is recruiting a further two service advisors to meet the customers’ needs.

Having worked in the servicing sector of the automotive industry since 2001, Heather has gained a clear understanding of motorists’ needs and plans to introduce an enhanced service for Cameron Motors customers.

Speaking of her new challenge Heather said: “I have always enjoyed the interaction with our customers and intend to use my knowledge and experience to enhance customer satisfaction.”

Motorists can benefit from use of a courtesy car, collect and deliver service or complimentary taxi into Perth, when their vehicle is been serviced or having a MOT. Heather has introduced a winter safety check for all cars which includes a winter car care pack.

Phillip Stewart Cameron Motors brand manager, said: “We are very pleased that Heather has accepted the role. Her expertise and passion will certainly help to drive the aftersales team forward.”

The winter safety check, which costs £29.99, covers vital areas including brakes, steering, tyre condition and lights along with fluid levels such as water, oil, brake, coolant and battery. To book an appointment call the service department at Cameron Motors on 01738 636036.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com

NEW SPONSORS KIT OUT JUNIOR FOOTBALL TEAM


A Maidenhead under 10’s football team has stepped out in style this season in a brand new kit sponsored by Windrush Volkswagen.

The Hammers, part of Holyport FC, which play in the Slough Mini Soccer League, were launched in 2007 and play seven a side matches.

Windrush Volkswagen with sites in Maidenhead and Slough has confirmed a two year sponsorship deal with the team. The 10-strong squad will receive new shirts and equipment to help improve its facilities and attract new players.

Speaking of its new sponsorship, Holyport FC vice chairman, Roland Schilling, said:” We are thrilled that Windrush is supporting our junior team. It’s the first time our under 10’s has received such a sponsorship and we feel this will be a real boost for the team.

“We are delighted to have the backing of a local business and are very proud to have such a credible brand associated with our team.”

Windrush brand manager, Tim Attwood, added: “We are happy to support the local team and would like to wish them the best of luck for this season and the next.”

For further information on the FC Holyport visit www.clubwebsite/fcholyport01.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.

SALES MANAGER GRADUATES FROM EXCLUSIVE COURSE


A sales manager from a Belfast car retailer is celebrating after becoming one of the first in the country to graduate from a new two year sales manager training programme.

Ian Calderwood from Isaac Agnew Volkswagen retailer recently completed the course which was designed by the Volkswagen training academy to retain some of the top talent in the industry.

The Boucher Road sales manager from Newtownards had to pass tough exams in law, customer service, product knowledge, coaching and recruitment to gain the NVQ Level 4 equivalent qualification.

Ian received his qualification at a recent awards ceremony held at the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Having worked for the car retailer for 12 years Ian has progressed from a technician through to sales executive and on to his current role of sales manager.
Commenting on course Ian said: “I found the course to be very beneficial and I believe it will strengthen the standard of service we offer. It was a great honour to be taken to Germany to receive the qualification and one that I will certainly remember.”

The course culminated in assessments through exams and interviews, and a three month project presented to a panel of Volkswagen directors.

Brian Robinson, managing director at Isaac Agnew said: “We believe having skilled and knowledgeable staff is paramount to the success of a business.

“The course is designed to equip our senior staff with the very best knowledge to deal with customers and pass on to other employees.”

For further information please contact Sue Foster on 01902 714957 or email suefoster@connect-group.com.

RETAILER IS ONE OF EUROPE’S BEST

A service team from Burton-upon-Trent has been named as one of the top ten in the UK for the second year running, after achieving record levels of customer satisfaction.

The team at T L Darby Volkswagen is also among the top 100 in Europe recognised by the Volkswagen brand for its after sales service.

Positive feedback from customers and excellent customer loyalty figures ensured T L Darby secured its status as one of Britain’s best.

The award is another triumph for the Volkswagen retailer who received the same accolade in 2008.

T L Darby brand manager, Richard Darby, said: “To have one of the best service teams in the UK and Europe for two years running is testament to the expertise of everyone here.

“Our team’s ethic is to make sure every customer is given accurate information before, during and after their car is in the workshop.

“The team thoroughly deserves this acknowledgment as they strive to deliver total customer satisfaction. We are already working hard to make it a hat trick for 2010.

Service manager, Andrew Pickering, accepted the award on behalf of the T L Darby team at a recent ceremony at Volkswagen head office in Wolfsburg, Germany.

For further information on the Volkswagen range call 01283 531331.

For more information contact Sue Foster on 01902 714 957 or suefoster@connect-group.com

It's snow joke - motorists offered help!


HiQ is promising to provide free tyre safety checks throughout January in a bid to ease the motoring misery caused by the New Year freeze.

With heavy snow fall affecting driving conditions across many parts of Britain, HiQ is offering drivers a free motoring health check so that car problems don’t leave them out in the cold.

HiQ is also backing calls from police for drivers to take extreme care on the roads, as conditions are expected to get worse before they get better this week.

Winter makes many more demands of drivers and their vehicles. Brakes, visibility, steering and batteries are all subject to extremely heavy use and HiQ is offering the free checks to ensure these key areas are fully prepared.

HiQ’s comprehensive eight point winter health check covers the following areas:

Tyres: checking and adjusting pressures on all five tyres, including tread depth and wheel alignment
Battery: check battery and clean and grease terminals.
Windscreen: check condition of front and rear wiper blades, washers and headlamps.
Lights and horns: check condition of side, tail, main, dip, stop, reverse, indicators, hazard, fog and spot lights
Engine: check engine oil and filter, run engine, check for leaks
Exhaust: Inspect and report on the condition of the exhaust
Fan belt: inspect fan belt and adjust if necessary
Coolant hose: Inspect hoses and fasteners, radiators and connections, antifreeze and check for leaks

HiQ’s marketing manager Geraldine McGovern urged motorists to drive with more caution in the bad weather as braking and steering manoeuvres will not be as responsive as normal.

She said: “Braking on snow and ice may take ten times longer. “Drivers should be mindful that not all roads are gritted by the local highways authorities and, in any case, gritting a road does not mean it is safe.


“Roads can re-freeze after being gritted so it is safer to treat every road as ungritted and drive in accordance with the conditions.


“The weather we have experienced at the beginning of this month has been as bad as we can all remember, so for customers looking to get their cars prepared for the cold weather, a comprehensive check carried out by fully trained HiQ technicians is ideal,” she concludes.


To find your nearest HiQ centre, click on http://www.hiqonline.co.uk/

Wednesday 6 January 2010

GOODYEAR GETS TO GRIP WITH THE WEATHER

As snow and ice hits the nation, leading safety experts Goodyear, are helping motorists survive the difficult driving conditions by giving out some essential winter safety advice.

With the number of accidents rising by 267%* during the cold winter months, motorists are being urged to make the necessary checks in preparation for their journey. One such measure is to consider fitting cold weather or all season tyres, which provide better traction, grip and handling on the icy road surfaces.

James Bailey, Corporate Communications Manager at Goodyear, commented: “In this weather, driving conditions can be unpredictable and dangerous. This is why drivers should be prepared by equipping their cars with the right tyres, making sure their vehicle is in good working condition and having helpful items on board such as a torch, warm blanket and de-icer.

“By having the right tyres and adjusting your driving style to suit the weather, motorists can significantly improve their safety on the roads and keep winter worries at bay.”

View more driving and safety tips by visiting http://eu.goodyear.com/uk_en/advice/howtodrivesafely/tips/index.jsp.

*Source: Department of Road Transport