Money Saving Tips

Where we quote a figure below it is based on the parts cost only (i.e. excluding labour charges for a VW Golf 1.4l petrol). More expensive makes/models will involve higher costs.

In preparation for winter we recommend the following:

Do It Yourself

1)	Regularly check all lights (especially front and rear fog lights) are working properly and kept clean.
	Reason: Safety and to avoid being stopped by the police.
2)	Regularly check for tyre wear and your tyre pressures are correct.
	Reason: Safety and with worn tyres to avoid penalty points and a fine.
3)	Before turning the ignition to start the car from cold make sure all electrical components are switched off (i.e. lights, rear window demister, heater fan, heated seats audio/navigation system etc.). The best way to do this is to switch off these components before leaving your car standing for any length of time.
	Reason: Unless you have replaced the battery within the past two years its efficiency will be deteriorating and observing this simple practice will ensure the battery is not being drained elsewhere when called on to start your car in cold conditions. Battery efficiency reduces incrementally with lower temperatures.
4)	Operate your air conditioning on the max cold setting once a month for 10 minutes (with the engine running).
	Reason: With lack of use and cold/damp conditions the compressor may seize through lack of use. Cost of a new compressor c. £600 + risk of further damage.
5)	Use all electric windows and open/close sun roofs regularly to prevent seizure of motors in cold/damp conditions.
	Reason: Any motor is liable to seize due to lack of use especially in cold and damp conditions. Cost of a Window motor £300. Sunroof release significantly more expensive.
6)	Remove leaves from the drainage channels at the side and to the rear of the bonnet, boot and bulkheads.
	Reason: To avoid the risk of blocking small drainage holes which in turn risk water ingress generally. VW Passats, certain Audi and Porsche sports models are very vulnerable to water ingress.
	Reason: Risk of serious damage to electrical components within the engine bay, passenger area and boot. Also risk of damage to the engine on the VW/Audi models concerned. Cost implications – substantial!

At GMC

We will carry out a “While U wait” winter preparation check (inclusive of topping up all fluids*).
This check will cover the following items:

7)	oil level and top up as necessary
8)	the antifreeze concentration of the cooling system and washer fluid, and top up as necessary. The concentration of antifreeze in the cooling system is very important.
9)	tyre pressures and wear
10)	all external lights
11)	wiper blade wear (including rear wiper where applicable)
12)	brake and power steering fluid level
13)	screen washers working correctly

Price incl. VAT:
(*based on a maximum of 1 litre of oil)

All cars under 2.5 litre - £28

All cars over 2.5 litres - £36

Please note the price of bulb and wiper blade replacement will vary depending on the make and model of car. If the time involved is nominal (which will be the case with most models) the labour cost will be covered by the price quoted above.

Please also note manufacturers recommend different oils for different models. We follow these recommendations. Price per litre varies between £6 for ordinary (i.e. not long life) oil suitable for basic VW Polos to £18 for certain Porsche. Our price for oil is cheaper than charged at a fuel station by reason of bulk buying.

Other safety suggestions:

Winter Tyres

If you are likely to be using your car in snow conditions we recommend you consider fitting winter tyres. Winter tyres are compulsory after 1 st November in certain parts of Europe e.g. Germany, Austria and are essential for use in the Alps.

The manufacturers recommend particular tyres for “winter” use and these should be distinguished from those sold in the UK which might meet an EU legal requirement but which are significantly less efficient than correct factory recommended winter tyres. We can advise you on the correct tyres for your car which may need to be ordered.

Warning Triangle and yellow reflective safety jackets.

All German cars for the past 10+ years are delivered when new with a warning triangle. Check your car has one. We recommend two triangles to be placed at a suitable distance from the rear and front of the car in the event of a breakdown.

Yellow safety jackets are not compulsory in the UK (unlike in Europe) but are an inexpensive and prudent safety item to carry. Ideally you should have a enough to cover the highest number of possible occupants.

Other suggestions:

A good torch which is fully charged should be kept in your car at all times.

Exposure blankets, warm clothing, hat and gloves and an emergency food supply if you are driving in rural areas or the EU.

Keep your fuel tank as full as possible so you can run the engine/heater intermittently if stranded for any length of time. In that event please note your hazard lights will drain the battery so it would be sensible to run your engine for 15 minutes in every hour and all other electrical components (save for the car heater) are switched off.