Essentially Local July-August 2017

Motoring
Keep cool as the weather warms
Most cars come with air-conditioning
to make driving on a hot summer’s
day more bearable. Your car is cooled
and humidity reduced to your desired
level of comfort.
Your air-conditioning system should
be regularly checked and serviced
to keep it working efficiently. Most
manufacturers recommend the system
is recharged with gas and lubricant at
least every 2 years. With about 10% of
the gas passing from the system every
year, your car’s air-conditioning could
warm up. If cold air stops blowing out
through the vents or it becomes very
noisy you may have a problem.
Recharging is simple; it involves
removing the old gas and oil from
the system and replacing it with fresh
refrigerant and lubricant. A vacuum
test should also be carried out to check
for cracks or damage that will cause
a leak. In addition, a simple de-bug
and replacement of filters will remove
any unpleasant smells that develop if
bacteria begin to grow in the unit.
This isn’t normally part of a routine
service so book your air-con check today.
Editorial sponsored by
G&G Autos, Unit 12,
Beachampton Business Park,
Milton Keynes, MK19 6EA
01908 565790
info@gandgautos.co.uk
www.gandgautos.co.uk/home
Potholes
Potholes can damage cars and bicycles. The
road controlling authority has a legal duty to
maintain roads to a fit standard and you could
make a claim for damage if repairs have not
been carried out. You must prove that damage
to your car was caused by the impact.
• Report the pothole – it must be at least
40mm deep.
• Tell your insurer – whether you claim or
not you must report the damage and it
may affect your no claims bonus.
• Take pictures & notes – when it’s safe,
close-up and distance photos showing
the pothole, as well as damage to your
car. Record the time and date, the
location and weather conditions. Provide
details of any witnesses.
• Measure – the hole’s depth, shape and
circumference except on a motorway.
• Receipts & mechanics report – To show
work required.
• Make a claim – check with the relevant
authority.
Nostalgia at its best
Towcester Garage is possibly
the oldest purpose – built
garage in the UK. It opened
in 1908 and continues to
offer the same customerfriendly,
honest approach.
Steve Fowle bought the
business 11 years ago and he
loves the nostalgia and the
fame that the garage boasts.
Ferrari and Maserati Grand Prix cars were regulars. In the 1970s, Terry
Kaby (the previous owner’s brother) and Bob Freebrough used it for
their rally cars. RAC rally champion Timo Makinen called it the shed!
Steve has stayed loyal to the original external look. Step inside and
you’ll find a garage full of the latest diagnostic software and equipment
essential for modern cars. It offers repairs, servicing and MOTs for all
makes of cars and vans even those within the manufacturer’s warranty.
Steve’s customers are equally loyal – since 2003, Steve Jones has
taken his VW Passat to the Silverstone Garage, also owned by Steve. It’s
had 48 services, 8 cam belt changes, it’s driven over half a million miles –
yet the Passat has never broken down or needed a clutch change.
To make a booking contact Towcester Garage Ltd –
01327 350614 74 Watling Street East,Towcester, NN12 6AF
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