03 Sep 10 Get your Car ready for Summer
Most drivers are aware of the benefits of having their daily ride checked out in readiness for the winter months, however ensuring your vehicle is fit for summer is equally important for your comfort and safety.
Having your vehicle checked over twice a year may seem excessive to some, but most would agree that if you take the view that you may be carrying around your entire family on long holiday trips during the summer months, it would be wise to let a professional cast their eye over at least the major components, such as brakes and steering.
The main points to consider are the following:
Engine: Oil needs to be changed regularly and the level checked to ensure adequate lubrication of the entire system. If left unchecked the oil deteriorates and will start to sludge up your engine, so it’s well worth having it changed between annual services. Another point of concern is the condition of the cooling system. The antifreeze concentration not only stops the water in your engine from freezing, but actually acts as a coolant. Modern antifreeze has special rust inhibitors which help keep corrosion from starting within the system, so it’s essential that the correct ratio of water to antifreeze is maintained. The radiator should be inspected for leaks along with all the pipes and fittings just in case there is evidence of leakage. Just a point to note, if your engine ever boils over, never ever undo the filler cap whilst it’s still hot. Leave it to cool down before even looking under the bonnet just in case a pipe blows and you end up covered in boiling water! The other mistake people make is to refill a boiling hot engine with cold water, DON’T!!! This causes a sudden temperature drop which can in turn, crack an engine!
Brakes: A reputable garage will normally inform you if your brake pads will last until the next service, however, think about how many miles you have done since they were last inspected, have you changed your daily route to work and been driving in areas where there are more roundabouts than usual? All these points need to be considered as they may increase brake wear.
Tyres: Tyres need to be inspected very regularly not just for wear, but for damage caused by nails, screws and stones etc. The last thing you want on a family holiday whilst its pouring down with rain is to have to empty the entire contents of the boot to gain access to the spare wheel!
Screen Wash: It sounds ludicrous; however some drivers miss out this check to their peril. Top up the level with a good quality additive to ensure maximum cleaning. Driving along in the dark with a coating of dust that the wipers alone can’t shift is not funny, and made even worse in a sudden downpour when the windscreen becomes a sheet of translucent mud!
First Aid Kit and Water: Check that your vehicle contains a first aid kit and that the contents are in date. Kits normally contain plasters, bandages etc but consider throwing in some bite cream just in case. Carrying water is a great idea as you just don’t know when, or indeed how long you are going to be stuck in a motorway jam. Dehydration leads to headaches and drowsiness, so it’s worth buying a bottle or two and keeping them in the car at all times.
Other items to consider: Torch, Map, Sat Nav (life savers), hi visibility coat, money (for tolls etc), warning triangles, spare bulbs and fuses. All of these items come in handy at some point but are often overlooked. Essentially its far better to plan ahead for most eventualities rather than the attitude of “it will be okay” try explaining that to a thirsty six year old whose been sitting in a traffic jam for the last three hours.
About Gates Ford:
Gates Ford provides a range of services for Ford customers, including a garage for car repair services, tyres & car health checks. The Gates website is easy to use to find new cars in Hertfordshire or use the innovative Ford Direct facility to search for used cars Essex that are backed by Ford.
Tags: Ford, Ford Direct, MOT, New Ford cars, used cars Essex
02 Aug 10 Unusual Vehicle Visits Gates of Letchworth
The inhabitants of Baldock and Letchworth in Hertfordshire were surprised to see a rather unusual vehicle thundering through their usually quiet streets last week. An ex British Army Daimler Ferret armoured scout car, owned by Simon Dawson, a Manager with local garage Gates Ford attended the “Baldock Day” celebrations along with twenty other classic cars.
Simon said; “Baldock town Council wanted to celebrate the new improvements to the town centre so invited owners of classic and unusual vehicles to join in. It was a great day, with loads of Gates customers coming over for a chat”
Simon went on to say; “It costs a small fortune to keep these old vehicles running, and Gates have helped out a lot, so I decided to fly a Gates Ford flag from the radio antenna to return the favour”
First used by the Army back in 1966 this particular 4X4 went on to serve with the Ghurkha Rifles in Cyprus and wasn’t released from active service until 1994 when it was sold for scrap. Thankfully it was saved from the scrap-mans axe and has now been restored back to working condition. The Rolls Royce 4.2 litre engine only manages around 3 miles to the gallon so according to Simon it does not get driven very far!
Once the show had finished the green historic vehicle travelled to the Gates Ford dealership in Letchworth. Simon added, “It always surprises me how much interest this thing generates. Small children are intrigued to see it rumbling along the road, whilst ex squadies all seem to have an affection for them. For instance, whilst parking up outside the Gates showroom, a chap who served in them came over and asked if I could take some photographs of him and his son standing next to it”
Gates are a specialist new Ford and used cars Essex and Hertfordshire dealership with their own interesting vehicle, a Model T Ford which once a year is kept at both the Letchworth and Stevenage showrooms. Perhaps next year both of these historic vehicles will make the Baldock trip!
About Gates Ford
Gates Ford provides a range of services for Ford customers. Their dealerships also offer a garage for services, tyres & health checks. The Gates website is easy to use and includes the innovative Ford Direct facility allowing customers to choose from a wide selection of used cars, or to view the latest or most practical Ford vehicles on the market such as the Transit Tipper.
Tags: Ford Dealer, Ford Direct, New Ford cars, Transit Tipper, used cars Essex
20 May 10 Gates Black & White Sale
Owing to the previous success of this now famous event, the Gates Group are holding one of their Black & White sales, starting on Saturday the 22nd of May and lasting for two weeks.
Heath Greenall, the current Managing Director, representing the fifth generation of this family owned and operated company said: “I came up with the idea for the Sale back in 2003. The term Black & White is literally that! With so many gimmick and hidden cost sales and offers in the retail market place on all manner of products including vehicles, they undoubtedly cause confusion to potential buyers. Our Black & White Sale attempts to give a clear offer of genuine savings when customers consider what should really be the simple “cost to change their car”. Attempts to mimic our “Famous” Black & White Sale have been made by some of our competitors, a compliment indeed!”
To kick start the Sale, Gates have had the foresight to utilize their website and inform their customers of the event by inviting them to a pre Sale preview. To obtain a ticket all you need to do is follow the instructions on the pop-up window, print off the voucher and contact your nearest Gates dealership. This will enable customers to view the car of their choice before the Sale actually starts.
All across nine Mazda and Ford dealer locations, the forecourts will be dressed with a lively array of posters, banners and balloons etc. The staff also enjoy the Sale as they get to wear Black & White emblazed polo shirts instead of the usual business attire which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
The Gates Group predominantly sell new and used Ford vehicles, including commercial, however they also provide the full range of Mazda cars from their branch in Bishops Stortford. Used cars are sold from all of the company’s outlets so you really are spoilt for choice!
About Gates Ford:
Ford Direct is available at Gates Ford new and used cars Essex and Hertfordshire. To find your ideal second hand car visit one of the dealerships to take advantage of the Black & White sale.
Tags: Ford Dealer, Ford Direct, Ford UK, Used car deals, used cars Essex
06 Apr 10 Manufacturers Refurbishing Used Cars
It has long been argued that car manufacturers are only interested in the retailing of new vehicles and that the used market does not affect them. However, some of the larger car giants take a much wider view and actively get involved in what happens in the second hand market.
The underlying principle here is that if the used market for a particular model remains buoyant, it helps to keep the initial new car price at a sustainable level as customers will see the benefit of buying new in relation to depreciation over a given period.
Think of it this way, when a company accountant looks at replacing the firm’s fleet of vehicles, one of the first things they will look at, is how much they will lose over a given period. The shrewdest company will take this factor into consideration and will often choose vehicles that keep a higher residual value. This is mirrored by the actions of the private used car market. Every potential buyer always investigates this to ensure that they are not throwing their money away.
A few manufacturers have systems in place whereby they will buy back low mileage cars of up to around two years old and put them through a rigorous inspection regime, often involving one of the major breakdown services to add brand confidence. Once a mechanical check has been completed, the cars will move on to a body shop where they will have any defects rectified and, finally, be given a full valet.
The reselling process is undertaken by the dealer network and is usually accomplished using a database of the available stock, which in turn is displayed to the customer. Branding is key here, as the customer feels that they can buy with confidence as the car comes directly from the manufacturer, indeed, some vehicles sold through these schemes are actually initially owned and used by the staff of the car maker, so imagine the powerful statement that it puts across having the brand name on the registration document as the previous owner.
Vehicles that are offered through this type of scheme will often come with an extended manufacturer warranty, which again gives extra emphasis to “back up” to the customer. Unlimited mileage warranties just send out such a positive message to potential buyers giving that “peace of mind” factor.
Another great feature usually associated with brand direct cars is the facility for a customer to exchange the vehicle if they are not completely satisfied. On the face of it this sounds like commercial suicide, however if both the manufacturer and the dealer get things right first time this option will not be used very often.
In conclusion, schemes such as these can work extremely well for the customer, manufacturer and the selling dealership. It promotes brand awareness, and instils in a buyers mind that the car maker has genuinely taken an interest in the preparation of the vehicle they have chosen, and that the value is not going to drop as quickly as other types of vehicles on the market.
The Ford Direct facility is available at Family-owned Gates to find your ideal refurbished Ford car. Gates Ford has a wide range of deals on new Ford cars including excellent Mondeo deals.
Tags: Ford Direct, Gates Ford, Mondeo deals
