Category: Garage Advice

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The COVID-19 Guidance for Garages you need to read!

COVID-19 Protective Measures: Automotive Aftermarket Sector Industry Guidance and Best Practice header

Increased demand for MOT tests, service, maintenance and repair is inevitable as many Brits are set to return to the road. Are you ready to serve in line with the current requirements as set out by the Government & now as expected by your customers?

The first edition of the “COVID-19 Protective Measures: Automotive Aftermarket Sector Industry Guidance and Best Practice” is now live online for garages, warehouses, mobile operations and parts distributors.

Many of you may have remained open throughout the lockdown anyway as key workers providing essential services but that does not mean you should ignore this document.

The new guidance is designed to help businesses operate safely while minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

What does it cover?

COVID-19 Protective Measures: Automotive Aftermarket Sector Industry Guidance and Best Practice coverThe document covers every aspect of the operation, from clear communications with customers and colleagues to social distancing, sanitisation and hygiene.

It even goes as far as the collection/delivery of vehicles from vulnerable owners.

Who made the guide?

This essential document has been produced by the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), so carries some pretty robust industry credentials.

Why have they made this guide?

The collective of super authorities in the automotive aftermarket have identified vehicle mileages starting to climb and have also seen the sector calling for an end to the six-month MOT extension, a move not ruled out by the DVSA.

Are you up to scratch?

Well:

  • With the automotive aftermarket sector providing employment to more than 370,000 people, it is not only a huge stimulus to the UK economy but to the safety of people, both staff & customers.
  • There are more than 40 million vehicles licensed in the UK, many of which may need to use the aftermarket sector for servicing or replacement parts.

The figures shown in just these two bullet points show the scale & reach of automotive & we all contribute to that.

We’ll be doing our part & reviewing the guide closely. You can read it below now. 

[button text=”READ THE FULL COVID-19 Protective Measures GUIDE” link=”https://www.smmt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/SMMT_GEA_IAAF_IMI_SMTA_Industry-Guidance-COVID-19-Automotive-Aftermarket-Restart.pdf” target=”_blank”]

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Ready for winter? Essential garage equipment you need + keeping on top of garage consumables!

Are you ready for winter? Tyre Bay Direct are!

 

Winter weather is well on its way and demand for new tyres is poised to take a seasonal spike.

Unsure what garage equipment you need to cope with the busier winter periods? With the winter set to be as unpredictable as ever, we take at a look at the essentials you need to keep your customers on the road.

If you are new to garage services, knowing what garage essentials you need to stock up on or have present throughout the winter months can be like guessing the colour of the next car to pull into your workshop.

Then there are equipment upgrades. Even if you have been around the industry for a while, updating and upgrading your tools can be frustrating. The amount of variety, specifications and prices available can make it difficult to identify what products are the most suitable for your services – trust us, you wouldn’t be the only one that gets confused. Equipment comes in all shapes and sizes now!

Luckily, Tyre Bay Direct are getting on top of things before the cold weather sets in, which means you could have all the essential garage equipment you need in no time and a consumables plan to survive!

There is more than just tyre fitting services to worry about!

Being specialists in tyre fitting equipment, our first piece of advice is to ensure you have robust and reliable garage equipment that can cope with winter demands. But that’s not the be all and end all.

Vehicles have more than just tyre issues. Having the tools & equipment to cope with a variety of mishaps can lead you on the path to beating the cold weather blues.

Essential Winter Products:

[ux_products ids=”8606,32517,8596,8600″]

These highlighted products are just the tip of the iceberg for the tools you need in your garage!

Don’t threat Consumable Stocks

Inclement weather can also threaten to hault your supply of consumables. It’s no good having the latest tyre changer if your no valves to fit because the van doesn’t show up or a downpour has got him behind (maybe his van wouldn’t start!).

The future of garage consumable ordering is undoubtably online for the smart garage owner. It’s easy and with a better-quality selection than any van!

By being able to order online 24/7 means you can have consumables with you next day, tracked and delivered for free.

Don’t know where to start? Call the experts!

Our dedicated team are on hand waiting to answer your enquiries help. Contact us online today or call us on 01527 883580 for more information on our essential garage equipment this winter!

 

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Winter Tyres: The Debate.

Tyre Bay Direct Winter

 

It is the same discussion every year when it comes to winter weather and if it is necessary to apply appropriate tyres or not. But is it really worth the expense?

Before you even consider investing in winter tyres, make sure that the manufacturer of your car recommends the use of such tyres otherwise you have wasted a lot of time.

 

Is it a legal requirement to wear winter tyres in the UK?

No, is the easy answer. There is currently no legal obligation to fit winter tyres during the coldest months.

 

Benefits of Winter Tyres?

So if it isn’t mandatory for them to be fitted, why invest in winter tyres? Winter Tyres do offer a great amount of advantages when it comes to driving in the horrible winter conditions, and no, that doesn’t just mean snow!

Winter Tyres

  • More traction, grip and braking performance in temperatures below 7℃
  • Remains flexible in colder temperatures making it easier to drive in snow and ice
  • Deeper, but narrow, tread grooves to move more efficiently
  • Potentially save you money

The list continues. However depending on the size of your tyres, in general a good winter tyre will start from £60 each; that means you will be paying £300 or above to have a full set of aligned winter tyres.

 

Do I need to get them fitted by a workshop?

We recommend for any tyres to be fitted that you get them done by a professional, so that they can fit and balance your rubber properly, using the correct equipment. Do remember that if you switch to winter tyres for the colder months, then you will need to revert back to the summer tyres when the weather conditions improve.

 

Conclusion…

If you can afford them, investing in a good set of winter tyres will considerably increase your safety when driving in bad weather conditions. Although the initial outlay to purchase these tyres can be quite daunting, they will most likely save you money on fuel and decrease the likelihood of tyre-related accidents, which again, can lead to further unnecessary expenses.

 

Do you need any advice on tyre fitting workshop equipment? Then get in touch on 01527 883580 to discuss in more detail or find our range of products online.

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Keeping my workshop clean: Top 5 tips!

Cleaning isn’t likely to be at the top of anyone’s list of priorities, but keeping a clean and tidy workshop is necessary, not only for health and safety reasons but to present a professional image to your customers.

Here are our top 5 tips broken into 3 sections to keep your workshop clean:

Get the right products…Workshop floor degreaser for clean garageOil Spill kit for clean garage

1. Dealing with each spillage as it happens means there is no build up of grime and dirt. Keep oil spills contained with these 20l Oil Vehicle Spill Kits.
2. Prevent slips by keeping the workshop floor clean and grease-free. This Workshop Floor Degreaser is perfect with its deep cleaning capability on concrete surfaces and helps to remove ingrained oil and grease.

Toolbox for clean workshop

Everything has its place…

3. Invest in a proper storage set up. This 3-Drawer Rollaway Cabinet is perfect to make sure tools are stored away carefully and in the right place, and will make the workshop look organised and clutter-free. Knowing where everything is can also avoid time lost hunting for the right workshop tools!5

Get the frequency right..

4. Clean little and often! Create a cleaning rota to allow a small amount of time each day to keep on top of any mess. Wipe down equipment at the end of each day to prevent build up of dirt and grime.

5. Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies for your garage when you need them. Remember to restock garage cleaning supplies regularly, as not having the right products will mean the job does not get done.

It can be difficult to keep a clean workshop but remember, it doesn’t have to all be done at once and even the lightest spring clean will make a huge difference in terms of output, workplace morale, hygiene and safety! 

Talk to the Tyre Bay Direct team today on 01527 883 580 to discuss the ongoing supply of cleaning equipment for your garage with great prices and incredible service. Talking to our team only stands to bring your garage great savings! You’ve nothing to lose, only plenty to gain. 

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Tyre Stuff from Tyre Bay Direct

Tyre stuff available at Tyre Bay Direct

 

 

At Tyre Bay Direct we have all the tyre stuff you need for your garage or workshop to get the job done!

With years of experience and a proven track record in the garage equipment supply industry, we can assess your requirements and supply the correct garage tools, equipment, consumables and all the other stuff you need; this will make your ordering fast and friendly, keep your costs to a minimum whilst ensuring you keep your business running smoothly and your income increasing.

We have all the essential tyre stuff for a new garage just starting out like our tyre machine packages and starter packs as well as air compressors right through to our most advanced tyre changers and wheel balancers.

We also sell a full range of tyre consumables at Tyre Bay Direct including our most popular TR414 tyre valves of course – as after all that’s the tyre stuff you are going to need every single day! We make sure it is easy for you to find the garage equipment, tools or consumables you need, and order these how and when you need them.  Of course we are here at the end of the phone when you need us, but if you know what you want you can order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online.

We are also a leading supplier of Commercial Garage Equipment both in the UK and Europe, we supply a selection of the highest quality machines.

 

Want to learn more about the tyre stuff we supply? Then browse through our online shop, and feel free to contact us using the online form, or get in touch on 01527 883580 to discuss the stuff you need in more detail.