Scotland Ash News

Main street in West Hagbourne will be closed for 3 days from 29 July from Orchard House to the end of the road towards Coscote. The garage will be open as usual, so please allow extra time for your journey

What a view from the garage at 6.30 this morning, come and see if for yourself!

We’re open early to accommodate our customers who are on the go . . . simply drop your car off with us before your busy day begins and pick up a courtesy car.

You’re welcome to grab a free coffee and check your emails on our free Wi-Fi too. Our aim is to make life as hassle-free as possible for customers.

Didcot-based Scotlands Ash Garage has now raised a staggering £10,000 to date as it continues to deliver on its pledge to donate £1 to Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) for every MOT it undertakes.

The business has long been a keen supporter of the life-saving charity, after Scotlands Ash Garage proprietors, Peter and Ruth Welch, experienced first-hand how cancer can affect young people when their own daughter, Libby, was diagnosed in 2015 with a Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumour at the age of just 20.

Thanks to pioneering treatment for her cancer and skills and dedication of the NHS alongside the support from family and friends, Libby received the all clear and is now in remission.

With around seven young people aged between 13 and 24 diagnosed with cancer every single day in the UK, whom need expert treatment and support from the moment they hear the word ‘cancer.’ TCT is the only charity committed to providing world-class cancer services for this unique age group in the UK. The life-changing care and support provided ensures young people do not have to face the challenges of the disease alone.

More than £1,000 of the total amount has been raised by the TerraClean service network of independent garages, a keen supporter of the charity which regularly carries out fundraising activity for TCT.

Peter said: “We’re delighted to have raised this amount for Teenage Cancer Trust to date, it is such an important charity and also one so close to our hearts. We would like to thank the community for getting behind our initiative and donating where possible. We look forward to reaching the next milestone in our fundraising.”

Oxfordshire’s leading independent garage is committed to supporting various charities and events, having previously sponsored local football team, Wallingford Town FC and continues to play an active role in the community

The family-run business has more than 30 years’ experience delivering excellent, honest service.

Engine decarbonising brand TerraClean saw its two sponsored driving stars continue to impress in the early stages of their respective 2019 campaigns, in both the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and Renault UK Clio Cup races, held at Donington Park recently.

Triple BTCC champion Colin Turkington gave what was described as a ‘masterclass’ with a commanding pole, double race victory and fastest lap during both qualifying and the second race of the season, with Ben Colburn also coming through for fifth in the first Renault UK Clio Cup race of the year.

Chasing a fourth title success in the championship, Team BMW’s Turkington put on a stunning display in a very disruptive race, with the defending champion blasting out a lap time over six tenths quicker than anyone else and going on to claim his first pole position in over two years.

Looking a potent force in his new BMW 3 Series, Turkington has now rocketed from 13th in the standings to 3rd position.

Meanwhile, Ben Colburn proved his title credentials with his first-ever podium in the series, after a capacity crowd saw him defend well from Jamie Bond and Ethan Hammerton in the closing laps to open the team’s silverware account for the year.

Colburn is hoping to help steer Team Westbourne to victory this year, after narrowly missing out on the title in 2018. Last year teammate James Dorlin provisionally lifted the crown for Westbourne in Brands Hatch’s season finale, only for WDE Motorsport’s Paul Rivett to later win on appeal.

With two races now under their belts including the season opener in Brands Hatch on 6-7 April, both drivers now head to the third meeting at Thruxton on 18-19 May with fresh confidence and exciting prospects for the rest of the season.

Phillip Dowd, Randstad sales director, said: “What a superb result in these early stages for both of our drivers – this sets us up well for another scintillating season ahead. We wish both Colin and Ben every success for the next race and look forward to supporting them trackside again in a few days’ time at Thruxton.”

We got some fantastic coverage in this months CAT Magazine!

Main street from the junction with York Road will be closed from 18 March (for approximately 3 weeks) for works by Oxford Direct Services while they construct a new footway. Diversions will be in place so please leave extra time for your journey.

Scotlands Ash Garage has won Independent Garage of the Year at the Car & Accessory Trader (CAT) magazine 2019 awards.

Held at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 8 February, The Car & Accessory Trader (CAT) awards – part of publishing giant, Haymarket Media Group that publishes leading consumer titles WhatCar? and AutoCar – rewards the most successful businesses in the industry, as voted for by members of the public and those within the independent automotive aftermarket.

The accolade recognises Scotlands Ash’s position as one of the most successful independent garage businesses in the UK. Trading for more than 30 years, the family-run firm has been and regularly invests in the latest diagnostics, servicing and MoT equipment, ensuring it is best placed to service, test and repair all makes of vehicle. It also continues to work tirelessly to improve the perception of independent garages throughout the UK.

Scotland Ash Garage proprietor Peter Welch said: “We’re over the moon to win this award, which underlines how far we have come as a business over the past few years and the investments we have made to ensure motorists of Oxfordshire continue to enjoy hassle-free motoring.

“We would like to thank everyone in the community who took the time to vote for us; winning the award is not just great recognition for our business, but also shines the spotlight on the UK aftermarket.”

TerraClean, available through Randstad Ltd. has launched a new YouTube video to raise awareness of the potential risks associated with having a blocked diesel particulate filter (DPF), while highlighting the process and benefits of its DPF cleaning service.

MoT test criteria now includes visual inspection of DPFs with garages required to automatically fail a vehicle if a DPF is blocked. With this in mind, TerraClean is urging motorists to heed the DPF warning light when it appears and book a TerraClean DPF cleaning service before it’s too late from one its service centres situated throughout the UK. DPF replacement can be extremely expensive, so this is also not a recommended option.

A common misconception for motorists is that removing the DPF is the answer.  If a DPF that had been fitted when the vehicle was new is removed, not only will the vehicle fail its MoT,  it is also rendered illegal for use on a public highway, and the owners risks substantial fines if caught doing so.

The new TerraClean video provides an overview of how its tool efficiently cleans a DPF, as well as highlighting the core benefits that the process provides. It has already proven extremely popular on social media being shared hundreds of times with viewings into the thousands. The video will also feature on mainstream TV channels, with adverts running during primetime TV programmes.

DPFs are now featured in the majority of diesel vehicles in an attempt to decrease harmful deposits entering the environment. It traps the harmful diesel particulate matter or soot from the engine, burning these off during its regeneration cycle.

For this cycle to complete successfully, the vehicle is required to run for a prolonged period at a particular temperature. If the cycle does not complete or another faulty component prevents the regeneration process starting, the unit will in time become blocked – this blockage is the symptom of a problem e.g. failed component. In such instances, trained TerraClean technicians have the expertise & equipment to identify the problem, resolve it, and clean the DPF with the tool and patented fluid.

The same tool & fluids can also be used to perform other functions such as cleaning the EGR system, restoring airflow to inlet manifolds, improving swirl flap operation and cleaning turbos.

The government is continuing to explore the danger of DPF removal with experts claiming the deadly particles that are released into the atmosphere contribute to air pollution-related deaths.

Phillip Dowd, TerraClean sales director said: “Our new video illustrates to motorists that it’s important not to panic should their vehicle’s DPF warning light suddenly come on, but it’s more important not to ignore it. It also outlines the advantages of our cost-effective solution and the simple process required to restore DPFs.

“We will continue to promote the tool and raise awareness to ensure that motorists are not only aware of their options so as to avoid an MOT fail or expensive replacement that can run into thousands of pounds, but also ensure that they do not fall foul of the law and simply remove the DPF entirely through their own means.”

Randstad, via its engine decarbonising brand TerraClean, is delighted to announce that it has extended its winning partnership with 2018 British Touring Car Champion Colin Turkington, confirming its ongoing investment in British motorsport.

Confirming its commitment for the 2019 British Touring Car Championship season at the Autosport International Show, this is the fourth year running that TerraClean has been associated with the reigning champion.

Turkington, who races for WSR-run Team BMW, claimed his third BTCC crown in 2018, after a finale that topped off a scintillating season. The Team BMW driver is delighted to grow the partnership with Randstad and relishes delivering another successful year for TerraClean. This season the TerraClean brand will feature on the driver’s racewear, visor, team racewear and bonnet of the BMW racing car.

Turkington said: “As TerraClean’s brand ambassador I’ve worked hard to ensure not only do they enjoy being in the BTCC paddock, but that the brand benefits from the fruits of my labour on track. 

“To see this partnership continue and expand is incredibly satisfying. The nationwide network of TerraClean service centres are extremely supportive of my campaign and it’s great to see so many of them at the BTCC races. I cannot wait to represent the brand for another season.”

Martin Dowd, Randstad Managing Director, said: “The association has been great for everybody involved. Colin is an excellent ambassador for TerraClean in a marketplace where people are really interested in getting the best from their own cars.

“We love this association with a sportsman who demonstrates great values on and off the track. Colin completely understands what we need from the relationship, and we are happy to be extending this association for the 2019 season with presence on the car bonnet to further enhance our brand exposure, in addition to Colin’s racewear.” 

The 2019 season will commence on 6/7 April on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, moving on to Donington Park, Thruxton, Croft and Oulton Park. Turkington will once again be competing for Team BMW and is aiming to make history by becoming only the second ever driver to win four BTCC titles.

Scotlands Ash, has been shortlisted for ‘Independent Garage of the Year’ at the Car & Accessory Trader (CAT) Awards to be held at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester on 8 February, and needs votes from the people of Oxfordshire to help bring back the award.

The nomination recognises Scotlands Ash’s position as one of the most successful independent garage businesses in the UK. The family-run firm has a reputation for excellent service, honesty and transparency, and has been serving local motorists in Didcot & South Oxfordshire for over 30 years, working tirelessly to improve the perception of independent garages throughout the UK.

The garage is calling on local people to get behind the business and cast their vote via CAT’s website, using the link: https://surveys.haymarket.com/s3/CAT-Awards-2019-Voting-Form. CAT magazine is part of publishing giant Haymarket Media and with the voting closing middle of January, it is important the Oxfordshire public wastes no time in casting their vote.

Owner Peter Welch said: “2018 has been an extremely busy year for us and we acknowledge the importance of the local community for our business.

“For us, customer service is key and we are urging the public and customers to continue their fantastic support by voting for us; winning the award would promote our brand on a national scale, supporting our goal to bring customers to the local area.”

The garage, a fervent supporter of the Teenage Cancer Trust, has also raised more than £8000 to date as it continues to donate £1 to the life-saving charity for every MOT it carries out.

Oxfordshire’s leading independent garage is also committed to supporting other various charities and events, having previously sponsored local football team, Wallingford Town FC and continues to play an active role in the community.