Scotland Ash News

We’re expecting record demand for MOTs this autumn. Almost twice as many people as usual will need an MOT in October and November.

That means Scotlands Ash Garage will be extremely busy.

You can beat the rush – get your test done now. There’s an easy fix. If you get your MOT done this August, you’ll make sure your car is safe to drive – and you can beat the rush.

If you want to keep your annual MOT date the same, it’s worth knowing you can book an MOT test with us up to a month minus a day before yours is due to expire, and you can still keep your renewal date. So if your test is due in September, consider booking with us in August instead – we’ll make sure your vehicle is roadworthy and you won’t have to worry about getting your MOT done for another year.

Of course, if you absolutely cannot move your MOT forward from autumn, we’ll do our very best to fit you in.

But if you can, please do think about getting your test done soon to stay safe on the roads, and beat the autumn rush.


Peter Welch
Scotlands Ash Garage

Motorists in Didcot, Oxfordshire can now access wheel alignment services at Scotlands Ash Garage, helping them to stay safe, stay legal and save money.

Peter Welch, the garage’s proprietor said: “This is a big string in our bow and will enable us to further support the local community. Wheel alignment has a positive effect on road safety and drivers’ wallets, as if wheel alignment is not correct, this has serious implications on how the car drives and corners.

“It also badly affects tyre wear, risking reduced grip in the wet, reduced tyre life and of course the chance of a hefty fine if the police notice before you do.”

The garage has chosen the very latest wheel alignment equipment from a leading UK supplier, Absolute Alignment. This gives a comprehensive before and after print-out, which will give customers the peace of mind of a job well done, together with recommendations for any other remedial work needed.

Welch added: “Vehicle alignment isn’t part of the MOT test, but we think it should be. It’s not only the poor state of our roads that causes problems, but general wear and tear as cars last much longer than they used to. Surveys show that over 40 percent of cars on the road are carrying suspension damage that should be corrected, so why risk it?”

Please contact us for more information and prices of vehicle alignment checks and repairs.

Motorists can now access wheel alignment services at Scotlands Ash Garage, helping them to stay safe, stay legal and save money.

Peter Welch, the garage’s proprietor said: “This is a big string in our bow and will enable us to further support motorists with repair and maintenance services. Wheel alignment has a positive effect on road safety and drivers’ wallets, as if wheel alignment is not correct, this has serious implications on how the car drives and corners.

“It also badly affects tyre wear, risking reduced grip in the wet, reduced tyre life and of course the chance of a hefty fine if the police notice before you do.”

The garage has chosen the very latest wheel alignment equipment from a leading UK supplier, Absolute Alignment. This gives a comprehensive before and after print-out, which will give customers the peace of mind of a job well done, together with recommendations for any other remedial work needed.

Welch added: “Vehicle alignment isn’t part of the MOT test, but we think it should be. It’s not only the poor state of our roads that causes problems, but general wear and tear as cars last much longer than they used to. Surveys show that over 40 percent of cars on the road are carrying suspension damage that should be corrected, so why risk it?”

On Thursday 16 July, the village is without power and this will affect the garage from 9am to 3pm. The telephone lines will be down but you can reach us on 07831 179 724.

One in 10 cars could be dangerous after MOT extension

Motorists will no longer be able to extend their MOT for six months from 1st August.

This will not only significantly increase road safety but will give a much-needed boost to the automotive sector overall.

Scotlands Ash Garage is now urging  drivers who have previously extended their MOT to bring their vehicle in as soon as possible.

Wendy Williamson from trade body IAAF said: “We’ve already been hearing from members who have experienced concerning issues first-hand, whereby customers have been driving around in vehicles that are a threat to the safety of the driver and the general public.”

Peter Welch, Scotlands Ash Garage Proprietor, has slammed the decision by the DVSA to extend the MOT period for six months and described it as ‘frightening’.

Peter said: “The decision feels completely at odds with the government’s decision to allow garages to remain open. MOT’s are the lifeblood of many garages and so they will no doubt close as a result. We are strongly enforcing the government’s social distancing measures and we will continue to support emergency workers and NHS through this very challenging time.

“The failure rate for vehicles at Scotlands Ash Garage is 30percent, in-line with the national average. That means that, for us, each month at least 60 vehicles come in that are not roadworthy and this could be due to tyres or braking. To have these vehicles still on UK roads is frightening.”

Update – courtesy cars offered to emergency workers
Scotlands Ash Garage had been operating a collection and return service for motorists allowing them to keep their vehicles moving in a roadworthy condition during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But as the number of MOTs dropped dramatically, the garage has unfortunately had to close. Thankfully, the business has stayed active on social media, providing tips and advice to motorists on how to keep their vehicles on the road. The garage has also offered its fleet of courtesy cars, the biggest in the area, to NHS and emergency workers to use free of charge.

Diverting their phones to Peter’s mobile, the garage has carried out emergency work and MOTs to people. With all mechanics furloughed, Peter has brought in the services of a mobile mechanic to assist with the reduced workload.

Closed, but we will be open again soon!

I am very proud of the Scotlands Ash Garage Team. Throughout our proud history we have survived more than three recessions, Brexit and everything else the world has thrown at us and we have done so with a smile.

This is the first time in our history that we have had to temporarily close. To all our customers, you can still call the garage and we will still assist any urgent requirements you have. We are always available to support NHS and emergency workers and thank you for all your continued efforts to keep people safe.

During this period of closure, it allows us all time to reflect and I want to say a big thank you for your understanding and support over the years. It has been truly heartwarming.

Scotlands Ash Garage is a family and our customers are part of that family.

We will be back open soon and so please follow the advice.

#StayInside #ProtecttheNHS #Savelives

Peter Welch
Scotlands Ash Garage

Peter Welch, Scotlands Ash Garage Proprietor, has slammed the decision by the DVSA to extend the MOT period for six months and described it as ‘frightening’.

Peter said: “The decision feels completely at odds with the government’s decision to allow garages to remain open. MOT’s are the lifeblood of many garages and so they will no doubt close as a result. We are strongly enforcing the government’s social distancing measures and we will continue to support emergency workers and NHS through this very challenging time.

“The failure rate for vehicles at Scotlands Ash Garage is 30 percent, in-line with the national average. That means that, for us, each month 60 vehicles come in that are not roadworthy and this could be due to tyres or braking. To have these vehicles still on UK roads is frightening.”

Scotlands Ash Garage has been operating a collection and return service for motorists allowing them to keep their vehicles moving in a roadworthy condition during the Covid-19 pandemic.