We’re really pleased that out of thousands of UK-wide garages we have been shortlisted and made it through to the Semi-Final of the UK Top Garage Competition 2022, run by Aftermarket Magazine. Some of the best garages in the UK have been previous winners and we’re among some very good company.
The next stage will be very challenging and will require us to be on our “A” game to show them why we should be among the finalists at the Awards Ceremony in Coventry on 1st October!
Air Conditioning Service & Diagnostics
Sunday 1st May 2022
We’ve recently added the Newer type, R1234YF Air conditioning gas to our on-site services in time for the warmer weather. We are now able to service re-gas R134A and R1234YF systems.
Whilst we were doing so we took the opportunity to invest in our Air Con Diagnostic capability. To carry out Air Conditioning regas on vehicles, all garages and Air Con centres need to be qualified to handle gas safely and require the F-Gas Certification. Oldfields have taken this a step further and our team are now qualified in Air Conditioning Diagnostics, meaning we now specialise in carrying out correct investigation and testing to get to the root cause of Air Con faults and leaks. We don’t just refill the system if there is problem, stopping our customers from potentially wasting money on re-gassing!
Our air conditioning pricing is as follows*:
Regas for R134A systems (old type gas, up to £500 grams) £79.99 inc vat
Regas for R1234YF systems (newer type gas, up to 500 grams) £145.80 inc vat
Air Con Diagnostic Assessment £95.00 inc vat
If you’d like to book your vehicle in with us, you can do it online here…
*Pricing correct as of 1st May 2022
Potential European Block Exemption Rule Changes
Tuesday 22nd March 2022
By Tim Benson
In response to the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulations’ impending expiration in May 2023, I feel that there is significant concern within the Automotive aftermarket sector that needs to be addressed. As an independent garage it is vital that we can retain the right to repair and maintain our customers’ vehicles, but I do empathise with manufacturers who make huge investments in developing vehicles.
With the potential law changes coming, the impact will be felt throughout the whole of the UK in the coming years. I believe manufacturers will quietly go about snuffing out the independent garage sector unless we fight to protect our access to data, information and vehicle systems. Individually it would be impossible for us to fight this cause, but collectively, with groups and bodies like the IAAF (who understand the mechanics of dealing with government organisations), we can lobby and push back to ensure there continues to be a level playing field for all garages for many years ahead.
As I said earlier, I do have empathy for manufacturers who spend millions of pounds developing vehicles and dealers who spend significant sums to be part their franchise networks. Personally, I feel it is right that we should commit to investing in our businesses and technicians to ensure that we can carry out work to the standard expected by a manufacturer. There should be a level of “vetting” to ensure that vehicles are worked on by suitable competent garages. This should however be accessible. I can understand that vehicle manufacturers wish to protect their dealership network but preventing customers from choosing another provider is unreasonable and unfair.
Independent garages need to continue to be allowed access to correct technical information at a fair price and vehicle systems should not be blocked for repair by suitably competent garages, to enable us to continue to provide a high value proposition that’s a real alternative to main dealers. Only then can vehicle owners, our Customers, have fair choice.
Oldfields Selected to Join Castrol Network
Thursday 10th March 2022
Oldfields Garage are delighted to have been chosen to join the Castrol Service Network. Being part of the Castrol network, not only gives us access to one of the most prestigious oil brands in the world, but helps us continue to provide the highest quality service for our customers.
Tim Benson says “there aren’t many garages locally that meet the requirements of Castrol to join their network and it’s fantastic for us to be able to use the Castrol Brand within our business. We’ve spent a lot of time researching products available and carefully sourcing based on quality, value and availability to us to ensure our customers benefit from high quality parts and we’re delighted to add Castrol to our preferred product brands.”
Customers who have their oil change using Castrol Oil can benefit from the “Castrol Engine Warranty” by registering there oil change with Castrol.
Vacancy – Technician/MOT Tester
Thursday 6th January 2022
Due to the continued development of our independent family run business, we have a New Opportunity to join our team and help us maintain our excellent reputation in the area. The role is in our Workshop team and will be centred on maintaining and repairing the vehicles of our loyal Customers.
We offer;
Excellent rates of pay based on experience, skill set and qualifications
40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Christmas shutdown with 28 days holiday, rising to 33 over time.
A friendly committed team
A low pressure environment, that enables efficient working
Excellent staff facilities
Training & development opportunities
Industry leading tablet based job card system
A clean modern workshop
We invest in tooling
A family friendly business
We are looking for;
Someone skilled with minimum 4 years experience to carry out Servicing, General Repairs & MOTs (if MOT tester)
Someone friendly who will fit into our team
An individual who is clean and tidy in appearance and working
Somebody keen on continuing their development
Someone who understands the importance of a high quality customer experience
If you are a Technician and/or MOT Tester that is looking to help us move to the next level please get in touch!
If you’d like an informal discussion call Tim on 01568 612436 or email tim@oldfieldsgarage.co.uk with why you’d like to join our team.
Our New Look Customer Reception
Thursday 18th November 2021
We’ve not had customers coming into our building for quite a while, we haven’t wasted that time though! We’ve taken the opportunity to give our customer facilities a pretty significant overhaul. Our new reception office has been tidied, re-organised and modernised and is now reflective of a more welcoming and comfortable experience for our customers. You can still drop and go, but if you need to wait we are pleased you can do so comfortably in our customer waiting area. With a cup of speciality tea or a coffee!
It’s the first major overhaul of our customer reception since we moved in to Brunel Road in 2010. With the help of our team and some great local trades and suppliers we’re delighted with how it’s turned out. We look forward to welcoming you back in soon! I’d like to thank JW Davies Carpentry and Building for the reconfiguring. Bespoke Kitchens and Services (our neighbours) for the handmade kitchen and reception desks. AC Electrics for dealing with our electrical and internet requirements. Finally A4 Office Products in Hereford for our storage solutions.
The Quickest Way To Book Your Car
Book early for MOTs in September, October & November!
Monday 23rd August 2021
It’s that time of year again where we are entering into an extremely busy MOT period. For MOTs due in September through to November we’d advise all of our customers to book their date early to ensure we are able to do your MOT at the correct time.
Why is it busy for MOTs?
The reason for the increased volume of MOTs during this time is because of the MOT extension during the initial COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown, MOT s due at the end of March were given a 6 month extension, meaning that those that took the extension are now due. Typically September and October were busy MOT months anyway due to new car registrations starting in September. This will be an ongoing challenge for garages for the next 3-5 years until it re-settles back down.
How can I check when my MOT is due?
Its really easy to check your own vehicle MOT expiry date (and also when the road tax expires) using the government website by CLICKING HERE!
Can anything be done about this to help me in the future?
You don’t have to do anything at all, but you could change the MOT date yourself. There are no rules about doing the MOT at a different time providing you don’t let the MOT expire on your vehicle. If you were to book the MOT for April next year for example, it’s now the quietest month for MOTs!
How do I book?
You can can book easily with us online, by entering your reg number in the box below ✔
The Quickest Way To Book Your Car
Oldfields to Sponsor Luctonians
Friday 25th June 2021
We are delighted to have chosen to Sponsor Luctonians Sports Club for the 2021/2022 Season.
Established in 1948, locally, “LUCS” are known for bringing a high standard of National League Rugby to North Herefordshire, but it was scratching beneath the surface of the First XV that cemented our interest. It’s much more than a Rugby club. We’ve been fortunate enough to get a better understanding of the work that the club does for the local community, local schools, which made us realise how aligned the club is with our ethos and values.
We’re looking forward to helping support this year with our contribution to this great local club.
