Underside Wash...

As I type this the snow of Storm Darcy still falling; but is it too early to start thinking about better weather? The short answer is “no”. We are exited to offer a new underside inspection, wash, and restoration service. We have just had a newly installed outdoor 4 post lift at our Broxbourne facility. The best news of all is that we are now including an underside inspection to all of our Care Package clients, so if you’ve already signed up – Book your post winter inspection now! 

If you’ve been using your pride and joy through the winter months you don’t have to worry about the road salt eating away at your brake pipes (That thought certainly keeps me awake at night). We can now take care of that for you with our underside wash service and our usual Garage Queens eye for detail. If you’ve not signed up for the Care Package, worry not. Drop us a line to discuss availability.

M3 - The Rat

In our own news I decided that the interior of the GQ M3 (dubbed “The Rat”) needed a bit of attention. The usual cracking leather and general ‘tired’ feeling needed addressing.

I’d fallen in love with the 20 Jahre material Richard has in his E34 M5. With a few calls to the right people I’d sourced the OE material. I went with one of our own GQ approved craftsmen with the job of the freshen up. Now I was reluctant to mess with the original specification of the car, but I am so happy with the results. Along with the underside wash maybe “The Rat” is a little harsh.

What have you been doing, got a story you want us to share? Get in touch.

ULEZ - it's coming...

Ok so there’s no easy way to cover this one, but we’ll try and make it a bit more digestible than the umpteen different TFL pages that you’ll have to navigate covering the topic. ULEZ for those that don’t know is the Ultra Low Emission Zone covering London. From 25/10/21 it is going to be significantly increased to cover the area within the North and South Circular roads. It’s intention is to keep the air over London less polluted going into the future. You can take your car there still – but it may now cost you. 

The simplest way to find out is by looking here if your car even falls within the emissions criteria. Most modern (post 2005) cars already meet the regulations (Euro 4 emissions if you’re really having trouble sleeping) and won’t have to pay the £12.50. The Mayor’s website say that the scheme is designed to tax “Older, more polluting vehicles”.

The new ULEZ zone will operate 24/7 365 days of the year. Cars, vans, buses, coaches, lorries and motorbikes are all included in the new rules, but the charge will only apply to models that don't meet certain emissions standards.

There are historic exemptions so if your vehicle is 40 or older then you do not have to pay, so if your car/s fall into the “Historic Tax class” then you’re off the hook. If you are a resident in London, you may also be able to apply for discounts/exemptions.

In plain English, if your car is made anywhere between 1981 and 2005 and you’re planning on driving into London after 25/10/21; it’s worth checking to see if you’re going to get stung for another road usage charge. It is a huge expansion and likely to catch the unawares out. There is a journey planner here and further reading here to get yourself up to speed.  

Autocar's view