The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI ) has just launched its ‘Safe Car Campaign 2009’. The SIMI is offering motorists a 10 point visual car check, free of charge, at participating dealerships for the months of September and October, to coincide with the back to school run.
The Safe Car Campaign 2009 will highlight the importance of regular vehicle servicing and encourage drivers to be aware of the necessity to check their vehicle on an ongoing basis. The SIMI has devised a 'visual check sheet' which garages will provide to the customer on completion of the check. The visual check will include checks on tyres, brakes, suspension, steering, levels, battery and hoses, interior controls, lights, and exhaust.
Speaking at the launch of the campaign, SIMI’s director general, Alan Nolan said, “We are encouraging all motorists to avail of this free, 10 point car check which is being offered at all participating SIMI member garages. With children back to school and the inevitable increase in traffic, it is important that people are mindful of the importance of checking items such as tyres and brakes on a regular basis. This free check will identify any major problems that may exist in the car and make drivers aware of the areas that they should be vigilant of and check regularly.”
In addition to the free car check, the SIMI has produced its Service and Repair Guidelines 2009 to better inform motorists of their rights and what to expect from a recognised SIMI service and repair provider. All garages participating in the 'Free Car Check' have signed up to the SIMI Service and Repair Guidelines which commits them to a fair and transparent process of quoting, pricing and reassurance in relation to service and repair work.
Nolan continued, “By getting your car regularly serviced, you improve the safety of your vehicle and prevent the need for potentially costly repairs. Your car is an asset that needs to be looked after on a regular basis. Therefore, by looking after your car now, when you do decide to trade in your car, you will improve the trade in value.”
The Service and Repair Guidelines 2009 and details of the SIMI garages offering the Free Car Check are available from the SIMI’s website (www.simi.ie ) and the guidelines are also available from participating garages.
