Happy Birthday to Us! We are 6!

A quick look back at some of our highlights from the past 6 years.

Time flies when you’re having fun and we are so proud to say that this week marks 6 years in business for Maitland Motors. From what started out as a 1 ramp unit with just Ross and his toolbox to the industrialist workshop you see today with our hardworking team of techs, we’ve come a long way in such a short time.

The 1st home of Maitland Motors

Over the past 6 years, we have welcomed 2 fully qualified and talented techs Dale & Jay, our future star, apprentice Sean and the Mrs herself joined the team to help with the running of the office. Ross and the team have also undertaken a huge list of training courses gaining qualifications in areas such as EV, Hybrid, Stop/Start to name a few and are constantly developing their skills and know-how to further improve the service we provide.

Our current workshop, Manse Lane, Burntisland.

Other highlights from the past 6 years include moving to a bigger, 3 ramp premises here on Manse Lane, joining The DPF Doctor network, becoming a Pagid/IMI Accredited Brake Specialist centre, joining The Good Garage Scheme (where you can read some of our fantastic top 5 feedback of the week reviews) and meeting industry-leading experts such as Andy Savva, Daren Darling and Steve Scott to name a few.

Ross with the Garage Inspector, Andy Savva

All of this has only been possible thanks to our amazing customers who constantly refer and leave us great feedback which helps us to grow and reach new people. So, a huge thank you to each and every one of our customers and supporters. Some of who have relied on Ross from as early back to when he was “doing homers” on his driveway in the rain & cold.

We also have to give a huge thanks to our fantastic and hard-working team, who are the backbone of our workshop and without them, wouldn’t have made it to this milestone. Thanks, team!!

As we grow and continue to make exciting plans to expand in the future, one thing has always remained the same – our aim to give our customers an honest, reliable service where they feel confident in trusting us to look after their vehicle using up to date knowledge and equipment. We are so excited to see where the next 6 years will take us.

The Maitland Motors Team
The Maitland Motors Team

For more info on how we can help you and your vehicle, please just get in touch.

#tipthursday Book a free brake check

We all know how important having healthy and fully working breaks are. You really want to drive your vehicle feeling 100% confident that if the worst was to happen, it’s going to keep you safe. If your brakes have started to feel different, make noises or have already started to fail, then we’d definitely recommend booking in for a brake check.

Maitland Motors: Pagid/ IMI Brake Specialists
Maitland Motors is proud to be Pagid/ IMI Brake Specialists, so you can be assured that we know about fitting good quality breaks.

Driving conditions, mileage, driving style and general wear and tear of such a used part of a vehicle can cause your brakes to deteriorate. So, getting them checked by a professional every so often will help to ensure your vehicle is well maintained and more importantly, safe to drive.

Checking the brakes is involved during our Free Vehicle Health Check where we visually check the suspension, levels, tyres, exhaust, battery health and lights. Our techs can then give you an overview of your vehicle’s health and a no-obligation quote of any works they recommend be carried out.

To make a booking, call our office on 01592 328848 between 9 am – 5 pm or email maitlandmotors@gamil.com.

#tipthursday Help your vehicle pass its MOT

We believe prevention is better than cure here at Maitland Motors, which is especially true when it comes to your vehicle passing its MOT first time or not.

Here are a few easy checks you can do at home before dropping your vehicle in for MOT that could help achieve a first-time pass, avoiding waiting on re-tests and repairs.

Checks can include,

  • Is there water for your window screens?
  • Are your levels inc oil topped up to the correct level?
  • Do your wipers work correctly and keep the windows clean and clear?
  • Do all your bulbs work? (Inc indicators and fog light?)
  • How are your tyres looking? When was the last time you had them replaced? Are they inflated to the correct pressure?
  • Are all your seatbelts working and assessable?
  • Are there any warning lights illuminated on the dash?
  • Check your mirrors. Is there a clear view of the roads behind and around you?
  • How do your brakes feel? Do you hear any noises while braking? Are they less reactive than they once were?

If you do spot or feel that something might contribute to your vehicle failing, getting it booked in or making us aware of it before testing means our techs can address it quickly and efficiently. Also, you are without your vehicle for as short a time as possible and have a better idea of any costs involved beforehand.

If you’re unsure about doing this at home, we’d advise booking in for a Free Pre-MOT. Our trained and qualified techs can do it for you. Call or leave a comment below for more info or to book in here at Maitland Motors.

#tipthursday Check your Discs & Pads

It’s essential to keep your brakes well maintained and in good working order to help ensure your vehicle is safe to dive. Discs and Pads are integral parts of your vehicle’s braking system and can last anywhere between 25,000 – 60,000 miles depending on driving style and the vehicle. (More info for your make & model can be found in your owner manual.)

New vs old brake pads, showing just how worn out they can get.

If you hear any noises while braking such as squealing, your vehicle is pulling to one side or any dash warnings come on, it may be time to get your Discs & Pads changed.

The good news is that Maitland Motors are a Pagid/IMI Professionally Accredited Brake Specialist and checking the condition of your brakes is something we do for FREE during our Vehicle Health Checks.

We are proud to work with industry experts, Pagid and only fit their brake Pads and Discs that come with a 25-month/25-thousand-mile guarantee.

If you have any questions about your breaks, call or email the office and we’d be happy to chat you through any solutions.

June Training for Maitland Motors

Recap of recent training for the Maitland Motors team.

The Maitland Motors team have been back in the classroom, expanding their vehicle inspection and diagnaosic knowledge. Here’s a quick look at what they’ve been learning and how it’ll benefit our customers.

We were very proud of Dale for passing the Braking Chassis Systems, ESP course with a 100% pass rate. Dale reported that it was a brilliant course, which focused on the inspection and repair of modern vehicle braking systems. Dale now has essential knowledge about the operation, maintenance and testing of electronically controlled braking systems, covering both Bosch and non-Bosch variants. The course includes the hydraulic actuation and electronic control of typical Anti-lock Braking Systems, and an introduction to Electronic Stability Control. Dale can now apply the correct procedures when carrying out service activities and diagnosis on these safety-critical systems. Meaning, a more efficient and effective inspection, then repairs of our customer’s vehicles with brake issues. Well done again, Dale!

Ross can also add Unit Injector System Diagnosis, to his vast list of qualifications. Ross now can carry out diagnostic testing skills on Bosch Unit Injection systems fitted to diesel passenger cars and light vans. The operation of the system sensors and hydraulic components was covered in-depth, along with vital information for the safe testing of components and correct fault diagnosis. Interpretation and analysis of the various system inputs and outputs are integral to a good diagnostic process. A series of tests were conducted using an oscilloscope, along with other Bosch test equipment for a variety of system diagnosis procedures. This knowledge will most defiantly help get to the root of issues for older, Volkswagon PD engines. These injections are unique to these types of engines, so more of a neich area of expertise but vauluable all the same. These engines are also used in some Landrovers and Mercedes.

Well done guys on your hard work which will only be of benifit to the workshop; helping to provide a more efficentient service with vehciles spending less diagnostic time on the ramp. If you have any questions or would like to know how the team’s training can help you and your vehicle, please leave a comment below.

April Training

Its been a busy month for the team with lots of training & learning.

During April, thanks to restrictions easing again, the team have been able to get back into the classroom. Both Ross and Dale have been working hard expanding their vehicle knowledge, and what with the industry rapidly changing all the time, this will only be of benefit to your vehicle. We’re especially keen to learn about new electric and hybrid cars, which is where the industry is headed. Courses have included:

Petrol Direct Injection System: System Diagnosis. The guys now have a good understanding of manifold fuel injection systems, looking at system variants, the components used, the operating modes and system diagnostics.

Advanced Braking . This course focused on more advanced arears of braking systems inc the Antilock Braking System, Electronic Stability Protection and Electronic Parking Brake.

Automotive Air Conditioning System Diagnosis.  The guys now have essential knowledge to service vehicle air conditioning systems. EU legislation requires all technicians who service, recharge and repair vehicle air conditioning to be certified to carry out this work.

Level 2 & 3 Award in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Routine Maintenance Activities & System Repair and Replacement. This course is specifically designed for Electrically propelled/ Hybrid vehicles, giving the guys an understanding of the construction, function and layout of these types of vehicles along with methods to ensure the systems are safe to work.

Dale also undertook Engine Management Diagnosis of Universal Components, giving Dale the skills and knowledge to test and diagnoses engine management systems more confidently.

We are making the most of being able to train again and are signed up for lots more training over the coming months. Well done guys on all your hard work which is already being implemented here in the workshop. Training will have an impact on our opening hours, so thanks to our customers for understanding in advance.

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please leave a comment below or email the office.

Why book in with Maitland Motors?

Not just any old back street garage.

Here at Maitland Motors we understand why a new customer may be weary about bringing their vehicle to us, the trade has such a poor reputation which is ingrained by bad or unsatisfactory past experiences. We are dedicated to fight against this view of the trade by offering a great service at good prices by technicians you can trust. Here are a few examples of how we are actively putting you and your car first.

Approved by The Good Garage Scheme. The Good Garage Scheme aims to improve the standards of of the automotive industry with garages associated adhering to a 10 point code of conduct. We are very proud to have been in the top 5 of garages of the week three times and of the brilliant feedback our customers leave us through their feedback forms.

Ross proudly showing off out most recent Top 5 Feedback of the Week certificate from The Good Garage Scheme.

Pagid IMI Professionally Accredited Break Specialist. We are recognised by industry leaders in brakes as a specialist. Pagid brakes are OE quality, come with a 25 months/25Thousand mile guarantee and are great value for money. We only use good quality parts for all repairs.

Maitland Motors: Pagid/ IMI Professionally Accredited Brake Specialists.
Proud to fit the best for our customers.

Continual Training and Development. The industry is rapidly changing with new and exciting innovation. Our team is dedicated to keep up to date with these changes and implement them in our workshop and office, so training and development is a big part of this. Ross and Dale have been on a number of courses and are signed up for more. Christine has also been studying part time for her PDA in book-keeping and also has industry course to look forward shortly. Our apprentice, Saun is continuing to work hard towards becoming a fully qualified technician. This is defiantly a team effort that will mean that our customer experience is always improving with our growing knowledge base.

Happy 5th birthday Maitland Motors
Ross and the team here at Maitland Motors.

Brilliant Feedback across different platforms. You can read our feedback across Google, Facebook and The Good Garage Scheme. It always makes our day to hear that our customers have had a good experience with us.

Over 20 years of experience in the trade. Ross has been in the automotive trade since starting his apprenticeship back in 1999 and with that a whole wealth of experience and knowledge with many different makes and models of vehicles. He finished top of his class winning apprentice of the year and from there has worked in all shapes and sizes of garages, using his expertise to go on and open his own garage. Our mechanic Dale also has a vast knowledge of the industry, and like Ross is keen to keep moving with the times.

In our previous post, we share a few of the processes we have in place to help make booking in with us as stress and hassle free as possible. Such as a Free Vehicle Health Check and Payment Assist, click here for more details. We would love to welcome you and see for yourself just how dedicated we are to providing a great and trustworthy service.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about how we can help you and your vehicle, call our office, email us or leave a comment below.

Maitland Motors, Here to Help

How we can help making maintaining your car easier

We understand here at Maitland Motors, that looking after your car can be an added hassle and stress. That’s why we’ve put in place a few processes to help make maintaining your car that little bit easier.

Payment Assist. Payment Assist is a easy way to spread the cost for your vehicle repair & maintenance bill. Payment is split over 4 monthly payments interest and fee free making any larger or unexpected repair bills a bit more manageable. For more details we have a recent post here. (T&Cs apply. Please let us know in advance of any works being carried out that you plan to pay via Payment Assist so we can get the process in place in time for collecting your car.)

Payment Assist with Maitland Motors
Spread the cost of your repair and maintenance bills with Payment Assist .

Courtesy Car. Sometimes its just not possible to be without your car what with work or school run commitments, especially if your car is in for a few days on big or unexpected repairs. Hiring our courtesy car can help at just £10 a day. (T&Cs apply, please ask for more details.)

Free Vehicle Health Check. Been a while since your car last saw a mechanic? Book in for a Free Vehicle Health Check where we’ll visually inspect the condition of your car, giving you peace of mind that its safe or making you aware of any repairs or issues.

A Free Vehicle Health Check will give you a no obligation overview of your car.

Pick Up & Drop Off Service. We offer a limited Pick Up and Drop Off Service where we come collect your vehicle from your home or place of work in the morning for repairs or services in the workshop, then drop it back with you the evening works have been completed. Saving you having to arrange getting your car to us and getting home again. (Due to the pandemic we unfortunately don’t have a waiting area for customers.)

Good Quality OE Parts and Oil. We believe prevention is better that cure here at Maitland Motors, and a big part of that is using good quality parts and oil. They will last you longer, perform better and often come with good guarantees, giving you better value for money. After years or experience in the trade, we use trusted brands such as Mann Filters, Pagid brakes, Varta Batteries and Forte engine treatments. Not to forget we are Pagid/IMI Professional Braking Specialist.

Proud to fit Pagid here at Maitland Motors
Pagid brakes come with a 25 months/ 25 thousand mile guarantee which many other manufactures don’t.

MOTs can be easy to forget, especially since the DVLA stopped sending reminders. Sign up to our text reminder service where we’ll remind you to get booked in and avoid missing your due date. We only need your reg and mobile number to set this up.

We hope that your experience here at Maitland Motors is as smooth and hassle free as possible but if there is anything further you feel we could put in place, then please just let us know. Customer feedback is really useful in helping us grow and improve our service. If you’d like to book in and use any of the services above, call our office, email us or leave a message below.

Looking after your car in Lockdown

With most car owners working from home or home-schooling at the moment, their car is most probably sitting on the drive the most of the time just now. This is great for saving on fuel costs and environmental factors, however an unused car can cause have some issues when you return to more regular driving.

Here are a few tips to help maintain your car during lockdown and in a safe condition to dive in case of emergencies.

  • Start your car at least once a week and let it run for 10 – 15 mins. This will help keep your battery charged. (Turning the air con on while you do this will help keep air flowing freely.)
  • Keep an eye on tyres going flat; sitting too long in the same position can affect your tyres. If you notice a slow puncture, pump your tyres back to the manufacture’s recommended PSI. (More on this on a previous post here.)
  • Beware of rust! Brakes, valves and cylinders can all become rusty without use which will effect their effectiveness . A quick once around the block every week will help keep parts freed off of rust. Listen out for any knocks, bangs, squeaks or changes in performance. If you hear anything or notice any changes, they could be an indicator that your car may need further TLC from a professional, before it escalates into a bigger, more serious problem for your car.

We also have more info on checks you can do at home yourself here. These checks can help keep your car in a good, driveable condition.

Unlike lockdown 1, there are no MOT extensions, so if yours is due in the coming weeks or months you will still be required by law to have this carried out. Doing so will help keep you safe and legal in your car, and also means that when restrictions are lifted again your car will be ready. If you are driving without an MOT you could face some hefty fines and more worryingly driving an unsafe car.

If you have any questions or concerns about your car during lockdown, then don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can get you booked in for a Free Vehicle Health Check.

5 reasons to book your car into Maitland Motors

At Maitland Motors, we are commit to proving wrong the poor reputation that the auto repair industry has. Below are reasons why you can trust that your car is in good hands with Ross and our team.

  1. Highly rated and recommended. We have many fantastic customer reviews where you can see for yourself what our customers think of us. Being members of the Good Garage Scheme, we have been awarded feedback of the week twice and are highly rated on both Facebook and Google. Most people come to us after being recommended by friends or family, which to us, is the highest form of good feedback when someone outside the garage gives us their recommendation.
  2. Try before you buy. We offer a, no obligation, Free Vehicle Health Check where you can try before you buy. This is when we get your car up on a ramp and visually inspect it for any obvious maintenance, repairs or issues. This gives you the chance to come meet us, see where the garage is and ask any questions you might have. When it comes to the bill, all our estimates and invoices come broken down so you know exactly what you are paying for. If your car is booked in with us and any additional work is needed or the job is going to cost more than previously advised we will seek out your authority before going ahead, giving you a full breakdown of what’s involved, the benefits and costs. We aim to be open and honest when it comes to pricing and charging our work.
  3. Experience and knowledge. With over 21 years of experience in the trade, Ross is very knowledgeable when it comes to looking after your car. His CV includes working with the big dealers to independent garages giving him in-depth and various experience of the industry. He also qualified at the top of his class winning apprentice of the year with Fife College and is still very aware that educating himself is key to improving our customer service. In an industry that is rapidly changing Ross is still going on training courses to help keep up with the advancing technologies, repair procedures and innovating tools. Alongside Ross, the Maitland Motors team is very hardworking and committed to repairing your car to a high standard with our very talented technician Dale and our up and coming apprentice, Saun. Maitland Motors itself is fast approaching 5 years in business growing from a 1 ramp unit to a much bigger workshop with 3 members of staff in that time. We have lots of exciting plans for the future to help offer our customers an even better, productive, and modern service.
  4. We only fit OE quality parts. We feel very strongly about using good OE quality parts. When it comes to cars prevention is better than cure and by using quality parts over cheaper ones, you’ll find you’re replacing the same parts less often. They often come with better guarantees and are more reliable. We are proud to be a Pagid/IMI Professionally Accredited Brake Specialist (who offer a 25 months/ 25,000 mile guarantee on their pads and discs) and are also proud to use brands such as Mann, Shell and Forte.
  5. We are here to help you. Which is why we offer a limited pick up and drop off service from your home or place of work. Spread the cost of your bill, fee and interest free with payment plans from Payment Assist. We also offer a Maitland Motors courtesy car which you can rent from a few hours to a few days to help you go about your daily life while your car is in with us. Call the office for more details.

If you have any questions about booking in and how we can help look after your car, DM us, leave a comment below or call Christine in the office.