IMPORTANT LOCKDOWN 3 INFORMATION

Along with all other businesses we are taking the necessary steps to protect our customers and comply with the government guidelines, whilst still doing all we can to continue to provide a high level of service.

Our Workshop and Parts departments will remain open for repairs and MOT's as normal.

Although our offices will be closed to the public our Sales department will still be open remotely and we will be offering a click and collect service, as well as home delivery. You will still be able to contact us during our normal opening hours.

We will continue to update our website with all our vehicles and our sales team will be on hand to help you through the process. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact us and we will be happy to work with you to find your perfect vehicle.

The safety of our customers is our top priority. We will continue to sanitise vehicles fully on collection or delivery and our teams will continue to wear facemasks and disposable gloves. Our Workshop team will also use full PPE and disposable interior car care kits when driving your vehicle. This includes steering wheel cover, gear lever cover, handbrake cover, seat cover and floor mat.

The importance of your safety and that of our Otter Vale team, remains our top priority.

Please contact any member of our team with any concerns or queries, we are on hand and happy to help all our customers in these difficult times.

www.ovms.co.uk

01404 861155

Be Prepared for Winter!

We all enjoyed a summer of lovely sunshine and long dry spells, however this is all set to change with the winter months fast approaching. Find some helpful hints below to help you motor your way smoothly through the coldest time of the year.

1. Service Your Car

If you haven’t had your vehicle serviced recently, try and make sure you book it in before the cold weather sets in. Cold weather can cause a lot of problems, some of which can be easily avoided with regular servicing.

2. Check Your Battery Health

There is nothing worse than jumping in your vehicle on a cold winters morning and realizing that you have a flat battery. During the winter months your use of lights and heaters will increase and with the cold weather your battery is under additional strain. Entering winter with a healthy battery is a must!

3. Check Your Tyres

It is essential that your tyres are in good condition for the winter. Your vehicle relies on the tread of your tyres for grip, so it is important that they are ready to cope with any slush or ice on the roads.

4. Windscreen and Wiper Blades

A small tip - add a little antifreeze in your washer fluid! This will help prevent your washer fluid freezing throughout the winter and therefore will allow you to keep your windscreen clear. With the wet weather likely to increase in the coming months it is best to have a new set of wiper blades ready or already on your vehicle. No doubt you will be needing them a lot more! Also, make sure to check your windscreen for any chips as these can develop in the cold weather.

5. Top Up Engine Coolant with Antifreeze

Your engine coolant should be a mix of water and antifreeze. You will need to top up the antifreeze over time and make sure not to just use water. If the antifreeze gets diluted it will freeze in the cold weather. This could lead to your engine over-heating, potentially resulting in extensive repairs.

6. Check Your Lights

As the nights draw in you will be relying heavily on your lights. You may have a bulb or fog light that has stopped working during the summer and not have noticed. It is a good idea to check your vehicle lights are all in good working order before you start your journey. This will ensure that not only you can see clearly but you can also be seen by others.

7. Breakdown Cover

Be sure to have comprehensive breakdown cover at this time of year. You want peace of mind knowing you won’t be stranded in the cold weather.

8. Be Breakdown Ready

If the worst should happen, it is best to be prepared. Make sure you keep a breakdown kit in your vehicle. We would suggest including essentials such as a torch, warm blanket and a hi-visibility vest or jacket. If you wanted to be extra prepared you might want to keep some de-icer along with a pair of sensible shoes in case you have to walk to safety in difficult conditions (and maybe some snacks!).

9. Free Winter Health Check

We offer Free Winter Health Checks, which can be the best way to make sure your car is ready for whatever the winter throws at us. A mechanic will then be able to advise if you need anything done to your vehicle to make sure you are safe through the coldest part of the year. To book your check please contact our workshop on 01404 861474

Most importantly it is best to use common sense when travelling on the roads this winter. Make sure your vehicle in the best condition possible, plan your journeys, be prepared and stay alert and in control.

For any more advice on winter motoring you can always contact our workshop team.

COVID LOCK DOWN GUIDANCE

We are going to remain open for the duration of the coming lockdown but there will be some changes to how we operate. Following the Government guidance, we will be taking the necessary steps to protect our customers and our staff.

SALES:

1.Our sales office will be closed to the public.

2.We will offer video show rounds or Zoom calls to walk you around the vehicle. Please ask for any specific information that you require and one of our sales team will be on hand to help in any way possible to help you make the best decision.

3.Vehicle collection will be done by appointment only so the vehicle can be sanitized before you arrive, paperwork done and ready to go so you can simply get in the vehicle and drive away.

4.If any contact with our sales team is required, this will be outside observing the 2M rule. The team will always be wearing gloves and facemasks.

5.Deliveries are available to your home – please speak to the sales team to arrange.

6.All payments to be made via phone or by online payment.

WORKSHOP

1.Our workshop office will be closed to the public.

2.Vehicles must be dropped off with the key left in the key box outside our workshop during opening hours.

3.If any contact with our workshop team is required, this will be outside observing the 2M rule. The team will always be wearing gloves and facemasks.

4.Our mechanics will wear facemasks, gloves and seat covers when driving your vehicle and sanitize thoroughly before you collect.

5.No courtesy vehicles will be available.

6.All payments must be made over the phone or by online payment.

If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about how we can still help you, please get in touch with our team.

01404 861155

A Rollacoaster Of A Year For Everyone

We all thought the upheaval of Brexit had been a challenge over the past few years but 2020 began on a slightly more rocky road than normal when the economy was hit with COVID19. It’s turned out to be a turbulent year for our country and the rest of the world but with only a few months to go until we can wave 2020 goodbye, let’s hope we can end the year on a positive.

Due to lockdown and the many restrictions set by the UK Government, businesses had to adapt and overcome the challenges and changes required.

We remained open as best we could during lockdown and began hearing from more and more customers as the weeks went on. We saw many keyworkers from mobile carers and NHS staff to farmers and produce delivery drivers. Some in need of a new vehicle as quickly as possible and others for breakdowns and repairs. It was great knowing that we were able to keep our key workers on the road allowing them to safely continue their important jobs during this very difficult time.

Following lockdown, we are very pleased that many of our team members have returned back to work following the furloughing scheme. We are also pleased to see many other businesses in our local area are returning back to business and doing well. As social distancing and wearing masks becomes the ‘new normal’, like many other business, we have changed the way we operate.

Although we are now able to welcome our customers back into our offices, sanitizing stations, screens and PPE is now very much part of our day to day running to keep both our staff and customers safe.

We have our dedicated staff supporting us and we’re seeing new and existing customers walking through the door.

Our new showroom is due for completion in March 2021 and we can now also start looking forward to the launch of the Brand-New Isuzu D-Max for 2021, which we’ve had a sneaky peak at and absolutely love! We have also added to our wonderful team of staff with a new Mechanic, Salesman and Workshop Manager!

As a business, we are so grateful to the people who have supported us through these past few months, and the continued support from our valued customers.

Launch of the Brand New Isuzu D-Max for 2021

Isuzu recently unveiled the all-new and improved D-Max pickup truck available in 2021. With a new, more aggressive look and quality interior the latest truck has a lot to offer, including an upgraded off-road capability.

The current D-Max model which was launched back in 2012 has been a popular choice of pickup for many up and down the UK. The quality of the Isuzu D-Max 1.9 litre engine will remain very similar within new model. But the addition of an AdBlue tank enables the new vehicle to comply with the latest emission regulations. Almost every other element of the truck has been modified to provide the owner an even better all-round experience and drive.

With a focus on offering the driver a more comfortable experience, the new structure has countless improvements to the suspension and is set to offer more on-road stability for towing and general handling. These new improvements will offer an all-round better experience both on and off road.

For the very first time, the D-Max will be available with a locking rear differential. This will be electronically controlled as opposed to mechanical, allowing extra confidence in those off-road conditions.

The interior has been completely revised and now has a fresh new feel with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We are expecting the improved interior to offer a feeling of space and comfort, whilst still remaining an everyday, practical and reliable pickup.

Whilst we love the current Isuzu D-Max, we are very excited for the launch of the new model. As our customer base is largely agriculturaland tradesman, we know the current Isuzu D-Max is a real work horse in these industries. Therefore, we are confident that the new model will exceed expectations and really deliver for those who need both a capable and reliable pickup truck.

The new range of models will be available next year in our new showroom!