RSS Share 14/12/2005
Renault Minute helps ‘old ladies’ to Brighton

Last month's London to Brighton Veteran Car Run truly tested the mettle of almost 450 pre-1904 cars taking part. Weather conditions were gloomy but dry at the start early on Sunday morning in London's Hyde Park, but those making it to Madeira Drive on the seafront in Brighton were greeted by lashing rain and gales. Some of those finishers were helped along en route by a Renault service centre.

Halfway along the 60-mile (97km) route, participants were welcomed into the traditional Crawley Coffee Stop by four specialist vehicle technicians at the Renault Minute service centre, provided by Renault's nationwide chain of fast-fit centres. They offered free mechanical assistance plus top-ups of oil and water to these sometimes temperamental 'old ladies' of the motoring world.

"I'd like to think we helped quite a few of those to get further down the road towards Brighton," said engineer Richard Asquith, who headed the team of four specialist Renault Minute technicians.

"Our assistance wasn't so much mechanical repairs as 'mechanical tea and sympathy" explained Richard. "We provided lots of encouragement and elbow grease to restart engines in very damp conditions after the coffee stop. Other drivers were pleasantly surprised that we'd thought to bring supplies of mineral engine oil with us for topping up, as they don't like to use modern synthetic oils," he commented.

In addition to helping veteran cars from all over the world make the trip between London and Brighton, Renault Minute has an expanding network of service centres for all makes of cars across the whole of the UK. There are currently 77 sites operated by franchised Renault dealers and Renault-authorised independent garages. They provide servicing and repairs for all makes of cars without appointment, specialising in wear-and-tear components; brakes, exhausts, tyres and batteries, oil changes, shock absorbers and MOT tests.

Renault Minute offers free estimates, competitive pricing and clear billing for repairs and replacement parts on any make of car or light commercial van. The Renault Minute Technicians aim to have every job - which includes a free 25-point safety check - completed within two hours.

Renault Minute service centres can be located by logging on to www.renault.co.uk or clicking here