Car Has Broken Down (key worker)

[Nowofallbloodytimes]

My son came home last night and the clutch has gone on his car.
He is a key worker and needs it. He is going to try to find a local garage that will fix it.

We can give him lifts for now as he is based near us, but he will be on shifts and an hours drive away soon, so the car is necessary.

We, in the house are all well, including him of course.

His car is drivable, just about, so I think if he drives straight to the garage with the window down, wears gloves and a mask and sits on bin bags he is doing the best he can.

I know it is not going to kill the virus but he is going to use some of my precious anti bac (says it kills Corona type viruses on the packet) wipes to clean the steering wheel, gearstick etc.

We will follow him to the garage and drive him straight home.

Are we doing the right thing?

Our local garage is offering a pick up and delivery service for key worker cars.

Might be worth seeing if you have something similar locally?

Oh, that would be good. He could go out and clean Inside with the wipes. I will make sure he asks if they do that.

I expect they will decide on the rules and we will follow them anyway. More than happy to do that, just need the car.

Thank you Jazz

Ring ahead, lots of garages have closed but are doing essential work for customers. Our answering machine has all the details on it. We have our own procedures for colleting cars etc

In the short term can he borrow a car? Non key worker households are probably only using theirs for a weekly trip to the shops in many cases.

Eurochick all four of us are key workers so are still using the other car to get to and from work.

One of us is giving lifts to DS2 as he doesn't drive. One of us will try to give DC1 lifts too until his car is back on the road. We don't work in the same place.

Thank you Essential, really glad to know that some garages are still taking cars in. Was having a bit of a panic I don't mind telling you.

My company are assisting with repairing key workers cars - we are one of the biggest Groups in the motor trade nationally and have strict protocols re Coronavirus to minimise risk etc this was the message from our CEO the other day: www.vertumotors.com/news/an-updated-message-from-robert-forrester-ceo/#.XoGsbyXTXDs
Whereabouts are you? we have pretty good coverage throughout the country. We were offering collection and delivery so this may still be a possibility to make it easier for you and disrupt your essential input as little as possible.

If you go down the FAQ’s there’s a section re repairs for key workers and the contact details to use:

www.bristolstreet.co.uk/faqs/

This is the text but the click through links will work if you go to the page using the link above.

I'm a key worker. Can you help with my vehicle?

Yes. From Monday 30th March, in order to keep essential vehicles on the road, we will provide appropriate support for servicing and repairs as required for key workers (as defined by HM Government) and vehicles utilised in the national effort such as utilities, emergency services and distribution vehicles, etc. In addition, vulnerable customers who rely on their vehicles will also be supported where possible.

If you fall into either of these categories and need assistance, please click here to find your nearest open service department, contact us on [email protected] or call our dedicated hotline on 03301 781 813

Wemol we are in the South Croydon area.

All the local garages are either shut or are not able to get parts.
One is charging £96 just to look at it. If it needs parts then they still can't do it (we still pay £96). We think it is the gearbox. It won't go into reverse.

Is he able to cycle? Get some good lights so hes super visible at night and some hi-vis and that could work.

Do you have a corona help Facebook page in your area? Maybe try a shout out on there, someone in your area might have a bright idea? Best of luck to you guys and thank you x

Thank you so much Wemol I can see the garages near us. I will get him to call and see what they can do.

MorningNinja not a bad idea, may work for now. He is changing jobs soon (another key worker role) and. I don't fancy him cycling through some of the areas he would have to late at night/ early morning. It would also take too long. We are trying to add him to our insurance policy so it might be me on the bike

We have a dealership in Orpington (think that might be your closest out of ours) I am not sure if they are one of the service depts open (sorry I’ve been furloughed so a bit out of the current loop) but if you contact via the above our contact centre will help you if they can. We have a few others in the South East too xx

Has he not got breakdown cover? They would collect the car and take it to a garage. Alternatively you pay the garage to collect.

Wemol you are an absolute star. The car is going in tomorrow. You saved the day. The bank of mum and dad are lined up to sub him with a no interest loan 😳

I am so sorry you are currently furloughed, I really hope you are not in this position for too long.

PlayStation apparently he didn't renew it 😳. He has now.

I love MN when the chips are down someone always has an idea..... or two.... or three.

Thank you all.

I’m so delighted I was able to help! As a Company our Chief Exec is passionate about helping where we can. The mindset is part of our values. Thank you for your kind wishes I’m sure I’ll be back in the office at some point but for now I’ll focus on helping where I can and homeschooling my 5 year old. Thank you for all you and your family are doing and I hope you all stay healthy. And also for the tip off that the bank of mum and dad never ends 🤣💙 xx