Garage Matters: Independent Garage News and Events

EXCLUSIVE: IAAF Chief explains strategy behind ‘mandatory minimum’ MOT fee

Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 20264

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation’s (IAAF) proposal to turn the current maximum MOT fee cap into a legally mandated floor has triggered widespread debate across

MOT

Stagnant MOT fee threatening national testing capacity, warns IGA

Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 20260

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has intensified pressure on government to review the statutory MOT fee cap for class 4, 5, and 7 vehicles, which

Garage management

Rising booking fees see Wallsend garage end eight-year relationship with booking platforms

Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 20260

Independent garage owners across the UK are increasingly reassessing the long-term cost of third-party booking platforms, as concerns grow over rising commission charges and the

News Uncategorized

Heatwave sees spike in vehicle breakdowns, RAC data shows

Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff29 June, 202629 June, 20260

A dramatic spike in summer breakdowns has exposed widespread deferred vehicle maintenance across the UK, presenting an immediate influx of diagnostic and repair work for

Brand news Parts

Valeo urges workshops to stop “binning” loyalty points and unlock hidden value

Mike Ruff23 June, 202623 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff23 June, 202623 June, 20260

Valeo Service UK is challenging independent garages to rethink everyday workshop habits, urging technicians and workshop managers to audit what happens to packaging waste in

Garage management Must read

What the DfT driverless vehicle consultation means for your future bays

Mike Ruff22 June, 202622 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff22 June, 202622 June, 20260

The future rollout of self-driving vehicles across the UK moved a step closer last week (17 June), as the government launched a public consultation on

Features Garage management

Why fragmented dealer booking systems are handing an advantage to independents

Mike Ruff22 June, 202623 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff22 June, 202623 June, 20260

Take a look at the franchise dealer networks right now, and you will see a system struggling to cope with its own complexity. New data

Event news

IGA announces 2027 date for British Independent Garage Awards

Mike Ruff19 June, 202622 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff19 June, 202622 June, 20260

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has announced that the next British Independent Garage Awards will be held on Friday 18th June 2027 at the Coventry Building

Garage management Parts

VLS names oil brands forced to withdraw Stellantis ‘wet belt’ claims ahead of July deadline

Mike Ruff19 June, 202623 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff19 June, 202623 June, 20263

Independent workshops are being urged to immediately audit their current engine oil inventory after a market-wide investigation by the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (VLS) forced

Parts

Valeo expands remanufactured coverage to 22 million additional vehicles

Mike Ruff19 June, 202619 June, 2026

by Mike Ruff19 June, 202619 June, 20260

Valeo Service UK is expanding its remanufactured rotating electrics and air conditioning offering with the introduction of 105 new references across its starters, alternators and

EXCLUSIVE: IAAF Chief explains strategy behind ‘mandatory minimum’ MOT fee

Stagnant MOT fee threatening national testing capacity, warns IGA

Rising booking fees see Wallsend garage end eight-year relationship with booking platforms

Heatwave sees spike in vehicle breakdowns, RAC data shows

Valeo urges workshops to stop “binning” loyalty points and unlock hidden value

What the DfT driverless vehicle consultation means for your future bays

Why fragmented dealer booking systems are handing an advantage to independents

IGA announces 2027 date for British Independent Garage Awards

VLS names oil brands forced to withdraw Stellantis ‘wet belt’ claims ahead of July deadline

Valeo expands remanufactured coverage to 22 million additional vehicles

What BYD’s pedal box recall tells technicians about Chinese EV durability

Schaeffler targets platform expansion as Kian Patel steps up to lead UK...

Continental adds 650+ large sizes as 18-inch-plus becomes the norm

Allianz returns as headline sponsor for British Independent Garage Awards 2027

New GSO client lead aims to take garage support beyond websites

What BYD’s pedal box recall tells technicians about Chinese EV durability

Schaeffler targets platform expansion as Kian Patel steps up to lead UK REPXPERT

Continental adds 650+ large sizes as 18-inch-plus becomes the norm

Allianz returns as headline sponsor for British Independent Garage Awards 2027

New GSO client lead aims to take garage support beyond websites