FAQ'S & ADVICE FOR DRIVERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

You might have many questions during this unprecedented time about driving and the maintenance of your car. Below we try to answer these questions, to the best of our knowledge. Please remember to check government and manufacturer guidelines via their websites for confirmation. 

Under current government guidelines you have been asked to stay at home for all but essential travel.

Is it safe and prohibited for me to drive my car during the lockdown?

Under current government guidelines you have been asked to stay at home for all but essential travel. This is to shop for absolute neccessities, any medical needs or caring for a vulnerable person, and to travel to work if permitted. One form of exercise a day is also allowed currently.

My MOT or service is due - what should I do?

If your MOT is due from the 30th March 2020 onwards, you should automatically receive a six month extension. Keep an eye on the gov.co.uk website for more updates. Essential servicing is still available from Bells Crossgar Motors for key workers in the NHS, pharmacies and community care who rely on their vehicle to get to and from work. This service is limited to key workers only, as you can understand. Contact numbers for this will be left at the end of this page.

If you are not a key worker and your car is due a service, your should leave your service for now under the basis you won't be adding any wear or tear in the meantime. In most instances it will not be an issue to delay maintenance requirements as long as you are using your vehicle responsibly, and in line with government advice on essential journeys. Customer service numbers for the manufacturers we work with are below:

Renault UK Aftersales Customer Service:

0344 335 0000

Peugeot Aftersales Customer Service:

0800 042 2422

Dacia Aftersales Customer Service:

0344 335 1111

I'm very worried about making my current monthly car finance payment - can you point me in the right direction?

The majority of our finance providers will have a customer service team to assist our customers who are experiencing financial activities at this time. They can offer a number of solutions to help, such as payment plans, depending on each individual situation. We would advise you call them at the earliest opportunity for guidance about the best steps you can take right now. In this instance you should contact the finance provider that your contract is with, not the dealer. For more advice on your rights and assistance from an independent please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Can I still buy a car from you at this time?

Our team are still operating remotely, online only. You can browse the vehicles available to purchase now on our website, and contact us by email, live chat, or facebook messenger, to register your interest. We can send you a live video of the car you're interested in straight to your mobile phone. If you are a key worker and need a car to get to and from work then we will do our very best to assist you with this, as a priority. We can sort out your finance application and any payments online, completely contactless. You can also contact Eamon or Charlie for assistance on the numbers at the bottom of this page. You can view our used car stock for sale HERE.

These are unprecedented times, but we are here to assist you in the meantime with any queries you have, to the best of our ability. If you need to get a new car, now is the time to do some research and find the right car for you for when we reopen again.

For the latest government advice please visit: www.gov.co.uk/coronavirus

Our direct contact numbers are currently:

Charlie: 07771731411

Eamon: 07507872135

Take care of yourselves, stay home, stay safe, and protect our brave NHS.

Bells Crossgar Motors

CONTACT US

We're still here if you need us. Our team are working remotely.

Simply fill in the form below with your query and we will get back to you.