81 Advertising feature
and I decided to start our own vehicle repair business. We found a small workshop in Kingsbridge and that was the start of R&G Auto Re- pairs. Paul and I worked extremely hard, putting in very long hours to get the business up and running. In those early years, we repaired cars, motorcycles and carried out body repairs. Some years later Paul left and
started his own Driving School. R&G moved premises to Poplar
Drive and later acquired workshops in Orchard Industrial Estate where we remain to this day. In 2001 we were appointed
an MOT test station for Group 4 vehicles, a step which greatly helped the business to grow and become the success it is today. Over the last 60 years I have
been fortunate to have made many friends and enjoyed the support of numerous loyal customers, some of whom have been relying on our services and expertise for more years than I can remember! Behind every successful business
there are always great staff and R&G is no different. The team of mechanics and admin personnel all play their part in ensuring the business runs smoothly. Both my daughters joined
R&G a few years ago and have continued to drive the business forward enabling me to take more of a back seat. However, I still come in most days to help with the general running and I am very much involved in all the major decisions. In 2013, Claire and Tanya suggested opening a parts and accessories shop. This venture has proved successful and continues to go from strength to strength. A new website is being built incorporating both the garage and shop including a Click and Collect facility. Customers will also have the opportunity to order items not currently in stock. Tanya runs the shop. Claire runs the garage. During my time in the motor
industry there have been many changes - some good, some bad. In my very early days as an apprentice almost everything was repaired and jobs were extremely labour intensive. Servicing of cars was mileage based which ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 miles; lubricants were not as efficient as they are today so engine wear was common place. This meant engines had to be overhauled much sooner
During my time in the motor industry there have been many
changes - some good, some bad.
than the modern engine requires. De-carbonation of cylinder heads, grinding in valves and re-surfacing valve seats was one of the most common repairs carried out. Ignition systems had to be
serviced regularly; braking systems were usually very basic compared to today’s disc brakes and electronic
handbrakes and there were no such things as cambelts! Then it was gen- erally timing chains and gears. Most cars were rear-wheeled
drive, so you had to service prop shafts and repair rear axle units. All in all, being a mechanic then was very much more labour intensive with the repair of engines, gear boxes and rear axles. Today it is usually a process of
locating the fault and replacing the part. The modern mechanic has to have many different skills relating to electronics and computer based technology as well as a very thorough knowledge of how a car operates. It is the combination of both sets of skills and knowledge which makes for an excellent motor mechanic/technician. Sadly, today there are not enough young people coming into the motor trade to keep this indus- try going into the future. I will keep going as long as I can, although probably not for another 60 years! But who knows what the future has in store”.
REPAIRS • MOT Testing
• Servicing and Repairs • Tyres
• Exhausts • Batteries
• Engine Diagnostics • Clutches
• Air Conditioning
serviced and repaired Call Claire on
01548 856911
PARTS
Your local Motor Factors Selling all your motoring
accessories and consumables including:
Batteries, Bulbs, Oils, Wiperblades,
Car Cleaning Products, Towing Accessories, Car Radio Components
All parts are available to order
and most with same day collection. Call Tanya on
01548 856966
rgautorepairs@hotmail.co.uk rgautoparts@hotmail.co.uk
Lower Union Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1SF
www.rgautorepairs.co.uk
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