The Problem:
This Nissan NV200 van came in for a routine MOT. The owner hadn’t had it long and just wanted peace of mind that everything was in order. During the test, though, we spotted something worrying – all four tyres were over 20 years old and in poor condition. They were actually older than the van itself.

Tyres degrade with age, even if they still have tread. The rubber hardens, cracks, and loses grip, especially in wet conditions. It’s likely a previous owner had part-worn tyres fitted without realising how old they were.

Our Diagnosis:
The tyres were unsafe and failed the MOT. While checking the rest of the vehicle, we also found a faulty rear lamp, worn front brake pads and discs, and a sticking front brake caliper. None of these are unusual on a working van, but together they made the vehicle unsafe to be on the road.

The Fix:
We fitted four brand new tyres, replaced the rear lamp unit, and renewed the front brake pads and discs. We also replaced the front brake caliper to ensure the brakes were working evenly and safely.

Once everything was done, the van passed its MOT and was back on the road in a safe, reliable condition, and the customer left knowing exactly what had been done and why.

Located in the city centre, Duffy Motors is proud of its location. You will find us in an old railway arch between the Gmex Centre and Beetham Tower, our garage is only a short drive away from major road links like the Mancunian Way, Princess Road and Chester Road.

This convenient location also means that there is a lot to do while you wait for an MOT. If you are coming in over the festive period, make sure you check out some of these things to do.

Camp out at the office

The majority of our customers like to leave their car with us and head to work in the city centre. They drop their car off in the morning, head into work on foot or on public transport, and return later in the afternoon or the evening on their way home. You can leave your car with us all day if you want to. And avoid those expensive city centre car parking fees.

Light rail Metrolink tram in the city center of Manchester, UK. The system has 77 stops along 78.1 km and runs through seven of the ten boroughs

Christmas shopping

Whether you’ve planned well in advance or left it until the last minute, don’t worry. Located just next to Duffy Motors’ garage, is the Great Northern Warehouse which provides a fine array of independent shops to satisfy your friends and family. But it doesn’t stop there. Other great shopping areas are close by, including Spinningfields, King Street and the Manchester Arndale.

 

Christmas markets

The award winning markets are back again this year, winding through the city centre. There are over 300 free and accessible yuletide stalls and chalets for you to enjoy, offering crafted seasonal gifts, from handmade jewellery to bespoke Christmas products. Manchester’s Christmas Markets are famous for traditional bratwurst, but you can also treat yourself to Hungarian goulash, Spanish paella or a good old-fashioned hog roast.

Ice Village

The Ice Village has returned! Immerse yourself in a unique, frosty and festive atmosphere. The Ice Village offers you the opportunity to see these amazing ice creations up close, this years theme being Beasts and Fairytale Delights. Also, enter Manchester’s first ever Ice Tiki Bar, where you will be able to enjoy delicious cocktails such as: The Manc-ini , Manchester SeaFreeze or Sex on the Snow. A selection of Mocktails are available too. All set in a background of tropical sculptures including Easter Island ‘Moai’ ice statues and giant fruits. A free drink will be included on entrance to the bar – plus if you aren’t wrapped up enough, a thermal cape will be provided.

Hurl Some Axes

Not your typical festive activity, but what an experience. Unleash your inner Viking by throwing axes at wooden targets. Whistle Punks is within a stones throw of the garage in the Great Northern Warehouse. We recommend that you book in advance to secure a spot and prices range from £20 – £34.50 per person (18 or over only)

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Afternoon tea

Treat yourself to afternoon tea in Manchester’s most opulent champagne bar and restaurant; Cloud 23. Indulge in a selection of small sandwiches or satisfy your sweet tooth with handmade cakes and tarts, all whilst looking out to a spectacular view of the city.

Located in the Beetham Tower, just next to Duffy Motors there aren’t many other places better to wait whilst your car gets serviced.

Emma Shepherd’s distinctive VW Golf was stolen from Halfords’ Rochdale Autocentre, while it had its MOT test.

Emma has expected a call to say her £11,000 Golf had passed its MOT late in February.

Instead, the medical worker answered the phone to be told that her personalised car had been stolen from the MOT test centre.

Emma was left in a state of disbelief after she was told that the keys were left in the ignition as the car was stolen.

Emma told the Manchester Evening News: “It was stolen off the MOT test bay whilst in their possession and they have got no CCTV. It is quite shocking.

“I am just really shocked and thought it was all a joke at first. I dropped it off for an MOT and now it’s been stolen. I just cannot believe it.”

She continued: “Apparently the person came into the test centre and into a work yard, pushed a mechanic out of the way then jumped into the car and nearly ran him over as he stole the car. The police have been in touch and I have given them an account. Apparently a mechanic was injured too.

“I have been told it was having its MOT at the time and the keys were in the car because they were testing emissions.”

Emma, who works at Salford Royal, also lost her son’s pram and car seat, as well as an iPod, CDs and prescription sunglasses, all of which were in the car when it was stolen.

Emma has written to Halford’s chief executive after pre-paying £30 for the MOT.

The white Golf, which has the personalised number plate X666 ECS has still not been recovered.

Halfords MOT criticism

Social media users poured scorn on Halfords MOT test centres, and not just because the car was stolen on their watch.

Research shows that independent garages like Duffy Motors are, on average, 18% cheaper than large franchised garages and main dealers. Customers also tend to be happier with the service they get from smaller independents.

Image credit: Halfords Autocentre – Nuthall Road cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Anthony Parkes – geograph.org.uk/p/3725562

(Updated 6th October 2021)

At Duffy Motors we are incredibly proud of our location, right in the centre of Manchester. We’re really easy to find, just off Great Bridgewater Street and Deansgate and only a short drive away from major road links like the Mancunian Way, Princess Road and Chester Road.

Our city centre location, right underneath the Gmex Centre means that there’s a huge selection of things to do while you wait for an MOT or service.

Go to work

The vast majority of our return customers like to leave their car with use while they go to work in the city centre. They’ll drop their car off in the morning, head to work on foot or on public transport, and return to collect their car in the evening on the way home.

The garage is in easy walking distance of dozens of office blocks including busy business districts like Spinningfields.

Deansgate tram and train stations, with good links to Piccadilly and Media City, are just a five-minute walk away. And there are loads of good bus links on our doorstep too. Use the Citymapper app to plan your commute.

And the best part about leaving your car with us? You can avoid those expensive city centre car park fees.

Do some shopping or catch a film

The Great Northern Warehouse is the first thing you see when you pull up to Duffy Motors in your car. This huge shopping centre has enough shops and eateries to keep anyone satisfied for an hour or two.

You could even catch the latest blockbuster at the Odeon Cinema located inside the shopping centre.

Afternoon tea, with a view

Built 10 years ago, and visible from many of the major approaches into the city, the Beetham Tower has come to dominate Manchester’s skyline. It is also just a stone’s throw distance from our under-arch garage.

Located on the 23rd floor of the tower, Cloud 23 is one of Manchester’s most exclusive night time spots. Daytime visitors can also enjoy the towers lofty pleasures with their Traditional Afternoon Tea, costing £23.00 per person.

Sample one of the 200 whiskies on offer at the Briton’s Protection

If you are a bit more down-to-earth, or you fancy something a little stronger, then this local pub is the place for you. It’s one of the oldest and most unspoilt in the city, with high quality local ales on tap and a 200 strong selection of whiskey bottles to choose from.

Make sure you have a designated driver if you mean to pick up your car afterwards!

Visit the Museum of Science and Industry

Also a short walk away, the Museum of Science and Industry tells a story of the industrial revolution which is inextricably linked to Manchester. Located inside the oldest surviving passenger train station, in the heart of the world’s first industrial city, the museum is a must see for anyone interested in science, technology and local history.

Get lost in Castlefield Urban Heritage park

In the same district as the Museum of Science and Industry, the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a slice of serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This spot is great for a wander down by the canals and narrow boats, watch out for the geese though. They can be less than friendly this time of year.

Have a really fine dining experience

If you want a fancy bite to eat while you wait then we can recommend The French restaurant in The Midland hotel. Run by Michelin star chef Simon Rogan, the hotel eatery is one of the city’s finest dining spots. Be warned though, it won’t be as easy to book in here as it is in Duffy Motors.

Absorb some knowledge in one of Manchester’s fine libraries

Manchester has some fantastic libraries and we are lucky enough to be within walking distance of two of them. The most visually striking is the John Rylands library, just off Deansgate. The gothic structure was erected just before the turn of the 20th century and is great for architecture nuts.

The recently restored Manchester Central Library, also within walking distance, almost always has a good exhibition on.

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