Now iPhone can help fix your car

A new iPhone application (app) has been launched to help motorists locate their nearest Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA)-registered mechanic.

Available free of charge from the Apps Store search for 'ATA Find A Mechanic' or from the www.okwithata.com website, the app asks you to input your postcode in return for a list of nearby technicians approved by ATA.

Scheme tests ability
The ATA is a national scheme run by the Institute of the Motor Industry and is designed to test the skills of technicians across the country, both in franchised dealers and independent garages.

There are currently more than 18,000 technicians registered, all of whom have proved they have the right skills, undergo re-assessment every five years and sign a code of conduct.

For motorists without an iPhone, all the information is also available on the ATA website, where you can search for specialists in a variety of areas, from car maintenance to roadside assistance and even motorcycles.

The ATA website is at www.automotivetechnician.org.uk