As the UK adjusts to increasingly drastic measures to combat the spread of coronavirus Covid-19, independent garages are doing their bit to keep the country moving.

A GW poll has revealed that it’s business as usual for 76 per cent of garages.

Speaking to GW, Hayley Pells of Avia Autos in Bridgend said: “The private car is a lifeline to many working front line services, the elderly and vulnerable who cannot use public transport but still need to make essential travel and will be more dependent than ever on maintenance and repair.

“The independent garage sector will be reliant on supply chains to ensure distribution of the products needed to keep everyone going.”

Related: Supplier hailed hero for keeping workshops stocked with hand sanitiser

Many are taking to social media to share tips and advice with other workshops on how to cope in the current situation.

Commenting in the GW forum, Mickey Kredel said: “Since the outbreak we are asking customers to turn off the heating and air conditioning system so air is not blowing when the key is turned on and asking that there be no open drinks, straws, food etc in the vehicle.

“We enter with gloves on and wipe down the steering wheel, shifter and door, along with spraying Lysol onto their keys in a bowl when they arrive.”

Other measures taken by garage businesses include customer vehicle collection and drop-off services.

Responding to a mechanic’s question on Good Morning Britain this week about the dangers on transmitting coronavirus while working with customer vehicles, Dr Hilary Jones said: “It’s people that transmit the virus, not things.

“Obviously the virus can live on things but if people are washing their hands frequently and taking the relevant precautions, cleaning cars, wearing gloves where they can and using hand sanitisers, that is all we can do and he is going to minimise his risk of transmitting the infection and can carry on working.”

Inevitability, some garages have reported a rise in cancellations but with such uncertainty GW is calling on its readers to share their good news stories on how they’re working through the outbreak and helping their local community.

Share your comments, experiences and stories below or email [email protected]. As always’ share any questions you may have about the outbreak and we’ll do our bit to find the answer.