THE importance of owning our own vehicle has become paramount to get us from A t B these days.

But we will have all experienced how unreliable vehicles can actually be, particularly when we need them most.

It is a good job the Tyne Valley has so many expert mechanics at hand to help us out of our most tricky circumstances.

We asked readers of the Hexham Courant to recommend the best car garages in the district on social media, and a variety of different suggestions were left.

HEXHAM MOT CENTRE

Paul Robbie and son Cameron have built a great reputation for reliable service in the centre of Hexham.

Viv Harrison said she would highly recommend the service, while Shirley Nixon said: “Paul Robbie down on Haugh Lane in Hexham does a great job, always with a smile. Also reminds you when you need an MOT.”

GB MOTORS, CORBRIDGE

The Princes St-based engineers received a number of nominations.

Samantha Beavers and Bernie Harrison both recommended the garage, while Jacqui Robson said: “Smiling face with open mouth and smiling eyes.”

THE CAR & VAN CENTRE, PRUDHOE

Based on Prudhoe’s Princess Way, the firm has a great reputation as one of the best around.

John Patmore, in fact, declared it the ‘best garage around’ while Laura Greene said: “The Car & Van Centre are brilliant. Very honest and friendly.”

WALL GARAGE

The business based in the tiny village of Wall has long had a tradition of being a top garage.

Rachel Mackenzie and Stephen Fry both sung their praises, as did Twitter user @TheTiniestVole who said: “Friendly, helpful, don’t treat women like morons.”

GRAHAM READER, HEXHAM

Another garage based in Hexham’s Haugh Lane, it has built up a huge reputation over the decades.

Carol Henderson and Linda Porter were keen to recommend this business.

MATT CLARK, HEXHAM

Based on the town’s Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, this is another garage with a long standing relationship with Tynedale car users.

Carolyn Melville said: “Family run business. Very honest and friendly.”