Motor Codes has launched its Garage of the Year 2012 competition which will be open to votes from February 24.

The free-to-enter competition is open to all service and repair centres – franchised and independent, large and small – aiming to find UK motorists’ favourite garage.

Motor Codes, the self-regulatory body that operates OFT-backed codes of practice for over 6,500 service and repair centres will be opening the competition to the public for voting next month but garages can download promotional marketing tools now at www.motorcodes.co.uk.

Motor Codes has expanded the awards to feature separate awards for garages with over 10 employees and smaller garages. This year’s awards are sponsored by Havoline.

Voted for entirely by customers, the contest will pick out the UK’s top 100 garages, 50 big and 50 small businesses, highlighting regional champions and, ultimately, the Motor Codes Garages of the Year.

The aim is to help motorists identify reputable outfits.

Chris Mason, Motor Codes managing director, said: “Since the last competition, we have received fantastic feedback from many garages about the increased business the campaign has driven.

“As well as the chance to generate some fantastic local PR for garages, there is a prize fund on offer that includes Snap-on vouchers, Land Rover and Porsche driving experiences. As an incentive to customers for taking the time to vote, tickets for this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone are up for grabs.”

All Motor Codes subscribers are automatically registered to take part but non-members who are confident in their levels of customer service can sign-up at www.motorcodes.co.uk.

The top 100 garages will be shortlisted in April. Voting will then continue to find regional champions, with the overall Garages of the Year announcement made in May.

Joining Chris Mason on the judging panel this year will be members of the What Car? team, Peter Lawton, editor of CAT Magazine and the face of Sun Motors, Ken Gibson.