Are Mandatory Speed Limiters Coming Soon?

A proposal has been approved by the European Transport Safety Council, which plans to see all new cars fitted with devices to physically restrict them to speed limits. The plan put forward states within the next 3 years, all new cars sold in the EU will have to be fitted with one of these automatic speed limiters as standard. This device is called intelligent speed assistance (ISA) and will use GPS data or traffic sign recognition cameras to know what the speed limit is and enforce it.

If a driver does go up to the speed limit the device would not let the speed go into illegal speeds unless the driver pressed forcefully on the accelerator. This would override the system and would take the speed up, however visual and audio alerts would repeatedly signal that the car is over the limit until the speed was brought back down.

All cars produced from 2020 will have these devices, but they have already been installed in some cars out now! For all of those worried about the limits there is going to be an off button for these machines, at least when they are first implemented. The ability to disable the device is an attempt to make people more tolerant to them being introduced, but they are expected to be permanently on at a later date.

These ISA’s are being implemented to make roads safer and lower the rates of injury and death by dangerous driving. There’s also a move to implement and enforced black boxes and lane assist systems in all cars, but there are currently no plans in place for this. 

6 Car Parts & Their Uses

When it comes to motoring many of us know that operating a car involves the correct fuel, oil and yearly maintenance. If your mechanical expertise does not extend much further than this, you have come to the right place. We have put together the 6 most common car parts and explain what they do.

Looking for a Vauxhall car part? Get in contact with MegaVaux today! Specialising in Vauxhall car parts, we will either have the part your looking for in stock or order it for you.

Engine

The car engine is the heart beat behind everything. Found within your engine bay, the car engine works by allowing fuel and air to filter into the engines cylinders. When the fuel and air feeds into the cylinders a small combustion takes place. The combustion causes a rapid expansion of gases in the form of heat which in turn creates the motion.

Ignition

When you turn the ignition switch on, you are allowing a current to flow to the battery. The ignition system generates a high voltage and sends it directly to each sparkplug. This ignites the fuel-air mixture in the engines combustion chambers, causing the combustion with the engine.

Muffler

Under your car you can find a metal container, which contains a series of sub-chambers inside. The muffler helps to reduce the overall engine noise.

Alternator

The alternator is responsible for all the electrics within your car. The alternator turns a magnet which sits within a wired coil. This rotating movement of the drive belt get turned into electricity, which produces a voltage to charge the cars battery. The car battery is then able to power all the cars electrical components, such as headlights, brake lights and internal electrics.

Radiator

The engine produces a lot of heat when it’s running, meaning that it needs a radiator to keep it at an optimum temperature. The radiator is located at the front of the car. It allows fresh air to run over and through all the radiator fins. The fins on the radiator are used to help absorb excess heat to ensure that car doesn’t overheat. Coolant is pumped through the engine block and into the radiator and picks up heat from the engine.

Transmission

The cars transmission ensures that the correct amount of power and torque goes from the engine to the wheels. This allows you to drive within different gear ratios according to the speed of the road. To shift between gears your engine and transmission must disconnect temporarily. When you push the clutch in your engine is disconnecting from the transmission.

Upcoming MOT Test? Our Tips for Avoiding Fails & Knowing When It's Time to Scrap Your Car

It's the annual event that no car owner looks forward to, the dreaded MOT test! According to the DVLA, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, one in every three cars will fail there MOT test - a worrying statistic that only increases our dread when it comes to booking our cars in.
But, did you know that the majority of cars actually and fail their MOT due to easily avoidable problems, such as headlights, hazard lights and indicators failures? Simple repairs can often be fixed without a mechanic before your MOT takes place, so in order to avoid unnecessary frustration and expense, we thought we'd share some easy ways that you can avoid simple faults and failed MOT tests!

Our tips to avoiding MOT fails

Check that all your lights and bulbs are working correctly. This includes headlights, rear lights, indicator lights, hazard lights and brake lights. If the bulbs have blown, follow your manual instructions to replace them.

Check your tyres! You should be aware that the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, if your tyres tread depth is below this then it may consequently be an automatic fine, and even a fine

Whilst looking at your tyre's tread depth, be sure to check the pressure too, and that they’re not damaged or worn in any way

Test your brakes, hand brakes and your steering wheel

Your view from the driver's seat should not be obstructed in anyway - ensure that you check the wiper blades for damage

Your registration plate must be easily readable and if you have had a special personalised plate made, ensure it meets DVLA requirements

Your VIN number should match the number in your log book 

Test your horn in a suitable location and at a suitable time

However, despite how much you look after your car prior to its MOT test, we know that sometimes there are just certain problems that cannot be fixed at home. What happens then?

When is it time to scrap your car?

So you've had your MOT test and your car has unfortunately failed, what happens next? If your car is new and has failed on an issue that is easily fixed with a mechanic, then you may be willing to pay for repair but, if your car is older and has failed due to more complex problems such as corrosion, engine failure or brake faults, then the cost of repair may be more than what the car is actually worth. If this is the case for you, then scrapping your car is generally the next option to take.
If you're in the UK, and live in areas such as Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or Coventry, we suggest scrapping your car with scrap your car online. Their easy-to-use, online quote form makes the process of scrapping your car hassle-free and the quickest it's ever been. Not only that, Scrap Your Car Online offer the best value for money when it comes to your unwanted motor, and will even come and pick it up for you, at a time that is convenient.

Want to repair your car? Search our range of Vauxhall and Opel new, used or reconditioned car parts today. Having been around for many years, it's safe to say we know our stuff when it comes to all things Vauxhall! Whether the part you're seeking is big or small, you'll find it here!

Car Part Request At MegaVaux - The Easy Solution For Car Owners

Car maintenance should be easy and stress free without you having to do all the running around, especially if you're paying for a service.

At MegaVaux we put our thinking caps on and designed a simple to use, free car part request form so you could find what you need with ease. You don't need to create an account which seems to take ages to do, instead all we ask is that you fill out our form specifying the make, model and part you need.

After providing us with all the details we can do the running around for you. and as soon as we've found what you need we'll get in touch with you.

If you're happy with what we've found then we will get it delivered to you as soon as possible, so you won't be off the road long.

Why not give us a go at MegaVaux.

Shop Weekly Offers At MegaVaux

Each week at MegaVaux we make sure that we supply some of the best Vauxhall and Opel car parts available on the market at a price that is affordable.

We cater for many makes and models, old and new so we believe that you won't struggle to find the part that you're looking for. If you do need extra help finding what you're looking for then you can use our handy tool on our homepage which allows you to search for the model, year, part type and exact part that you need. It couldn't be any easier!

To update our customers on our latest offers on vehicle parts we have now created a weekly email which lands straight into your inbox, so if you want to be in the know make sure you sign up today.

Vauxhall Renames Yellow Corsa ‘Maddox Yellow’ in Support of Cotswold Pensioner

Blamed for ruining one of Britain's most picturesque villages with his brightly coloured Vauxhall Corsa, 84-year-old Peter Maddox of Arlington Row, Cotswolds, has now been appointed his own colour by no other than Vauxhall themselves!

After multiple viral reports and posts slamming his choice of car colour, outraged vandals took it upon themselves to scratch the word 'move' onto the bonnet of his Corsa, as well as smashing both side and rear windows. However, since then, after hitting the headline with his story, Peter and his yellow Corsa have gone on to win the heart of the nation!

Earlier this month, a fleet of 100 yellow cars from all across the country joined forces and rallied through the heart of Maddox's hometown of Bibury Cotswolds, in a warming act of solidarity. It was the UK's 'Biggest Yellow Car Convoy' ever, with Vauxhall Motors even joining the event in their own 'Maddox Yellow' Corsas.

The Director of Communications at Vauxhall Motors, Mr.Denis Chick commented "When we heard Peter's story we were inspired by the way it captured the heart of the public. We wanted to show our support for Peter, which is why we're renaming our yellow shade to 'Maddox Yellow'. We will also be in the car convoy to show our support. It is for a great cause and no doubt a fun day for lovers of all yellow cars, including Vauxhall."

So there you have it, there's always a silver (yellow) lining! 

Find Your Car Part The Easy Way At MegaVaux

Finding the car part that you need is now even easier than before! We know that time is short and if you can do something quicker then that’s the way you’re going to tackle it. We’re not robots here we completely understand that time is precious which is why we have a new search function on our website so you can find your car part the easy way.

Just click on our homepage and at the top half of the website and you’ll see our new car part search function, it’s not confusing but here’s how to use it:

There’s four sections which you need to fill out, this is made easy for you as all our sections are drop down menus. All you need to tell us is the model of your car, the year it was made, part type and exact part. Once you’ve selected your options just press search and we will whip up the part you’re looking for, that’s if we have it in stock.

Simples!

Vauxhall News – The New Vauxhall ADAM Gains Over 100,000 Orders

The Vauxhall ADAM has been on sale for just 18 months but that hasn’t stopped it from raking in over 100,000 European orders!

The urban-chic car has over a million different specification and trim combinations, making this car perfect for those who love to customise their car to reflect their individual style.

And there is further good news on the horizon with the ADAM ROCKS AIR to go on sale this month after debuting at the 2014 Geneva Motor show.

Vauxhall are on a high at the moment and it looks like they’re not about to slow down any time soon!

So remember, if your Vauxhall looks like it needs a pick me up or a few car parts which need sprucing up don’t forget to get in contact with us, we are Vauxhall experts after all!

What You Need To Know About Buying Used Car Parts

We all enjoy life’s shortcuts, but sometimes taking the easy way out can be costly. This is especially significant when it comes to fixing your car, why do it yourself when phoning up your local garage is so much easier.

Well, before picking up that phone have a think, “could I actually fix this myself?” In some cases the answer is yes, all you need to do is roll up your sleeves and take a good look which in turn would save on labour costs (plus VAT).

It’s very rare if you just happen to have the car parts you need lying round so this means you have to go out and source them out for yourself. The best thing about getting the parts yourself is that you avoid paying the profit margin for the parts when you go to a garage, you also avoid the repair charges.

When buying parts yourself you have the option of purchasing a generic part, rather than paying a premium price for a more expensive part.

So how do you go out and find these parts we hear you ask? Finding the right part for your car couldn’t be easier now with thanks to the internet, just type into Google what you’re looking for and within a matter of seconds hundreds of quality search results will be at your fingertips. This will save you leaving your house to go hunting in a scrap yard.

If you’re unsure about the part you need then your best option is to go online for a vehicle parts supplier, this will mean you can get in contact with them easily via phone and receive some expert advice for free. Also look for an online supplier who offers a part guarantee regardless of whether the part is new or old.

If you need your part instantly then you will find most vehicle part sites offer next day delivery so you don’t have to be without your car.

Finding your own vehicle parts can save you from spending a lot of excess money, so why not shop online with someone like us here at MegaVaux we have exclusive offers on our website for great quality parts for Vauxhall and Opel cars.

Buying Car Parts Online- Why You Should Be Buying Your Parts Online

Every time your car breaks down it’s often followed up with a quick call to the garage to book your car for a check over. This often results in an expensive bill for something which technically you could have fixed yourself if you just had the thought to do so.

However, technically you know all this already- So what’s holding you back? Lack of time, skill, knowledge? All of the above doesn’t have to stop you from buying your car parts online as you can get professional mechanical advice but opt to purchase your own parts rather than letting them do so.

Purchasing your parts online rather than letting a garage do it for you means you can avoid that nasty little VAT charge you often find added when you let a garage buy the parts for you.

If you have no mechanical knowledge or skill, how about asking a friend first, even if they want some money for their time you can bet it would be cheaper than any garage! Even if turning to a friend isn’t an option you can always ask a mechanic to fit the parts for you.

Plus, shopping online for car parts couldn’t be easier! At Mega Vaux you can easily navigate round the site by choosing the model of your car. If you can’t find the part you’re looking for you can put a request using our car part request form on site.

So next time you need a car part  why not shop online at Mega Vaux, we have exclusive offers on our website for great quality parts for Vauxhall and Opel cars.

Car Maintenance- Are You Looking After Your Car?

With snow forecasted to fall throughout the month it is essential to make sure that your car is in top working condition, this entails checking your car thoroughly for any minor or major damages.

Wear and tear on your vehicle is dependent on many factors with how you drive and how regularly you review your car for damage being the key contributing influences on the working condition of your car.

Car part longevity varies from make to model so it’s difficult to distinguish what the most commonly replaced car parts are in general terms. However, you can stay on track when it comes to maintaining your vehicle by looking for obvious faults including broken bulbs and flat tires. But, when it comes to the engine, the brakes and the general running of your vehicle it’s essential to book your car in for a service at least once a year as close to winter as possible.

If you do need to replace a car part it always pays to visit us here at MegaVaux, we have access to thousands of Vauxhall car parts, spares, and accessories.  Simply select the part you want and we can deliver straight to your door, but if you can’t find the part you need simply use our request a part service.

 Remember to always take extra care whilst out on the roads during harsh weather conditions.

Where To Purchase Vauxhall Parts

When owning a vehicle it can become quite a challenge to find your nearest car part retailer. This often leads to individuals turning to scrap yards in order to find their required part.

There are major disadvantages when relying on scrap yards with the main problem being that there is no guarantee that your part will last, this may result in you looking for a replacement part sooner then you expected.

However, there is an easier solution and it means you don’t necessarily have to leave the comfort of your sofa!

At Mega Vaux we are Vauxhall part specialists which means we know a thing or two when it comes to providing quality parts which will last. With over 10 years experience we supply a comprehensive range of Vauxhall and Opel new, used and reconditioned parts throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and World Wide.

We have an advanced part stock control database that our fully trained Vauxhall specialists can advise then locate what you need. If we don’t have in stock what you need then we can order spares and have them delivered to you quickly so you can get your car back on the road in no time at all.

We have exclusive offers on our website for great quality parts for Vauxhall and Opel cars, if you are looking for a specific part then visit our website or contact us on 0115 949 7007.

Why Wait Around For Your Vauxhall and Opel Car Parts?

The past couple of years have been financially tough on everybody making people less eager to part with their hard earned cash. Ultimately this has affected the way people maintain their vehicle, especially when it comes to replacing car parts.

Scrap yards have increasingly become popular over the past couple of years due to their accessibility and low prices when it comes to purchasing spares and parts for your vehicle. 

However, if you aim to get more for your money then it is highly recommended that you go to a specialist part supplier. Sounds expensive right? Well no in fact it isn’t, using a specialist service will ultimately save you your money and time.

You can spend forever trying to find exactly what you are looking for in a scrapyard, instead why not go straight to a parts specialist where you can save you self the hassle of searching.

At Mega Vaux we have an advanced part stock control database that our fully trained Vauxhall and Isuzi specialists can advise then locate what you need. If we don’t have in stock what you need then we can order spares quickly so you can get your car up and running in the fastest time possible.

Purchasing good quality parts for your vehicle will help you to maintain your car for even longer, rather than feeling your car won’t last longer than a couple of years.

We have exclusive offers on our website for great quality parts for Vauxhall and Opel cars, if you are looking for a specific part then visit our website or contact us on 0115 949 7007.

A Brief History into Vauxhall and Opel

Vauxhall is a well-known large car brand in the United Kingdom which was established in 1857 by Alex Wilson with the original plan to produce pumps and marine engines. It wasn’t until 1903 when they created their first car that Vauxhall became known for what it is today, a car manufacturing company.

In contrast Opel started in 1863 by Adam Opel, the company began their journey by manufacturing sewing machines. However, in 1902 they showed their first car at the Hamburg motor show and went on to produce their very first car in 1906, after Vauxhall. By 1914 Opel had created a reputation for themselves, they became Germanys largest car producer.

Fast forward some decades later and both the brands are now owned by GM (general motors), GM is recognised for having a global presence. Now both Vauxhall and Opel produce the same cars, however, Vauxhall is the UK branding name, it is considered that the UK name is too strong and recognised in society to change to Opel.

In some countries the Vauxhall name was dropped in 1982 as the brand name was not as strong in comparison to the United Kingdom.

At Megavaux we pride ourselves on being Vauxhall specialists, however, we sell and produce parts for both Vauxhall and Opel cars. We have parts for a variety of different car models so you won’t be left stuck with a Vauxhall or Opel car that is in need of repairing. If you can’t find a part that you are looking for than you can use our part request page to see if we can provide you with what you need. For more information visit our website or feel free to contact us on 0115 949 6566.

Part Request at Mega Vaux

Here at MegaVaux our goal is to provide you with a range of services that will fulfil whatever needs you may have when it comes to vehicle parts for your Vauxhall or Opel.

Despite the fact we have a large range of Vauxhall and Opel car parts we understand you may need to request a specific part. We deal in new, used and reconditioned parts here at MegaVaux but we also offer a part request service.

If you are looking for a specific part but can’t find what you are looking for please don’t hesitate to contact us. Or, why not take advantage of our part request page, if you fill in the form provided on our internet page than we will be happy to assist you quickly.

All you need to do is provide us with some details such as the make of your car, model, type, year, part information, etc.

Most importantly we offer a full comprehensive guarantee which is supplied with all parts both reconditioned and new. Our reconditioned parts come with a 6 month guarantee and new parts will vary depending on the manufacturer but they will come with a minimum of a 12 month guarantee. This guarantee does not affect your consumer rights.

For more information please contact us on 0115 949 7007.

Scrapping your car in Nottinghamshire

Megavaux offers a free scrap vehicle removal service throughout Nottinghamshire and the best part about is, you can earn cash for scrapping it. At Megavuax we offer a service that will take away your cars, bikes and vans throughout Nottinghamshire. We are a registered service which means you will have the correct and safe disposal of your vehicle.

Megavuax really is the right place for scrapping your car for cash in Nottinghamshire. This is not only because of our fantastic cash offers but also because your vehicle will be scrapped safely and legally.

If you wish to scrap your vehicle in Nottinghamshire and would like to scrap your Vehicle for cash, just complete our contact information form or call 01159 496566 for a quote.

A Bus Company in China teaches it's Drivers not to Crash into Supercars

Bus drivers in China have been instructed explicitly not to hit supercars, and to that end have been shown posters featuring the badges of various supercars... to help them remember.

Yep, according to Car News China, the average bus driver in Jinghua couldn't tell a Ford Focus from a Ferrari F40.

But now they have no excuse, because they officially know what the badges look like and how much the cars are worth...

This means that prior to deliberately accidentally squeezing through a ridiculously tight space, the driver can think, 'but no, this car is worth five million yuan...I'll hit that Kia instead.'

Car News China says that the insurance policies usually only cover a fraction of the cost of a typical supercar, leaving the remainder of the bill with the guilty party. It means that, were a bus driver to sleepily trundle into a Bugatti Veyron, the bus company could end up with a liability running into millions.

To educate their drives the bus company has filled their offices with posters explaining to their employees “Not what to hit”

The posters were hung on the walls of the company’s offices and serve as a warning to the bus drivers to be very careful when they see a supercar coming around. On the poster the logo’s of various supercar makers and the price of their automobiles. The drivers were called in a meeting and literally educated like a bunch of children on the financial dangers from a bus-supercar crash.

Luckily in the UK, Bus drivers and motorist are a little more careful with their driving, but just in case you come across the occasional idiot, Megavaux will give you the peace of mind that you can repair your Vauxuall cheaply and safely.

December Driving News

Just like the film Speed, but no terrorists or buses – the story of a man stuck in Cruise Control!

An Australian driver is recovering from shock this week after a terrifying car ride across Melbourne. The driver, Chase Weir (22), was nearing his motorway exit when he realised that the cruise control in his Ford Explorer was not going to disengage, allowing him to slow down for his exit. Instead, Weir had to weave in and out of city traffic, honking his horn and flashing his lights just to get other vehicles out of his path as he helplessly careered down the road at 50mph. For thirty minutes, Weir was convinced he was going to die and covered a distance of 25 miles during his ordeal.

Weir did everything he could to disengage the cruise control, he frantically thumped on the footbrake, pulled on the handbrake and even tried to turn off the engine and remove the ignition key but to no avail.

Quickly running out of options, Weir made a desperate call to the police. With the help of the police, he was able to miss most of the traffic he encountered, narrowly avoiding creating a trail of destruction behind him. The car only came to a stop when he saw he was going to hit a queue of traffic, so the terrified driver put all his weight on the footbrake and pulled on the handbrake, swerving into the other side of the road.
Chase Weir commented,

“I could hear the tyres skidding on the road for what seemed like forever.

“I was convinced that I was going to die.”

Ford issued a statement saying that frozen cruise control was not an issue the company had encountered before, however, if you search Google for cruise control problems, over half a million results pop up. It seems as though Ford may be denying a long established problem. Back in 2005, Ford recalled a number of vehicles due to cruise control related problems.

Some commentators have been dismissive of Weir’s story but we would love to know what you think about cruise control faults you may have encountered.


Funny story of the month:

Two fraudsters who were involved in a ridiculous scam to take driving tests on behalf of dozens of cheats were jailed after admitting conspiracy to defraud.

Ali Abdallah, 28 and Muktar Nuren, 22 are both from Manchester and targeted test centres in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and East London.

Their own lawyers described their client’s plan as ‘abysmal’ and ‘spectacularly unsophisticated’ as staff at testing centres recognised the two men who were regular visitors and looked nothing like the photographs on the licences they presented.

Police used CCTV footage to link them to the scam.

Some serial impersonators often use false beards, wigs and make up to disguise themselves and repeatedly use the same test centres. 616 cases of impersonation have been reported in the last year.

Failing 33 of the 43 tests they completed, their ‘no pass, no fee’ promise would surely soon leave the hapless duo out of pocket. Those observing the case may be inclined to wonder if the pair should be banned from driving too if they can fail so many driving tests.

When sentencing, Judge Andrew Blake addressed the defendants, telling them, “Luckily, the safeguards that are in place did find you out, but the fraud nevertheless ran for 18 months.”
An investigation has now been launched to locate the drivers who obtained their licences fraudulently through Abdallah and Nuren.

This news has been brought to you by Megavaux. We specialise in Vauxhall van parts and car parts.

The Uk’s best selling car: Vauxhall

Problems surround most areas of the car industry not least western production but it seems that General Motors reports of gloomy times may have been a slight over-exaggeration.

The Vauxhall was the number one selling brand in the UK this February. Even deep in recession the brand that relies on loyal Vauxhall buyers has seen advantaged on catering to their customers’ needs. Not only was it number one in February but it’s the second time in that position in the last three months.

One of the most popular cars in the range is the Astra. The latest model of Astra brings with it all the traditions combined with the latest style and engineering.
The plus points are its great handling, careful steering and some clever soundproofing. The inside of the car is spacious with electric windows and remote central locking as has every model of Astra. The inside of the car is spacious.

The only downside I could find was slightly irritating indicators that don’t always cancel.

The Astra is well known as a great family car and both the new version and older models live up to these expectations and make a great value purchase

Vauxhall Astra’s are usually very reliable but if you have an issue with yours, Megavaux has Vauxhall Astra Parts to help repair your vehicle.

Vauxhall Meriva and Zafira

The Vauxhall Meriva and Vauxhall Zafira, yes it is the car with the advertisement of those annoying children pretending to be dads. But, what this does is help to put across the idea that these are family cars.

Vauxhall research found that families spend longer in cars than at the dining table. So with the Vauxhall Meriva they’ve focused on creating comfort for families on the move in this compact mpv.

The Meriva is family focused; it has numerous features that make this a versatile family car. It is dual audio so you can listen to different music in the front and back of the car. The seats are in the style of a three person bench. The centre seat can fold down and be replaced by an optional storage box. The outer seats then can recline and turn in so you can play games across the centre seat. The rear seats fold flat to have 1,410 litres of luggage capacity. The car includes power pints so you can plug in a DVD player or games consoles for long journeys. The Meriva is family focused in the rear of the car but drivers have commented the pedals and steering are a bit light and the columns can restrict visibility.

The Zafira is great for when you need a little extra space as it is a seven seater. The back two seats fold flat when not in use for a roomy boot space. The Zafira doesn’t have quite the same function as the Meriva in the rear seat bench as it is one piece. The engine in the Zafira has plenty of power to move seven people when needed.

If your car is getting a little old and needs a few repairs Megavaux has a range of Vauxhall Zafira Parts or Vauxhall Meriva parts.