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!

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.

How You Can Cut Your Petrol Costs

As the UK economy isn’t too great at the moment we could all welcome some money saving tips which is why here at MegaVaux we have come up with some easy ways you could save money on your petrol costs.

ALWAYS price compare

This may seem like an obvious point but simply driving past a petrol station or two doesn’t count as comparing the market. Now with the use of modern technology it is now even easier to compare different company prices even from your mobile device, which is ideal if you need to fill up on the way home. Simply before you get in your car to drive do a quick comparison to check to see the closet and cheapest petrol station to you.

De-clutter your vehicle

It’s surprising how much unneeded clutter you can carry in your vehicle without you even thinking about it. Have you still got your roof rack attached from your holiday you had earlier on in the year? How many unnecessary mechanical tools do you keep in your vehicle, what is the likely hood you’ll use them? Spare just 5-10 minutes to give your car the once over to see what extra weight you’re carrying – Just think, the lighter the vehicle the less petrol you will use.

Check your tires!

Don’t forget to check your tires! Driving on under inflated tires will make you use more petrol. This is down to your car tires creating more resistance when moving, therefore your car works hard which will result in you using more fuel.

Drive sensibly

Having an erratic driving style can cause you to use excess amounts of petrol, this means if you tend to break sharply or accelerate excessively you may want to reconsider your driving style. We recommend staying alert to the flow of traffic, have travel alerts switched on through your radio so you are more prepared on the road.

These simple tips are easy to follow and could make a big difference when it comes to your driving style and your weekly petrol outgoings. At Megavaux we pride ourselves on providing useful hints and tips which may help you, as well as providing you with all your quality Vauxhall and Opel spare parts.