5 Most Common Reasons Cars Fail Their MOT

As we settle into the new decade, many of us are already starting to consider what’s on the calendar for the upcoming year. For all motorists, it’s the usual MOT, yearly service or perhaps some essential maintenance work that we’ve been putting off for a month or two.

But if you have your MOT rapidly approaching, you might be starting to think about whether your car is going to pass its test or not. If your keen to see your car pass with flying colours, let's take a look at the 5 most common reasons why cars end up failing their MOT in the first place!

Signalling & Lights

Did you know that just under 20% of vehicles that go for their MOT test fail due to an issue with their lights?

Whether this is a blown headlight or registration bulb, or the indicators not functioning as they should, a simple check before heading to the test centre could help you avoid a disappointing fail certificate!

Suspension

With the harsh Winter months taking their toll on the roads here in the UK, the frequent emerging potholes can cause a multitude of issues for your vehicle. From a leaky shock absorber to a snapped spring, over 13% of failed MOT’s are caused by issues relating to the suspension.

Brakes

As a motorist, we understand the importance of having safe brakes that are in good working order. But did you know that an alarming 10% of MOTs fail every year due to having issues with the braking system?

Listening out for any grinding or loud squeaking noises may indicate that your brake pads are running low.

Tyres

Despite all the nifty safety mod-cons, your car isn’t fully safe unless the tyres carrying you from A to B are in tip-top condition. Continuously driving on poor tyres that aren’t fit for purpose is a disaster waiting to happen.

Ensure your tread on your tyres are free from bulges, cuts and that your tread is at least 1.6mm.

Visibility

Being able to see where you are driving is a pretty essential aspect of driving safely on the road. However, an alarming number of motorists fail their MOT every year due to impaired visibility issues.

From cracks and chips in the driver's eye line to air fresheners and sat-navs obstructing the line of view, more than 7% of motorists fail their MOT due to these reasons.

7 Car Maintenance Checks That You Should Definitely Be Doing

7 Car Maintenance Checks That You Should 

Definitely, Be Doing

Performing regular car maintenance checks both above and under the bonnet is an essential responsibility for any motorist. Whether you have a long journey ahead or just your yearly MOT, performing these simple checks regularly could save a lot of time and money as well as keeping you safe on the road.

To keep your car in good working order and on the right side of the law, here are seven simple checks that you can perform on your driveway. 

Fuel

Although it may seem like an obvious check, it is estimated that approximately 800,000 individuals run out of fuel on the roads each year. When you run your fuel tank down to nothing, the engine will start to draw air. A build-up of air can prevent your car from starting again, even after you have filled up. 

If you are running your diesel vehicle on fumes, you are risking more severe damage, such as damaged seals and even fuel injectors. Save money and make sure you're topped up with enough fuel to get you to your destination. 

Oil

Having the right level of oil is essential for keeping your engine happy and healthy, but did you know that one in three vehicles recovered in an emergency has dangerously low oil levels? Low oil levels can cause not only a breakdown, but it can also lead to catastrophic damage to the engine.

Ensure that you have enough oil for your journey by checking that the level is between the minimum and maximum mark on your car's dipstick. If you’re unsure what type of oil your car needs, check your owners manual or speak to a local mechanic or dealer. 

Coolant

If you want to avoid your car freezing or even overheating, then it’s good practice to check your coolant levels. Although this shouldn’t need topping up between journeys, you should always double check, especially during the colder and warmer months.

If you notice that your coolant levels have fallen below the minimum marked level, you should top it up immediately. Always check your owners manual for the correct coolant and ensure that the engine is cold before you top up the reservoir. 

Screen Wash

Screen wash is regularly used throughout the year, so it’s essential to make sure that your levels are adequate for your journey. During the colder months, snow and grit can very quickly cause a dirty window, while during the Summer smears from pollen and insects can obstruct your view. 

Keep your windscreen clear by checking your levels regularly. 

Engine Air Filter

Engine air filters protect your engine by preventing harmful debris, dirt and other contaminants from entering. A faulty or even clogged-up air filter can reduce your overall fuel efficiency and also lead to a reduction in engine power. Mechanics recommend replacing the filter once a year or 12,000 miles.

If you have noticed a drop in fuel efficiency, or feel that your car isn’t pulling as much power from the engine, it may mean that it’s time for a replacement. The fuel filter can be located under the bonnet, in a black box. Always consult your owners manual for full instructions. 

Rubber

When you think of rubber, you may only be thinking about your tyres. However, tyres and windscreen wipers are both necessities that shouldn’t be neglected. Tyres undergo pressure every journey, so checking the air levels and tread depth is vital. The minimum level of the tread is 1.6m. However, it is advised that during the Winter months your tyres should have 3mm to assist with traction and grip. 

Keeping the wheels that keep you on the road in a healthy condition is as important as being able to see where you are going. Wiper blades are used regularly and wear over time. If you’ve noticed the rubber splitting or that they are not clearing the screen as well as they used to, then it’s time for a new set! 

Brakes

While we look at our cars as a means to get out on the road and to get going, it’s also imperative to be able to stop the momentum safely. The importance of functioning brakes can’t be stressed enough, so keeping them properly maintained is essential. 

To ensure your brakes are in good working order, first check the brake fluid and top up if necessary. The brake fluid can be located within your engine bay. If you have noticed that your brakes have started to score or make a loud noise while braking, it’s vital that you get a mechanic to look at your brake pads as soon as possible. 

Looking for a part for your Vauxhall? Get in touch with our team today, we have been around for many years, and it’s safe to say we know our stuff when it comes to all things Vauxhall.

MOT Changes Could Cost You £2500 And 3 Points!

There are new changes to the MOT test coming into effect on the 20th May 2018 find out here how to avoid the new harsher punishments!

The new criteria is in aid of making Britain’s cars more environmentally friendly as tougher emissions tests are enforced, from now on things like smoke can fail your car immediately, especially for diesel cars! If smoke is coming out of the exhaust this is classed as a major fault, even if this is due to a diesel particulate filter.

The main change, however, is that any faults will now be rated into one of three categories – dangerous major and minor:

• Minor faults are classed as issues that have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment 
• Major faults will be any issues where the car is thought to be less safe and have an impact on the environment 
• Dangerous faults, however, pose an immediate risk to road safety and have an impact on the environment.

New rules state that if you take your car for an MOT before it runs out and then fails you cannot keep driving until the old one runs out, this will result in a £2500 fine! This was due to motorists taking their car in early to check if work needed doing, however, the new rules mean it will be registered as unroadworthy immediately no matter how long is left on the old MOT.

Among the new tests will include checks for Steering, breaking and lighting. Even small cracks in your wing mirror or windscreen can mean you fail under new rules.

In a quote from the RAC they have criticised the new changes "Rather than MOT failures simply being black and white, the new system creates the potential for confusion as testers will have to make a judgment as to whether faults are 'Dangerous', 'Major' or 'Minor'” RAC spokesman Simon Williams

Fix up your car before the test date with Megavaux spare parts!

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!