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!