Fly Tip & Risk Getting Your Car Crushed

You may have seen examples of fly-tipping in many locations across the country. Discarded mattresses, electrical good and even bin bags full of unwanted items and rubbish are some of the common sights when it comes to fly-tipping. However, Ashfield District Council have been working hard to not only clean up the unwanted mess but also working towards clamping down on this unpleasant and illegal act.

What exactly is Fly-tipping?

Fly-tipping is officially recognised as an illegal deposit of any waste onto land that does not have a licence to accept it. Not only is fly-tipping an unwanted sight to our local community, but it can also be extremely hazardous to members of the public. Some waste may contain toxic materials or asbestos, which in turn could directly damage water sources and even the quality of the soil.

Ashfield District Council Intervention

Fly-tipping is considered as a serious criminal offence and up until recently offenders could be served with a fine up to £50,000. However, Ashfield District Council has now gained the authority to crush any vehicles found fly-tipping.

Ashfield District Council Visit Scrap Your Car Online:

Find out in the video below what could happen to your car if you are caught fly-tipping in the local area.

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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!

A Guide To Buying Used Cars

When looking at used cars, the list of things to watch out for could be endless. Because of this, it can be difficult to see if there’s anything wrong with the car. It could seem perfect but then a year down the line you could start seeing problems. As a general rule, if a deal seems like it could be too good to be true then it probably is. Hopefully though, you can avoid many of these by looking at this handy guide to buying used cars.

Good things to look for

Here are a few qualities that you want to see in a used car. If a car has been garaged for its entire life then you can bet that the bodywork is in good condition, no matter if the car is a few years old. Another good sign is if the car has had a minimal number of owners. One owner means that you have an idea of how the car has been driven, and can speak with the owner about the car. 

They will also likely have the full history of the car, which is a big advantage. If the mileage is reasonable, for example less than 10,000 per year, then this is also a good sign. However, if the mileage too good to be true then stay clear of the car.

Things to watch out for

Do some research on the internet about your car, and have a look at some guide prices. Make sure that the price meets your expectations and don’t get overcharged, even if it looks like a good deal. Similarly, check to see if there are any common faults with that particular model of car and if they appear on the one you are viewing.

Also have a look at the car. If there are any misaligned panels or unexplained discolouration in the bodywork this could indicate an accident which has not been documented properly. It could also indicate a possible ‘cut and shut’ job where two or more written off cars are fused together to create one vehicle. This can be extremely dangerous so make sure you view the car in a good light.

Hopefully you buy well, but if you find your used Vauxhall may need some spare vehicle parts then don’t hesitate, come to Megavaux for all your Vauxhall needs.