Why you need a chassis number?

Think of a car’s chassis as being just like your skeleton, it is the frame which a car is built up from... but is also the essence of its identity. Allow me to explain: every car when it is made is assigned a unique serial number which is either known as a chassis number or a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This number allows mechanics to identify the vehicle which is listed on a database so that they can a.) Check the car’s history and b.)Use the chassis number as a means to source the correct spares for your vehicle when parts inevitably wear out.

The used car market is full of secrets, without the existence of a chassis number, you could easily become the victim of a “cut and shut”, when you buy a car that is literally two cars welded together. This is extremely dangerous and could endanger your safety and that of other people. On the database, information about serious accidents the car has been involved in is kept for future reference. When you buy a used car, this is certainly something about the car’s history that you would want to know about. The chassis number enables you to track a car’s history.

When buying Vauxhall parts, you need to know your chassis number; it is usually on a plate near the engine. For example, if you are looking for Vauxhall Corsa parts, the chassis number is probably under the bonnet close to the car’s battery.

Since 1981, chassis numbers have consisted of strictly 17 characters which don’t include the letters i, o or q to avoid confusion with number 0 and 1 although bear in mind that there are four separate standards used to calculate VIN numbers across the world.

Vauxhall Corsa faults

Vauxhall Corsa’s are among the most popular cars in the Vauxhall range but have not been without their problems. The car series has had a number of different releases each with different bodies and engines. So we need to take a look at the different models within the Corsa series to see what problems have occurred at the various stages and the problems likely to emerge in the future.

The first models released between 1993-2000 are now starting to see quite a few issues relating to the bodywork, engine and other general problems. The older Corsa’s tend to have issues with defective door hinges and be susceptible to rust due to poor paintwork on the body.

The engines can suffer from a few starting problems. The 1.4 16v model had some problems with cutting out. If the Corsa's have a particularly high mileage you can see some clutch wear or slip.

The Vauxhall Corse 93-03 seems to use front tyres more and wear them down and also the brakes the suspension is easily tired on these older models. The Corse can experience minor electrical problems and the interior trim looks tatty after a while.

The Vauxhall Corse 00-03 model has a new range of issues this model is particularly popular with people who like to add body kits. These don’t really add value and can be covering crash damage so may be worth investigating.

The oil level on this model can drop easily so it’s worth checking and asking for proof of the last oil change. A common accompaniment to the body kit is the sports exhaust and stereo, if this isn’t a feature you want don’t pay for a car with these extras.

The Vauxhall Corsa from 2003-2006 is mechanically fine but are popular with modders so watch out for body kits and noisy exhausts. The most modern Corsa’s are relatively free from problems with the body and engine. There have been several recalls regarding the steering control.

So if you have any of these issues and are in need of Vauxhall Corsa parts, take a look at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Omega Common Issues

The Vauxhall omega is getting to be a bit of an old car now, its time wan between 1994 and 2003 so you can now only buy this model second hand. The Vaukhall omega had two types of cars, the saloon and the estate car. As the cars are now aging there are certain issues that many drivers are finding. We are highlighting the main issues so you know what Vauxhall Omega parts you may need.

The body of the Vauxhall Omega seems to suffer from poor paintwork, on some of the older cars particularly older white models there are problems with rust blisters. The door sills tend to scuff door sills and the suspension is easily worn

The engine tends to suffer from some cold start and ignition problems, it can have faulty fuel delivery system. Some of the cars can have jerky shifts in the gears. The cam rattles and the drive belt can get worn.

The Vauxhall omega seems to suffer from overuse as frequently they have damage to interior and the load space can get damaged, it can also suffer from brake wear and a loose trim.
So if you have a Vauxhall omega saloon or estate, keep an eye open for these common problems and if you need any Vauxhall Omega spares

Vauxhall Sintra Common Faults

The Vauxhall Sintra has a variety of issues depending on its year of release. It's worth knowing the faults associated with your car as if the problem emerges you will be aware of it and will know the Vauxhall Sintra parts and spares that you need to repair your Vauxhall Sintra.

The Vauxhall Sintra was actually only available in the uk between 1996 and 1999, as a large mpv the model was soon replaced by the zafira and meriva and so was no longer needed. It was part of a new generation of cars that offered a second generation u body mpv. The new design made it an interesting prospect in America with its sliding doors providing a car shaped alternative to the minivan. However, Europe found there were other manufacturers that could provide a more interesting alternative.

The car has a number of known issues. The body is susceptible to rusting panels, stonechips and peeling paint. Often the panels on the car are poorly fitted and the car can have problems with misted headlamps. The engine can have issues with the cambelt and it has been known to misfire. The Sintra has known issues with the ABS, all electrics and bumpers coming loose from the body.

Aside from common faults the car has a number of safety issues, in the EuroNCAP frontal impact test in 1998, the car was found to have significant issues. The cabin structure proved unstable and the steering wheel and airbag broke off which could cause a fatal neck injury to the driver. The car was not to Uk tastes and a car satisfaction survey in 1998 ranked the car 182/182 for customer satisfaction.

As a large mpv the Sintra has not had great reviews but if you are looking to repair it you can find parts at Megavaux.

Vauxhall Tigra’s Common problems

If you are looking to repair your Vauxhall Tigra and you are in need of Vauxhall Tigra parts, it may be worth taking note of the common problems you get with the car. In this way you can be prepared for future costs and any future Vauxhall Tigra parts you may need.

According to Parkers there are no major common problems reported with the 01 to 09 versions of the car, although there has been some recalls related to the engine and gearbox where moisture has penetrated the unit. Also there was a 2005 recall for the passenger airbag coming loose and a 2007 recall for the sterling control getting lost.

The older Vauxhall Tigra’s launched between 1994 and 2001 were developed fairly quickly and this shows in its reliability, many owners have reported a variety of different issues. The body is susceptible to suspension wear, accident damage and appears to be a victim of botched repairs. Neglecting the engine and gearbox can cause major issues and the cylinder head can become a problem. The car is susceptible to clutch wear, worn front tyres and general abuse. It seems that as the car is a coupe it tends to be driven as a sports car but doesn’t have the goods to keep the engine running.

So if you have a Vauxhall Tigra, be aware of its faults and if you need parts take a look at Megavaux.

Scrap your Car in Nottingham

With the Scrappage scheme now in place, many people are no looking for safe and easy ways to scrap their cars. There are now rules in place that dictate that when you scrap your car you must follow.

Cars must be taken to an authorised treatment facility where they are drained of any recyclable materials and liquids, reusable parts are stripped and used in scrap yards and then the car is crushed and the metal can them be reused.

When a vehicle reaches the end of it’s life it is called an ELV and the European directive means the vehicle must be scrapped appropriately. Cars become ELVs for two reasons, firstly general wear and tear and secondly premature arising from accidental damage, flood, fire, theft and vandalism.

In order to scrap your car you need to have the log book to show ownership details and the key to the car, if you want to scrap your car in Nottingham at Megavaux then you need to bring a utility bill as well as the logbook.

So if you want to scrap your car in Nottingham visit Megavaux.

Vauxhall Parts Request

If you are looking to repair your car and need a really specific part from a specific make and model. Then you can use Megavaux’s part request service.

The vauxhall part request service is really straightforward, to request a specific part. You simply select the model of car, then the type, the body style and engine. Then you need to select the engine part and transmission and any other features that distinguish the vehicle from other vehicles. If you know the part numbers we can identify which part you need exactly. Then simply fill out the contact details then we will get in touch with you regarding the part in the method that you select.

It can be particularly difficult to find a really specific Vauxhall part on the internet. So why not use this really simple form and get your Vauxhall parts quickly and easily from Megavaux