December Driving News

Just like the film Speed, but no terrorists or buses – the story of a man stuck in Cruise Control!

An Australian driver is recovering from shock this week after a terrifying car ride across Melbourne. The driver, Chase Weir (22), was nearing his motorway exit when he realised that the cruise control in his Ford Explorer was not going to disengage, allowing him to slow down for his exit. Instead, Weir had to weave in and out of city traffic, honking his horn and flashing his lights just to get other vehicles out of his path as he helplessly careered down the road at 50mph. For thirty minutes, Weir was convinced he was going to die and covered a distance of 25 miles during his ordeal.

Weir did everything he could to disengage the cruise control, he frantically thumped on the footbrake, pulled on the handbrake and even tried to turn off the engine and remove the ignition key but to no avail.

Quickly running out of options, Weir made a desperate call to the police. With the help of the police, he was able to miss most of the traffic he encountered, narrowly avoiding creating a trail of destruction behind him. The car only came to a stop when he saw he was going to hit a queue of traffic, so the terrified driver put all his weight on the footbrake and pulled on the handbrake, swerving into the other side of the road.
Chase Weir commented,

“I could hear the tyres skidding on the road for what seemed like forever.

“I was convinced that I was going to die.”

Ford issued a statement saying that frozen cruise control was not an issue the company had encountered before, however, if you search Google for cruise control problems, over half a million results pop up. It seems as though Ford may be denying a long established problem. Back in 2005, Ford recalled a number of vehicles due to cruise control related problems.

Some commentators have been dismissive of Weir’s story but we would love to know what you think about cruise control faults you may have encountered.


Funny story of the month:

Two fraudsters who were involved in a ridiculous scam to take driving tests on behalf of dozens of cheats were jailed after admitting conspiracy to defraud.

Ali Abdallah, 28 and Muktar Nuren, 22 are both from Manchester and targeted test centres in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Yorkshire and East London.

Their own lawyers described their client’s plan as ‘abysmal’ and ‘spectacularly unsophisticated’ as staff at testing centres recognised the two men who were regular visitors and looked nothing like the photographs on the licences they presented.

Police used CCTV footage to link them to the scam.

Some serial impersonators often use false beards, wigs and make up to disguise themselves and repeatedly use the same test centres. 616 cases of impersonation have been reported in the last year.

Failing 33 of the 43 tests they completed, their ‘no pass, no fee’ promise would surely soon leave the hapless duo out of pocket. Those observing the case may be inclined to wonder if the pair should be banned from driving too if they can fail so many driving tests.

When sentencing, Judge Andrew Blake addressed the defendants, telling them, “Luckily, the safeguards that are in place did find you out, but the fraud nevertheless ran for 18 months.”
An investigation has now been launched to locate the drivers who obtained their licences fraudulently through Abdallah and Nuren.

This news has been brought to you by Megavaux. We specialise in Vauxhall van parts and car parts.

How to choose the right van for your needs

The car market may be slow to get back on its feet, but the job market seems to be seeing ‘green shoots of recovery.’ This should mean that soon the car market should be thriving again and the man with a van will become a more common sight.
Regarding choosing the right van if you’re a decision-maker, here is a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best vehicle for your purposes.

What will you use it for?

• City driving
• Long haul (mostly motorways)
• Large loads
• Off-road
• Transporting colleagues

For each of these uses, you would require a different type of van depending on the nature of your business.

City Driving
The Corsavan is perfect for city driving. It’s as small as a normal corsa therefore easy to park in towns where space is somewhat limited. Interestingly enough, it is rather spacious inside so it will comfortably fit two fully grown men in the seats. Exceptionally taller drivers (6ft 4” tall +) may disagree with this statement.

Fuel efficiency is often a problem for city vehicles as constant gear changes and stopping and starting is not great for fuel consumption. If this is an issue, it is helpful to know that car-derived vans such as the Corsavan are well suited to such driving. The clutch and gearbox are likely to wear quickly from lots of gear changes thanks to city driving. It is advisable that drivers be alert to changes in these parts that may signal that they may soon require replacing. Corsavans are not suitable for delivering bulky or heavy vehicles but they’re perfect for moving small loads or for tradesmen working on smaller jobs and typically attracts favourable reviews.

Alternatives include the Daihatsu Hijet or the Piaggo Porter although they are poor alternatives as they are more like small trucks rather than vehicles designed for running around town. Radio stations have chosen Corsavans for their out and about vehicles as they are small, nippy and surprisingly spacious. If you need more space, the Astravan is a larger alternative but not an equivalent due to the vehicle not being small enough to be described as a city car.

Long Haul
In fact, the Astravan is more suitable for long haul journeys than it is going around the city due to the length of the vehicle making it harder to park in crowded city centres but owners of these vans will happily admit that they would choose an Astravan again and again. Not only is it complimented for having a comfortable cab that is on par with the typical domestic vehicle, it handles well and is cost-efficient. The 2009 Astra which the Astravan is based on has fantastic NCAP safety results for an adult which is a big bonus although the pre-2009 models received very respectable ratings. Still, if you are transporting smaller goods across the country, the Astravan is the sensible choice for fuel economy but realistically, a bigger van may be needed for the job. In which case, the next step up is the Vauxhall Vivaro.

Unfortunately, the Vivaro has attracted less glowing reviews compared to the smaller Astravan. Main faults appear to be a weak gearbox and various other complaints relating to bearings on older models.  Yet, the Vivaro has won the top award for ‘Best Medium Van’ seven times since 2001 in the Van Fleet World Awards which is an impressive feat which could indicate that only a vocal minority have experienced real problems. Often hailed as roomy and comfortable, the Vivaro does appear to be a great contender for long drives when you require space. Reviewers report that the engine can be rather noisy but quietens down once fifth gear is selected which suggests that the vehicle is intended for motorway use. However, if you are planning on hiring a vehicle like the Vauxhall Vivaro, please check your driving licence. Drivers who passed their test before January 1997 are entitled to drive this vehicle but drivers who have passed their test since January 1997 need to pass an extra test to add the C1 classification to their licence. The Vivaro and its bigger brother, the Movano both are capable of carrying large loads but very large loads should be left to specialist fleets e.g. HGVs.

Off Road
If you are intending to do a lot of agricultural work or mostly operate in the country, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible choice. For those who do not have deep enough pockets to cover the purchase of a Jeep or Land Rover, the Vauxhall Frontera is a sensible and logical choice. Vauxhall have not made the Frontera since 2004, but second hand models are available for good 4X4 entry level vehicle. The cab is set lower than traditional 4X4s which gives it reasonable side protection. Unfortunately, the 2002 model that was tested by Euro NCAP described pedestrian safety as “dire” and that child occupant safety was questionable. Adults fared better but driver safety was impaired with front passenger results being marginally better. 2003 models are often recommended. Similar vehicles for similar money would be up to five years older for the same money but alternatives include the Mitsubishi Shogun and the Ford Maverick.

Transporting Colleagues
If you work with one other colleague, any of the aforementioned vans are suitable for two people, possibly with the exception of the Corsavan for two exceptionally taller occupants. The Vauxhall Movano seats 3 passengers and similar vehicles include the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter.
Other questions you need to consider

• How much can you afford? Businesses have been known to collapse due to unwise vehicle choices which also include road tax, servicing and insurance.
• How long do you expect to keep it? If you only need a van for a short term, it may be best to consider rental as you will not have to cover the cost of depreciation or servicing etc.
• Will the van be used for towing? In which case the Frontera or the Vivaro/Movano are the better choices but may require extra classifications being added to your driving licence.
• How much time will be spent in the vehicle? If you are intending to drive the vehicle for many hours then comfort should be a big consideration.
• If something goes wrong, do you know where you can take your vehicle for genuine Vauxhall van parts?

Carburettors and Home-Made Fuel

As the country has moved deeper and deeper into the recession, car owners have continued to feel the pinch with rising car tax, maintenance costs that cannot be ignored e.g. new tyres, and fuel costs have rocketed up to 110 pence per litre of unleaded in some areas.

Desperate to hold onto their cars, drivers have tried to keep their costs down in a variety of ways, some legal, some illegal. In desperate times when people are fighting to keep their jobs and tightening their belts meaning that some ‘forget’ to renew their insurance policy, others try to drive less or more efficiently. Some drivers take more drastic action and try to make their own fuel, however this is dangerous.

Why is it dangerous to make your own fuel?
The carburettor mixes air and fuel and then injects it into the engine. If, for example, you put petrol into a diesel car, do not start the engine. Petrol burns at a higher temperature to diesel so when the fuel is sprayed into the engine, the petrol could melt some of the engine components. You will know this has happened because once you have turned the engine over, there will be a huge amount of smoke coming from the car. The principle with home-made fuels also applies. By using such fuels, you are contaminating your engine – you might as well put sugar in the tank.

If your car is not modified to run on alternative substances, then putting home-made fuel into your car is a huge mistake and could be fatal for your car. Fuels can vary from brand to brand as different companies add different additives that make the fuel burn more efficiently. This is why you may notice a difference in fuel consumption when you use different brands of fuel. As an unofficial rule, brands refine their fuels for quality whereas supermarkets refine their fuel for price. Home-made fuels have fundamental differences to refined oil that is made into petrol which is what was originally intended for your car to use. 

Can you modify your car to run on these cheaper fuels?
Yes, but your car must be modified by a garage as it is a complicated job. If you have an old car then you may find that the initial expense cannot be justified. After all, you will have to cover a huge distance before the car starts paying for itself. Don’t forget, cars that use LPG fuel are not currently allowed to use the Channel Tunnel so if you drive from the UK to mainland Europe and you have converted your car to use LPG fuel, you will have to book a ferry instead.

So what about my carburettor?
Newer cars don’t always have a carburettor inm a traditional sense as they use a fuel injection system instead. However, there are still a number of cars that use a carburettor in an evolved form. Even with a fuel injection system, you should never add a substance to your fuel tank that wasn’t intended to be put into your vehicle by the manufacturer.

A new carburettor could cost anything from £100 to £600 which might or might not include the fitting by a garage. They can be bought second hand. It is an expensive car part to replace and a frustrating one if you were romanced by the promises of cheaper fuel.

How can I fix my car if I have put the wrong fuel in?
If you haven’t already turned your engine on, DON’T! Get your car to a garage and have the fuel tank and pipes drained by a professional. If you have started the car, be aware that you car may have to be written off as it could work out too expensive to repair.

If you have seen videos posted online and various articles telling you how you can get cheaper fuel, consult with a professional before trying it out on your car. 

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.