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Millers: Engine Oils for Perfect Performance

With well over a hundred years' of experience in the trade, Millers Oils is a tried, tested and trusted company. MotorNuts are extremely proud to supply a comprehensive collection of products from Millers Oils, including the brand's renowned current generation of high-performance racing oils.

John Watson Miller founded Millers Bros, soon to become Millers Oils, in 1887. Miller came from a family that has always had a presence in the burgeoning motor sector: members of the Miller family pioneered many ventures in the fields of model engineering and outboard racing, in which they fielded a highly successful team. Continuing with the family spirit of motoring innovation, Millers Bros successfully produced the first long-drain interval oil for trucks as well as the first diesel-specific engine oil for cars.

Today, though it now has a global presence, Millers Oils is still a significant employer in the local community. The company now produce a remarkable array of products yet still focus strongly on John Miller's original aim that the quality of his oil be 'rigidly adhered to'. This range incorporates oils and fuel treatments for vehicles spanning the full spectrum of domestic, industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors of industry.

The new generation of competition racing oils designed and manufactured by Millers Oils features patented, award-winning NANODRIVE technology, which delivers the lowest possible levels of friction and dramatically improves vehicle performance. A selection of different types, each with its own unique specification designed to suit all kinds of vehicle, is available from MotorNuts at our signature competitive prices.

 Full details of these performance engine oils are given on the individual product pages on our website. Have questions or need advice? Give the skilled and experienced MotorNuts team a call.

Posted in News, Product profiles, Musings of a MotorNut, Advice on .

Vehicle Security: The MotorNuts Collection

Vehicle theft is a persistent problem and the fact is that you just cannot make your  precious vehicle too secure. That's why MotorNuts supply a comprehensive collection of products designed to enhance the security of your vehicle. Here are some of the bestselling vehicle security products from our website.

Bulldog Steering Wheel Locks

Available in car or van size options, the Bulldog steering lock carries Department of Transport approval and is one of the most robust products of its type available on today's market. The tough drill- and pick-resistant locking mechanism is attached to a bar that can even accommodate steering wheels that incorporate a bulbous airbag and the bright yellow colouration acts as a powerful deterrent.

Stronghold Triangular Wheel Clamps

Having your vehicle wheel-clamped is not something that any driver wants.. unless you are clamping it yourself! The heavy duty wheel clamps manufactured by Stronghold are fully adjustable and available in a range of sizes to suit any vehicle; alloy wheel and caravan wheel versions are also available. Each clamp features electro-plated arms to protect against corrosion and incorporates a pick-free, high-security lock for your peace of mind. Stronghold wheel clamps are independently tested and insurance approved.

Maypole Security Posts

Available in either fixed or removable options, Maypole security posts are designed to be firmly planted into the ground with concrete. The posts are constructed using tough steel and coloured hi-vis yellow, enhancing both their deterrent and safety qualities. Each post comes complete with a close-shackle lock and keys and the product is ideal for use on driveways.

There are many more options available so please browse our website for more details.

Posted in News, Views, Product profiles, Musings of a MotorNut, Advice on .

The Perfect Match: MPEX Vehicle Paints

If the exterior paint of a vehicle is scratched or otherwise damaged, professional repair is a costly option. Repairing the damage yourself is obviously a preferable alternative but many people are unwilling to carry out the procedure, fearing that they may not achieve seamless, colour-matched results. Never fear: MotorNuts is here!

We now supply colour-matched paint from MPEX, one of the most respected and trusted brands in the business. Using official dealers' and manufacturers' databases, we can provide exterior vehicle paint in more than 77,000 different shades, incorporating RAL, Pantone and BS options. The paint is available in pen or bottle formats for small touch-up jobs or as an aerosol for larger areas of damaged paintwork.

Applying MPEX colour-matched vehicle paint is easy and here we present our step-by-step guides:

MPEX Colour-Matched Paint Touch-Up Pen & Bottle

  1. Prepare the area. Ensure that any loose paintwork, dust and dirt is removed before thoroughly cleaning and drying the affected area. If rust is present then apply primer (also available on the MotorNuts website). Surrounding undamaged paintwork should be protected with masking tape
  2. Shake the pen/bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds to ensure product consistency
  3. Apply the colour-matched paint thinly in smooth, long strokes. If using the needle-point pen, gently introduce the nib into the scratch, squeezing gently to get the paint flowing
  4. A single coat is often sufficient but, if a second coat is required, make sure that the first coat has been allowed to dry for at least 10 and up to 25 minutes. If you intend to subsequently apply lacquer (which is available from the MotorNuts website), allow the paint to cure for at least 24 hours

MPEX Colour-Matched Pain Aerosol

  1. Prepare the affected area according to step 1 above
  2. Release the aerosol's alligator ball and shake the can for at least two minutes
  3. Press the nozzle to apply the paint from a distance of 25cm. Use a cross-coating motion
  4. Allow the area to dry as in step 4 above. Clean the aerosol nozzle thoroughly. If there is still paint remaining in the can, store it upside down for hassle-free application at a later date

We have put together a list of FAQs about MPEX colour-matched paint so this is your first stop if you require more information. If your question is not answered here or if you need any further advice, please contact the expert MotorNuts team directly and we will be happy to help you out.

Posted in News, Views, Product profiles, Musings of a MotorNut, Advice on .

Dark Nights need Bright Bulbs!

Every vehicle has headlights, taillights and indicator lights: these must legally be in working order at all times. In addition to these, there are interior lights, dash lights, number-plate lights and more, all of which are necessary for  a safe and comfortable driving experience. Should one of these lights fail, you should be ready with the correct spare and MotorNuts have got every eventuality covered. There's never been a better time to have spare bulbs in stock: it's not long until the clocks change and the nights become darker at an earlier and earlier time.

Our collection of bulbs and lighting accessories is as comprehensive as every other section of our massive product portfolio. Every bulb in your vehicle can be found in the dedicated 'Bulbs & Lighting' section of our website. When it comes to headlights, you can choose from traditional, standard LED and HID Xenon Performance Upgraded bulbs.

HID Xenon Performance Upgraded Bulbs

You may not have heard of these bulbs but you will certainly have seen them whilst driving! They are designed to give the brightest, clearest light and are up to 20% brighter than traditional alternatives. As well as making driving safer, they also give a vehicle a smart and sporty appearance: an instant makeover for a tiny initial investment!

All HID Performance Bulbs are OE standard and are E Approved. UV-cut, the bulbs are suitable for use with plastic lenses and come with a 3-year warranty as standard. Where a traditional headlight bulb gives off around 500 lumens, standard Xenon bulbs emit a massive 3,200 lumens: the HID Performance Upgrade bulbs pack a superbright punch of a giant 5,500 lumens!

Discover more about HID Xenon Performance Upgraded Bulbs along with the rest of our 'Bulbs & Lighting' collection on the MotorNuts website. Be bright, be bold: buy bulbs!

Posted in News, Product profiles, Musings of a MotorNut, Advice on .

Winter Driving Essentials: Be Safe with MotorNuts

October has so far brought plenty of bad weather with it and there's more predicted to come hot (or rather COLD!) on its heels as winter approaches ever closer. Driving in the colder months isn't generally much fun and, when your vehicle lets you down, then NOT driving isn't much fun either. Luckily, MotorNuts is right by your side with our superlative collection of winter driving essentials.

There are hundreds of items to discover in our collection of winter driving essentials and here are three of the best...

POLYGARD Arctic Screen Wash

Winter temperatures in UK have often dropped below those recorded in Arctic regions at a similar time so the name of this efficient formula is no joke. A highly concentrated glass cleaner designed to de-ice and protect in extremely low temperatures down to -20°C, POLYGARD Arctic Screen Wash is a fast-acting, non-smear formula guaranteed to give crystal clear results.

Available in a multitude of pack sizes from a single five litre bottle to a pallet of 16 containers each containing 25 litres (for a total of 400 litres!), finding the right amount for your requirements is easy. Sometimes, elbow grease is needed for stubborn windscreens so don't forget to check out our range of ice scrapers!

COMMA Super Coldmaster Antifreeze & Coolant

Designed and manufactured by one of the world's largest independent oil companies that has been established since 1965, COMMA Super Coldmaster Antifreeze & Coolant is one of the best ways to protect vehicle engines from freezing as well as corrosion and overheating. The formula is available in many pack size options and in concentrated or ready-to-use form.

MICHELIN Easy-Grip Snow Chains

Available in a range of tyre sizes and to suit most vehicles, MICHELIN Easy-Grip Snow Chains are easy to fit, allowing you to continue driving safely on snow- and ice-covered roads in no time. The chains deliver the maximum possible traction and are available from MotorNuts at an extremely competitive price.

Drive safely this autumn and winter with MotorNuts Driving Essentials: check out the full range on our website.

Posted in News, Advice on .

Space Saver Wheels & Pothole Puncture Perils!

The number of potholes on Britain's roads is at an all-time high, with more than a 50% increase in reports between 2017 and 2018. Drivers have been warned by the AA that hitting a pothole, even at a 'relatively low speed', can cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres of a vehicle.

As most new vehicles do not come with a spare wheel, (instead relying on tyre slime or foam sealant as a 'replacement'), all drivers are advised to invest in a space saver wheel. MotorNuts supply space saver wheels from trusted company RoadHero and, like every other product on our website, you're guaranteed a competitive price.

Available for most major makes and models of vehicle, RoadHero space saver wheels fit neatly and securely into the storage space located beneath the floor of the vehicle's boot. Designed to reliably deliver a temporary solution to the problem of a damaged wheel, allowing you to continue your journey home or to where the original wheel can be replaced, the space saver wheel is an intelligent investment.

Each RoadHero space saver wheel is supplied by MotorNuts with a wheel brace and a jack, ensuring you have everything you need for quick, easy and fuss-free fitting. With our compliments, you'll also receive a convenient, purpose-designed storage bag so the whole kit is kept together for when you most need it.

If you can't see a space saver wheel for your vehicle on our website then don't despair. just get in touch with our experienced, knowledgeable team and we'll do our best to source one for you. Have more questions? Check out the RoadHero space saver wheel FAQs page on our website.

Posted in News, Advice on .

Choosing the Right Engine Oil

To a vehicle, oil is just as important as fuel: without it, the vehicle isn't going anywhere! Engine oil provides essential lubrication to the many moving parts of a vehicle's engine, reducing friction and associated wear and tear. It also helps to clean the engine of sludge and varnish deposits, ensuring that the vehicle runs smoothly and avoiding costly repair work.

There are many different variants of engine oil, each suited to particular applications. All of the variants begin as simple crude mineral oil, which is refined with synthetic bases and additive to create suitable viscosities and blends. Finally classified as semi- or fully-synthetic, the finished product is designed to meet the requirements set by different car manufacturers. Not using the recommended oil can even invalidate a vehicle's warranty.

Most owners of modern vehicles should be using synthetic engine oil, which has a longer life than it's semi-synthetic counterpart. Synthetic engine oil is more equipped to deal with high temperatures and extreme pressures, extending by significant margins the required interval between services. Semi-synthetic engine oils are cheaper but do not last as long and are typically used only in older vehicles.

Most vehicles are manufactured to use oil of multi-viscosity as opposed to the less common single-viscosity variation. The viscosity of an oil is identified with a number placed before a letter 'W', with another number following (e.g. 10w-40): the lower number indicates a thinner, more easily-flowing oil. The number preceding the 'w' represents oil performance at low temperatures while the number after the 'w' shows performance level at higher temperatures.

MotorNuts is a proud supplier of an extensive range of engine oils, produced by top brands including Millers Oils, Castrol, Granville, Mobil, Lucas and Comma. We have made it easy to find the correct oil for your vehicle but if you need further assistance then just give the expert MotorNuts a call and we'll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Posted in News, Musings of a MotorNut, Advice on .

Diesel Additives: The Forte Triple Treatment Kit

Vehicles that run on diesel require specialist care to ensure that their engines are always in tip-top condition. Here at MotorNuts, we supply a comprehensive collection of diesel treatments and additives from top brands like Millers Oils, MPEX, STP and Forte. In this edition of the MotorNuts blog, we look at the complete diesel detox delivered by the Forte Diesel System Triple Treatment Kit.

The Complete Diesel System Treatment Kit by Forte contains three quality additives, each designed to treat a different aspect of a diesel engine. The kit contains:

DPF Cleaner & Regenerator

Specially formulated to combat soot buildup caused by start-stop driving, this product makes use of a catalyst that adheres to soot particles during the combustion process. After treatment, the particles in the soot filter area will burn at lower temperatures, which helps to regenerate the filter during start-stop driving where exhaust temperatures are low. Stability of the DPF system is improved and soot emissions are actively reduced.

Diesel Turbo Cleaner

Incomplete combustion leads to particles adhering to an engines variable vanes, causing them to stick and reducing the power and efficiency of diesel engines. Forte Diesel Turbo Cleaner, which is compatible with all diesel engines, helps to clean variable geometry turbos without any need for dismantling and also cleans EGR valves.

Advanced Formula Diesel Treatment

The final element on Forte's Diesel System Treatment Kit both cleans and lubricates the entire fuel system, improving overall engine efficiency and power. This reduces downtime and the need for replacement of engine components, whether the engine uses a direct or indirect injection system. Black smoke emissions are lessened, injector spray patterns are restored and fuel pump life is extended, without affecting the diesel fuel's cetane rating.

Check out the entire MotorNuts collection of diesel treatments and additives on our website. Happy driving!

Posted in News, Product profiles, Advice on .

Everything you need to know about Colour Matched Paints

Q – I don’t know my paint code but I need a touch up?

A – We access your paint code using our mixing system - simply enter your vehicle reg, which will bring up the make, model and colour, place your order and we will do the rest

Q – Where can I find my paint code?

A – Your paint code will be in your vehicles hand book and can also be found on a sticker or plate on the car; usually located inside the door frame, under the bonnet, in the glove box or wheel well. You can also check out the handy paint code finder from our paint partners at MPEX.

Q – Can you just get paints colour matched for cars?

A – As well as cars we can match paints for bikes, motorcycles, commercial and agricultural vehicles: we have over 77,000 colours including RAL, BS and pantone shades

Q – I have a classic car, can I get colour matched paint?

A- We can still match paint colours for classic and vintage vehicles but not by registration look up. In this instance we would need you to check for your paint code, or know the colour name... any queries you can ask our expert team who will be happy to help.

*if you have a Rover and for some other older vehicles we would need your paint code

Q- Which size paint is best for which type of scratch?

A – For respray’s obviously an aerosol is what you need, for scratches and chips you can choose either a 100ml pot touch up with a fine brush or a 20ml pen with a needle point pen and super fine brush. The pen is ideal for fine detailed scratches, scuffs and stone chips as the needle point allows just the right amount of paint to be applied and sits nicely in the scratch.

Q – Do I need to use a primer and lacquer?

A – A primer is only required if your chip or scratch goes down to the metal and if any rust is present. A lacquer is recommended in most instances – especially with metallic paints. It should be applied 24 hours after the coloured coat and will give a perfect finish.

Q – How do I get the touch up to look its best?

A – The key to applying a successful touch up is smooth, light strokes and building up layers to the original paintwork level - leave to dry for 10-25 minutes between coats or 24 hours before lacquer.

Q – Can you mix pearlescent paints?

A – Most modern paints are metallic and many are pearlescent and we can mix 99% of pearlescent paint codes. There are a few tri-colour mixes that cannot be matched.

Posted in News, Advice on .

Antifreeze verses Coolant. What’s the difference?

MotorNuts Car maintenance guides. Let our technical MotorNuts keep your car in tip top condition.

Antifreeze verses Coolant. What’s the difference?

So what is the difference between Antifreeze and coolant? (Which to further confuse things is also known as summer coolant).

Your car has been out on the drive all night and the temperature has dropped to -9°C yet the car starts first thing in the morning, even if you don’t. Or maybe this summer you have driven to the Cotê D azure it has been a constant 35°C all day and yet you drive all day without the engine overheating.

Admittedly these are things that most drivers take for granted, after all this is just what cars are designed to do isn’t it?

Well yes and no, but in each of the above situations you can thank your engine coolant additive for this wide range of performance.

Antifreeze is a bright green or yellow chemical that is mixed with the water in your cars engine, radiators and cooling system, it is there to stop your engine from freezing or overheating.

The Technical bit

Antifreeze or coolant is a chemical, usually either Ethylene glycol or propylene glycol which, when added to the water in your engine changes the freezing point and the boiling point of the water. (there are other chemicals used as antifreeze, but we will stick with these two)

With the correct mix of chemical, which is often recommended as 50% water to 50% antifreeze (sometimes referred as 50/50) the water freezing point moves from 0°C to approximately -35°C.

Ok I hear you say, but why antifreeze in the heat of summer? Well, the boiling point of water is also affected by this mixture of chemical and water and increases from 100°C to just over 125°C at a normal engine system pressure of 15lb/in² this is sufficient, in a healthy engine, to stop the coolant from boiling. So, there you are, the same chemical will stop freezing and boiling, by how much will depend on the mixture levels dependant of the mixture levels. 50/50 being the recommended minimum but in some vehicles, it is quite normal to have waterless cooling so ask us if you are not sure.

There is another important characteristic of antifreeze or coolant additives. This is mainly associated with effects of corrosion and sludge creation in your engine waterways, pipes and radiators. Corrosion and sludge will occur if you are using only water as the coolant for your engine. Most modern antifreeze agents include other chemicals to improve heat transmission and reduce corrosion, the chemicals included will depend on the engine’s design and materials. Aluminium engines will require a different antifreeze from iron or steel blocks and engines using a cylinder liner.

That antifreeze doesn't just prevent freezing it is an important component to extend the life of your engine and ensure problem free motoring.

If you are in any doubt about the antifreeze/­coolant you need for your car just give our MotorNuts Technicians a call on 01254 778255 or use our free advice link on any page of the motornuts.co.uk web site and ask a MotorNut we will be happy to help selecting the right antifreeze for your car.

It is worth buying an antifreeze tester from about £12 to check the mixture levels.

We at MotorNuts stock an antifreeze to match the needs of all the modern major car, van, truck and motorcycle engines, including CastrolCommaGranville and Prestone antifreeze/­summer coolants as well as BlueCol specially formulated for classic and vintage vehicles.

 

Posted in Advice on .