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Musings of a MotorNut

A note to our customers

A message from one of our directors to thank you all for bearing with us at this time, and for your continued support and custom.
We, like many online businesses have experienced a MASSIVE increase in orders over this lock down period and this combined with social distancing guidelines along with staff illnesses, staff homeschooling and the rest has meant we’ve been operating with a significantly reduced workforce for much of the last few weeks.
All our paints are custom mixed to order by hand-this teamed with supplier issues, couriers nationwide at capacity and the fact that there are just not enough hours in the day or staff in the business is why we are now operating a 10 working day lead time.
We apologise massively this is not how we like to do things and we will be getting this back to our usual 3-5 working days AS SOON as is possible.
Whilst we are currently taking around 24-48 hours to respond to email enquires we are responding to them all. Any deliveries that don’t make it we sort out at our expense and any paints that don’t match we either remix or refund...­ALWAYS, always have and always will.
Thanks again to you all, stay safe
From all the MotorNuts team
Posted in Musings of a MotorNut on .

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 .

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 .

Nuts about new cars for 2018

MotorNuts are Nuts about cars – especially exciting new ones, so we are taking a look at what’s in store for 2018.

1)    Super SUVs  

The influx of super SUVs continues with facelifts from Land Rover Discovery SVX and Nissan Juke and new models from most of the big players including a Volkswagen T-Cross, Mercedes GLE 4x4, Citroen C5 Aircross and Jaguar I-Pace.

2)     Budget Buster

 Sticking with the SUVs, set to shake up the market for a second time is the budget busting new Dacia Duster.

3)     BMW boom

BMW has an exciting line up for the year including the new z4 which is looking particularly menacing and a highly anticipated facelift for the much loved 3 series as well as the launches of the X7, X4 X2, i8 and 8 series.

4)     Awesome Audis

Awesome new Audis due out this year include the compact SQ2, the sizeable Q8 and the new electric e-Tron as well as facelifts for the Q3, A1 and A6.

5)     Face lifts for Fords

Ford have facelifts for their favourites Focus and Fiesta as well as their SUV Eco Sport plus we love a Mustang, and there’s an even better beastier looking one of those on the way too. 

6)     Super duper super cars 

Super new super cars from the fastest SUV the Lamborghini Urus to face lifts for favourites the Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster, Aston Martin Vantage,Ferrari Portofino and a re-launch for the TVR Griffith

Also due out in 2018 are:

Alfa Romeo ‘5 Series’ rival

Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Alpine A110

Bentley Flying Spur

Citroen C5 Aircross

DS 7 Crossback

Honda CR-V Hybrid

Hyundai i30 Fastback

Hyundai NEXO

Infiniti QX50

Jeep Wrangler

Kia Cee’d

Kia Sorento

Lexus LS

Mercedes A-Class

Mercedes C-Class

Mercedes CLS

Mercedes GLE

Mercedes AMG GT four-door coupe

Nissan Leaf

Peugeot 508

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Macan

Range Rover PHEV

Renault Alaskan

Renault Megane RS

SEAT large SUV

SEAT Ateca Cupra

Subaru Impreza

Suzuki Swift Sport

Toyota Land Cruiser

Vauxhall Insignia GSi

Volkswagen up! GTI

Volvo XC40

Posted in News, Musings of a MotorNut on .

The real cost of not having a spare tyre

Do you like to run risks or do you like to be prepared? What would you do if you got a flat tyre? Do you have a spare wheel or a repair kit or neither?

puncture

Over the last few years more and more manufacturers now sell their new cars without a spare wheel so as many as two thirds of newer cars now don’t have one

Instead manufacturers are providing various repair kits or tyre foam or slime which has limited success depending on the damage or cause of the flat.

MotorNuts are a leading supplier of Road Hero space saver spare wheels and we sell lots day in, day out.

 A recent conversation with a new customer highlighted the real costs of not having a spare when he got a flat tyre on the dual carriage way on a family day out.

  • Our customers first port of call was to phone his breakdown provider who couldn’t get to him for a number of hours so instead he had to phone for an emergency call out to be towed off the dual carriage way. Cost - £150
  • Disheartened by the breakdown provider and with time ticking he found a mobile tyre fitter who he called out to get him back on the road. As they don’t do mobile repairs he provided and fitted one new tyre - £200
  • In all the delays he had to feed his disgruntled family whilst they waited — £50
  • After all the headache and cost he ended the process £400 lighter still with no spare wheel. If he had a space saver he could have simply changed to it and had the damaged tyre repaired at a garage for around £15.

He is now the proud owner of a space saver... you don’t make the same mistake twice. 

Posted in Musings of a MotorNut on .

Road etiquette - the lesser known rules of the roads refreshed

1.       Roundabout standoffs

Ok so we all know that you give priority to the person on your right but what happens at a mini roundabout where there’s someone coming from every direction therefore everyone is on everyone’s right? Normally this is when the dreaded standoff occurs...you go, no you go then everyone sets off at once – we’ve all been there! We propose everyone inches forward equally and all be it very slowly teeters around the roundabout equally at about 3mph. Politeness Vs eagerness, which wins out?

2.       Car headlights

Which ones should we switch on when, to flash or not to flash and full beam etiquette – it’s all a bit of a grey area, all be it a well lit up one?

-          It’s the introduction of day time running lights back in 2011 that has started the lights on, lights off confusion I think, as now all new cars come with them on as standard.

The law states head lights must be used (which in many car cases are different to the day time running lights) when it’s dark and visibility is low – the suggestion is 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes after sunrise as well as in heavy rain and fog.

-          Flashing – many road users are all too flash happy using it as there preferred mode of communication or aggression! The Highway Code says: ‘Only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. Do not flash your headlights to convey any other message or intimidate other road users.” So maybe a simple hand wave would be better?

-          Full beam is suggested to only be used on rural roads or roads where no street lighting is present but never when cars are in front of you or coming from the other direction. If using your full beam always be alert ready to flick them off as soon as you see another car so as not to dazzle. The same rules apply on the motorway and with more council turning streetlights off you may be tempted to light up but remember the rule...because it’s not often on motorways there are no cars in front or on the other side of the carriage way.

3.       Blind spots

All drivers have a blind spot, that small area where mirrors and peripheral vision don’t just quite meet. Blind spots can easily hide cars and cyclists and you need to be especially aware of checking them when setting off and on the motorways before changing lanes. Van and Wagon blind spots are a big one, we’ve all seen the ‘if you can’t see my mirrors I can’t see you’ stickers on their back ends – well its true so hang back, no one likes a tailgater particularly one they can’t even see!

4.       Just good manners

So we’ve discussed over enthusiastic flashers and that perhaps a good old wave or similar hand gesture would be better. It’s not just helpful or good manners, its safe and often letting people out and acknowledging them for doing so for example can avoid others sparking road rage situations.

5.       Parking in the wrong places or spaces

Everyone’s been left aggregated by where another car has parked whether it be in the wrong place or just badly parked.

A personal pet hate of mine is the misuse of ‘mother and BABY spaces’ yes emphasis on the word baby, the wide spaces are for mums needing to get their little ones out, especially babies in their carrier car seats NOT people without kids or people waiting in the cars with their kids or in my opinion for people with 10 year olds perfectly capable of exiting a car by themselves! Same can be said here for disabled parking spaces although the misuse of these is even worse as they are a legal requirement for blue badge holders.

Parking on the kerb...this is also a no go, you’re not meant to do it - but what do you do in residential areas where parking with all four wheels on the road, as the law states, means blocking the road.

That’s a can of worms we’ll just leave open there for you

Happy driving!

 

Posted in Musings of a MotorNut on .