UK motorists were questioned about recent automotive issues in a new survey to gauge public opinion in this arena.

Motoring Matters’ monthly report analysed the frequency, tone sentimentality and consensus of posts made online by the public across a variety of news channel, car part message boards, and motoring forums.

November’s top five discussed or debated issues were:

1                     Rising vehicle labour costs

2                     Big Brother speed cameras due to launch in 2013

3                     Closure of the M4 bus lane

4                     Robowardens

5                     The big freeze causing transport chaos

The first and main point of concern was the rise in vehicle labour costs which have increased by about 5.81 percent in a year.

Franchised dealers charge £90.59 up from £87.19 last year, while independents stand at £55.90, up from £52.69 in 2009.

The new wave of speed cameras are set to hit the roads in 2013 – which will also monitor tax disks, insurance cover and if you are wearing a seat belt or tail-gating someone, along with speeding.

Around 80 percent of those questioned were against this new system claiming it would make Britain closer to becoming a Big Brother like state.

The closure of the M4 bus lane has sparked a mixed view, with some angry about the increased pollution it will cause while others are pleased with the reopening of the 3.5 mile stretch for all vehicles.

The news that traffic wardens will be equipped with new camera headsets and DVLA hand-held computers was also not well received.

The latest snow blast has made many question Britain’s ability to handle these situations when the 3,300 gritters failed to treat the roads in time.

Make Savings with Cheap Car Parts

The cost of motoring is becoming more expensive, so if your vehicle requires a replacement car part to cope with the harsh weather conditions try investigating online stockists who supply them at discounted prices.

A new report shows the top 10 cars that have retained their value best from their original list price three years ago.

The vehicle valuations authority, Glass, revealed the car that had retained the highest value, at the top of the list, was the Volkswagen Tiguan (168bhp) SE 4Motion 5d 0 with a 68 percent residual value, and a £2,394 average annual depreciation of £2,394.

In second place came the MINI 1.6 Cooper 3d, 65.9 percent with a depreciation of £1,462, followed by the Honda CR-V 2.2 CTDi (138bhp) SE 5d, 64.3 percent with a depreciation of £2,356.

“Whilst the nation is in the grip of austerity measures and cost-cutting, it seems that used car buyers are opting to pay the highest prices – relative to original list price – for cars that reflect their chosen lifestyle and image,” said Adrian Rushmore, Glass’s managing editor.

Seven out of ten of the top 10 places were occupied by 4×4s or SUVs which have shown, despite fuel price hikes, that their car parts have performed well in the used car market.

Superminis meanwhile did not feature at all on the top 10 list due to the Scrappage Scheme coming to an end meaning demand exceeded supply so buyers opted for a used model instead.

The average trade value in the top 10 list was £16,500, making the retail selling price close to the £18,500 figure.

Following the top three places the list continued:

4^th Land Rover Freelander 2 GS Td4 auto

5^th Audi Q7 3.0TDI (237bhp) Quattro S Line Tip

6^th Land Rover Discovery 3 2.7 TD (190bhp)

7^th Audi TT Coupe 2.0T FSI (197bhp)

8^th Nissan Qashqai 1.6 (113bhp) 2WD Visia

9^th Land Rover Range Rover 2.7TD Sport (187bhp) S Auto

10^th Audi A5 2.7 TDI (187bhp) Sport Coupe Multitronic

The recent ice and snow has seen a 23 percent rise in car insurance claims as cars struggle on Britain’s slippery roads.

The AA analysed these claims showing the most common snow and ice related accidents occurred within moving traffic, when cars slide into other vehicles, kerbs, barriers, police cars and one car even collided with a wild boar.

Tail-end collisions at traffic lights or roundabouts were common accidents, where cars fail to stop in time crashing into car bumpers, underestimating the effect of ice and snow on stopping distances.

The second highest type of claim was found to be for bumps with unattended parked cars.

“When there is widespread snow and ice, the proportion of claims where the icy conditions are a contributory factor increases significantly,” said Simon Douglas, AA Insurance director.

“Most people are driving more slowly than usual in such conditions so the majority of claims are at a relatively slow speed and damage tends to be less costly to repair.”

Hitting the kerb was the third highest reason motorists have claimed in the snow and ice week, with 43 reported, followed by hitting walls, fences or hedges accounting for 34 claims.

There were 32 claims for hitting lamp posts, road signs, telegraph poles or bollards, 31 ended up in a ditch, while 20 had incidents at home.

Spare Car Parts Following a Collision

If the snow and ice has caused you to have an accident and you require new car parts to replace ones which were damaged, investigate online stockists to get a good deal.

Many people will be strapped for cash this time of year busy buying presents for family and friends, so dishing out money for spare tyres, suspension parts, or even new bumpers, are an expense most people will need to keep to a minimum.

New car sales fell in November latest figures show, for the fifth month in a row, reflecting the cautious nature of consumers following the Government’s public spending cuts.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed private sales fell to 64,353 in November, a fall of 26.3pc.

The year is set to remain higher than the 2009 outturn by around two percent with over 2.03 million units extra sold.

The end of the Government’s scrappage scheme is thought to have affected this figure, but the new car market has risen by 14pc compared to figures from November last year, stripping out scrappage scheme volumes.

Demand for petrol driven cars in November fell from 89,702 to 63,955 while demand for alternative fuel vehicles rose to 21,473.

The Ford Fiesta was the car of choice for many consumers last month showing the highest growth in sales, seeing a total of 6,488 purchased.

“Registrations are expected to fall next month, but demand may benefit from motorists looking to avoid the January VAT rise,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

“Next year will continue to be challenging as consumer spending tightens and government’s austerity measures take effect.”

New and Second Hand Car Parts

If you have a ford fiesta and need to buy some new car parts to replace worn or damaged ones try looking online for spare parts at discount prices.

Money may be tight for the majority of the nation, meaning a new car is out of the question – however, your existing one could get a makeover to give it a new lease of life.

Newly covered seats will make a scruffy car look as good as new, and new carpet will make it look cleaner and keep the inside fresh.

While replacing the tyres and having the suspension parts looked at could make the car feel more responsive and fun to drive.

The Government has announced a renewed commitment to investigate MOT tests and whether their frequency should be reviewed.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists, in support of the review, said it is essential the underlying reasons for relatively new cars failing MOT tests should be investigated prior the MOT test frequency is changed.

Around 21 percent of cars around three years old have car parts which fail MOT test data shows, with a total cost to UK motorists of £464 million a year.

Questions the review will look into include investigating why the European standard four year first-test requirement sees better results than the UK’s three years.

In the UK it is only garages that carry out the test and then supply the car parts and labour to rectify the faults.

This is in comparison to some European countries where testing and rectifying procedures are separated – and this poses the question of whether this procedure could benefit the British MOT policy.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research asked whether the high failure rates could be down to motorists failing to maintain their cars properly.

Spare Car Parts

If you have an MOT test coming up you can acquire cheap car parts in good condition off online stockists beforehand.

These parts can be purchases online via the stockists’ website or by phoning up and ordering them to be delivered straight to your front door.

Spare car parts which could fail the MOT include car tyres with less than the legal minimum amount of tread depth, or exhaust parts causing the levels of exhaust fumes to be inefficient.

Other parts which may become damaged from constant use are suspension parts due to pot holes, which are a common problem on Britain’s roads due to the recent weather expanding gaps when the water in a hole freezes.

Experts warn this winter could see Britain’s roads deteriorate making it likely motorists will have to shell out to pay for damaged car parts.

Showing the severity of the pothole situation in the country, road maintenance campaign website, Potholes.co.uk, has seen 100 percent increase in web traffic during last week’s snow fall – twice as many visitors compared to the same week last year.

Warranty Direct expects to see a sharp rise in claims for damaged axle and suspension parts in the coming weeks as a result of potholes.

The insurance company estimated British motorists paid £320million in total on repairs on everything from wheels, tyres and suspension failure caused by the bad condition of the roads last year.

“The roads are going to deteriorate incredibly quickly over the coming months,” said Duncan McClure Fisher of Warranty Direct.

“Given the severity and earlier than normal arrival of harsh wintry conditions, everything is pointing towards a miserable period for motorists.”

Potholes have become worse due to the water filling the cracks in the road surfaces and then freezing causing the gaps to expand, breaking open the road when the ice melts.

Government spending cuts will also mean the situation is not likely to get better soon.

Buy Cheap Car Parts Online

If your car has been damaged due to potholes in the road recently, try looking online for cheap car parts to replace them with.

Motorists can order any car part they require for their particular model car – all offered at varying prices on the web depending on how much the consumer is willing to spend.

New or second hand parts can be purchased in good condition, including spare tyres, wheel discs, suspension parts, to bigger items such as body panels, engine replacements and steering wheels, all of which can become damaged due to obstacles on the road.

British car lovers have admitted they will be buying a Christmas present for their car this year in addition to their family and friends.  Find out where to buy quality car parts at half the price.

Research has shown an astonishing one in 10 motorists buy their car a Christmas present every year, Manheim Auctions revealed.

A fluffy dice is one of the most popular gifts along with a new air freshener or interior car parts such as a set of feet mats.  While some drivers were shown to treat their car to a good clean or pay for a valet service.

“Some drivers are just mad about their cars and use Christmas as the time to spend a little bit of money on their motor,” said Craig Mailey, Manheim Auctions’ marketing director.

“If it means more people are taking care of their cars, ensuring they’re well looked after, it can’t be a bad thing.”

Car Parts Online

Research by First Direct has shown Christmas this year is set to be a struggle financially for many of the population, with a third of their customers admitting they will go into their overdraft in December to fund the presents they will buy.

Keeping costs to a minimum and saving where you can is important in the current economic climate, and even those extravagant motorists splashing out on their cars this Christmas can make savings on the parts they purchase by looking online for cheaper alternatives.

Most car parts such as tyres, wheels, engines, suspension, and body panels can be purchased at discounted prices online, but some online stockists also offer interior parts such as foot mats, seat covers and car carpet.

Additionally, the stockists tend to have a bigger supply of car parts for varying makes or model vehicles making it more likely you will find the part you require.

Brits are determined to drive across the country to visit family and friends over Christmas new research reveals, despite the bad weather.

The average family travels up to 207 miles over the festive period putting huge pressure on car parts, Saab GB showed.

Each journey will make five stops to drop off the average of 37 presents bought for family and friends, costing a total of £520.49.

Of those families moving about over Christmas, 85 percent refuse to travel on Christmas Day and instead, 36 percent will travel before Christmas Eve, and 18 percent will arrive on the 24^th.

The lead up to Christmas will see many take three long distance car journeys of 59 miles and a further two short 15 mile trips for the delivery of presents.

Those in Northern Ireland are expected to take the most trips this Christmas with 17 percent planning on more than eight, while those in East Anglia will travel the furthest with an average of 80 miles being driven.

Travelling Tips over Christmas

If you have a number of journeys planned in your car to deliver presents, it is important you check your car is in fit condition to handle the long and short distance driving.

Check your car tyres have more than 3mm depth of tread and have the right pressure, perform general maintenance checks on all lights to make sure all the bulbs are working, and that oil levels are topped up.

If you think there is a possibility of snow make sure you take adequate clothing, food and a shovel to help you if you get caught in a snow storm.

Also make sure you can see out of your back window and your vision is not obscured due to the car being packed with presents, and if anything is being transported on the roof take measures to ensure it is secure.

Winter weather is set to be as treacherous as last year’s making it vital motorists check their car tyres to ensure they can cope with these conditions.

As highlighted by Skoda, if drivers take to the roads with a tyre tread below the minimum legal depth of 3mm they could face a fine of up to £2,500, and three penalty points per tyre.

Follow these tips on checking car tyres and other car parts to ensure you are not caught out.

Car Tyre Safety Tips

To maintain the optimum grip on the roads experts suggest having a tread of over 3mm, this also means you are not likely to suddenly wear them down to an illegal depth.

While driving on snow, ice and even in dark evenings on wet and windy roads, having good grip is vital, as is adapting your driving to the specific conditions.

A tyre should have a tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the entire circumference.

The 20p Test

Insert a 20p coin in the main tyre grove to help you work out the depth – you should do this in different places around the tyre.

You can tell if the depth is illegal if you can see the outer band of the 20p coin whenever you insert it into the grooves.

If this is visible you should have your tyres checked by a specialist to confirm your findings.

Motorists are advised to check their tyres at least once a month and when completing these checks they should look at the general condition of the tyres too.

Inspect them for any cuts or bulges, and if there is any debris stuck in the grooves, such as pieces of stone or gravel, try and remove them to prevent them from compromising the grip.

If you should need to replace your tyres take a look online as you can often get a good price for spare car parts.

New research has shown that when car bumpers are not at the same height and an accident happens, huge damage can occur resulting in costly repairs.

When car bumpers do not line up with SUV bumpers due to the height difference, even low speed collisions cause more damage and higher repair costs, research from the US New Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test showed.

SUVs, pickup vans or minivans have bumpers which are often flimsier and higher off the ground than bumpers on cars, which is what causes the problems.

“SUVs and cars share the same road,” said Joe Nolan, the Institute’s chief administrative officer.

“The problem is they don’t share the same bumper rules, and consumers end up paying the price.”

Buy Car Bumper Parts Online

If your car bumper has any dents on it this could make a huge difference to its effectiveness if you were to get shunted from behind, or involved in an accident.

It is important to check all your car parts are in good condition so they can work to the best of their ability to reduce the impact the rest of the car feels.

This in the long run will save on more costly repairs, as changing a bumper is cheaper than having to replace the engine for example.

If you require replacement car parts try looking online for a good deal as many online stockists offer both new and second hand parts at cheap prices.

Different providers will have different parts suitable for different model cars so you may have to shop around for the best fit, however always check the condition of the part first before you buy it.

If your car has collided with an SUV and the damage is not just located around the bumper area you may also require other car parts, all of which can be found online.