Loose wheels on vehicles can cause fatal accidents, latest figures show, highlighting the importance of using quality car parts to replace worn out ones.

Brake, the charity for road safety, showed if a wheel becomes detached while the car is driving at speed it can hit an oncoming vehicle, or worse a pedestrian, with incredible force.

If a car tyre comes loose it could also cause the car from which it came off to crash.

The figures suggest 8-10 people are killed each year in the UK due to runaway tyres and many are injured as a result, emphasising the importance of having car parts properly fitted.

Why do Car Tyres Become Detached?

There are several reasons why tyres become loose and some you cannot do anything to prevent it from happening.

The studs on a car tyre can become loose, or break, when the car hits a curb, or due to rust.

If the torquing is clamped incorrectly wheel loss can result and if the stud and nut were tightened too much or insufficiently.

Sometimes the wrong components are used as not all wheel fixings and wheels are compatible for every car.

The general quality of the components could also contribute to a tyre becoming loose.

Where can I buy quality car parts?

Try looking online for car parts you can be certain are in good condition, often many different spare parts can be bought for discounted prices.

When you are buying the parts make sure you look out for signs of rust or bright metal around the wheel nut.

Cracked or distorted wheel rims are also cause for concern as are broken or loose fixings and the position of wheel nuts.

Always check the guarantee on your purchase so if the car part is delivered to you not in the condition you expected you are protected.

A new scheme enables motorists to get rid of their old cars and give the money to the charity of choice.

Following a trend in cars being scrapped illegally, this new incentive from Giveacar aims to raise funds for charity while providing a free way for car owners to ditch their rusty car parts.

The DVLA has reported two million cars are taken off the road of which only half are disposed of legally at an authorised treatment facility.

“Our service has a dual function, to help preserve the environment and to raise money for charities,” said Tom Chance, Giveacar’s CEO.

“At Giveacar, we only use authorised facilities that recycle a minimum of 85 percent of the weight of your vehicle.”

Scrap Car Parts

If you own a scrap car but are looking to give it a personal make-over and rebuild it yourself as opposed to taking it to a scrapyard, you could try looking for car parts online.

Quality car parts can be purchased online for discounted prices so you can give your car a new lease of life at a minimal cost to yourself.

When you look for replacement car parts remember to take the following things into account:

Check for signs of rust as this will mean the parts, if second hand, are not in good condition and are not worth putting on your car.  Ensure the supplier has not tried to hide these signs of rust by applying a cheap lick of paint.

Engines and exhausts will sound strange if they are not in good working order so try and see how they run before you hand over money.

Scrap body panel parts should be checked for dents and scratches – if the paint work is uneven this may suggest a dent is hidden underneath so look at them from different angles to spot this.

As snow and ice grips Britain’s roads new research shows 4×4 cars are growing in popularity to make driving in these conditions easier to handle.

Auction specialists British Car Auctions (BCA) found the early onset of winter has had a knock on effect on the number of 4×4 cars sold at auction centres around the UK.

They say a 4×4 is becoming a necessity with their specific car parts able to grip roads such especially those in rural or remote areas.

In November the company reported values for these types of cars climbed by around five percent compared to similar vehicles bought in the previous month when the weather was less severe.

“As the temperature drops, we have seen 4×4 values rise quite sharply,” said Tim Naylor, BCA spokesman.

“Nothing makes a four-wheel drive more attractive than a dusting of snow.”

4×4 Car Parts

While a 4×4 car will be able to handle driving in the snow better than other two wheel drives, it is not always practical for a motorist to go out and buy a new car when the snow starts coming down.

There are ways you can make your current car better at manoeuvring in these conditions and preventing breakdowns mid journey.

Try applying tyre chains to give your tyres extra grip on icy roads, also make sure to check your tyres’ pressure and tread depth.

While a 4×4 is higher off the ground and less likely to get stuck in deep snow, if you carry a shovel around in your boot you can always dig your way out if you are unable to move forward after stopping.

It is essential to check all the important car parts on your vehicle regularly so you are not caught out mid journey, if your engine does not sound healthy, or your wiper blades are squeaking, now is the time to get them changed.