UK Motoring & Travel Guides
Your complete resource for advice on fuel, EVs, insurance, maintenance and more.
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Petrol vs. Diesel Cars
Petrol Advantages:
- Cheaper to purchase
- No Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) issues
- Smoother & quieter engines
- Generally lower maintenance costs
Diesel Advantages:
- Better fuel economy (MPG)
- Ideal for long motorway journeys
- Higher torque, good for towing
- Lower CO2 emissions
Guide to Electric & Hybrid Cars
Considering the switch from petrol or diesel? Here's a look at the pros and cons of electric and hybrid vehicles.
Advantages:
- Lower running costs (electricity vs fuel)
- Zero tailpipe emissions (for pure EVs)
- Exempt from ULEZ/Clean Air Zone charges
- Quiet and smooth to drive
- Government grants may be available
Disadvantages:
- Higher initial purchase price
- Range anxiety and reliance on chargers
- Charging can take a long time
- Battery production has environmental impact
How to Improve Fuel Economy
Get more miles from every litre with these simple tips:
- Check Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres increase drag. Check them monthly.
- Drive Smoothly: Avoid harsh braking and rapid acceleration. Anticipate the road ahead.
- Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary items from your boot or car.
- Limit Air-Con Use: Air conditioning uses engine power and increases fuel consumption.
- Remove Roof Racks: Take off roof racks and boxes when not in use to reduce wind resistance.
Tyres & Fuel Efficiency
Your choice of tyres can significantly impact your fuel consumption - by up to 6%. The EU tyre label rates fuel efficiency from A (most efficient) to E (least efficient), and choosing wisely could save you around £90 per year.
- Check Tyre Pressure Monthly: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- Choose Fuel-Efficient Tyres: Look for A or B rated tyres on the EU label when replacing.
- Seasonal Considerations: All-season tyres offer convenience, while dedicated summer/winter tyres provide optimal performance.
- Compare Prices: Tyre prices vary significantly between retailers - always compare before buying.
Find the Right Tyres
Use our tyre finder to compare prices from trusted UK retailers and find the best deal on quality tyres for your vehicle.
Compare Tyre Prices →Guide to Breakdown Cover
A breakdown can be stressful and costly without cover. Modern cars are reliable, but being prepared is essential.
Already Covered?
Before purchasing, check if your bank account, car manufacturer, or insurance policy already includes breakdown cover.
Types of Breakdown Cover
UK Breakdown Cover
The most common policy type, providing assistance anywhere in the UK. You can choose to cover a specific vehicle (and any driver) or a specific person (in any vehicle). Includes options for roadside assistance, national recovery, and help at home.
- Covers cars up to 16 years old.
- Unlimited call-outs during the policy term.
- Options for Homestart, Onward Journey, and overnight accommodation.
European Breakdown Cover
Essential for driving abroad. These policies provide multilingual claims handlers to assist you with roadside assistance and recovery to a local garage in most European countries.
- Annual policies cover vehicles up to 9 years old.
- Single trip policies cover vehicles up to 13 years old.
- Covers up to 60 days of travel per year (max 31 days per trip).
Van Breakdown Cover
Specialised cover for light commercial vehicles, crucial for professionals who rely on their van for work. Ensures you can get back on the road and minimise disruption to your customers.
- Covers vans up to 3500kg, 5.18m long, and 2.44m high.
- 24/7, 365-day helpline.
- Includes a message relay service to inform your clients of delays.
Motorcycle Breakdown Cover
Tailored assistance for motorcyclists, whether you're commuting or touring. Covers a wide range of issues from flat batteries to running out of fuel.
- Covers motorbikes with engines over 120cc.
- Assistance available anywhere in the UK and throughout Europe.
- Choose from different levels of cover, including Homestart.
Fleet & Commercial Breakdown Cover
Ideal for businesses running multiple vehicles. Provides cover for fleets of any size, consisting of cars, motorcycles, or light vans, ensuring your business operations keep moving.
- Covers fleets of any size (cars, bikes over 120cc, light vans).
- Vehicle size limits apply (under 3500kg, 5.18m length).
- Quick quotes based on a list of vehicle registrations.
Car Insurance Explained
Understanding car insurance can save you hundreds. Here are the key things to know:
- Types of Cover: Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Third Party Only.
- No Claims Bonus (NCB): A discount on your premium for each year you go without making a claim.
- Voluntary Excess: The amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess can lower your premium, but make sure it's affordable.
- Telematics (Black Box): Often used for young drivers, this tracks your driving to base premiums on your actual behaviour.
Travel Insurance
Single Trip Travel Insurance
Had to cancel your holiday? Lost your luggage? Suffered an accident abroad or fallen ill? A single trip policy can provide peace of mind for a specific holiday.
- Trip cancellation & curtailment cover
- 24/7 medical assistance
- £20,000,000 Emergency Medical expenses Cover
Annual Multi-Trip Travel Insurance
If you travel often, an annual policy can offer great value and convenience, covering you for multiple trips throughout the year.
- Up to £20,000,000 for emergency medical expenses
- Cover for lost or stolen baggage and personal money
- Personal Accident & Personal Liability cover
Business Travel Insurance
Specialised cover for when you are travelling for work, ensuring you and your business equipment are protected against unforeseen circumstances.
Get a Quote*Winter Sports and Ski Insurance
With medical costs escalating, it pays to ensure you have the right cover for your ski or snowboarding holiday.
- On and off-piste activities including heli-skiing
- Mountain search and rescue expenses
- Piste closure & cover for ski equipment
- Medical treatment and repatriation to the UK
Car Parts
High Quality Car Parts For A Wide Range Of Makes & Models - Offered At The Lowest Prices.
Car Audio Specialist
Car Audio Centre has been around for years, founded in 1988 in Nottingham and growing into the UK's biggest Car Audio Specialist. They have 3 stores nationwide and stock the biggest and best brands, with over 500 1st- and 2nd-place trophies for various sound systems.
Understanding Fuel Costs
The price you pay at the pumps is influenced by various factors:
- Global crude oil prices & exchange rates
- Distribution expenses & retailer profit margins
- Fuel duty (a fixed tax, currently 52.95p per litre) & VAT (20%)
Local competition is the main reason prices vary by location—areas with more supermarkets often have cheaper fuel.
Fuel Cards Explained
Fuel cards offer an efficient way for businesses to manage petrol and diesel expenses. They work like a credit card for fuel, providing itemised billing, potential discounts, and enhanced security for company vehicles.
Our detailed guide answers common questions about how they work, who can get one, and whether they are a worthwhile option for your business.
Read the Full Guide on Fuel CardsBasic Car Maintenance Checks
Regular checks can prevent breakdowns and costly repairs. Here's what to keep an eye on:
- Fluids: Regularly check your engine oil, coolant, and screenwash levels.
- Tyres: Check pressure and look for wear and tear. Ensure tread depth is above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
- Lights: Walk around your car and check that all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights) are working.
- Wipers: Check for any splits or damage to the rubber on your windscreen wipers.
MOT Guides
Ensure your vehicle passes its MOT with our detailed guides on common pitfalls and vehicle reliability.
Lost and Stolen Car Keys
Stolen Keys:
- Park your car away from your home
- Use a steering wheel lock
- Contact the police immediately
- Keep house and car keys separate
Lost Keys:
- Consider using a key tracker like Tile
- Check insurance policies for key replacement
- Get spare keys cut by reputable services
Other Driving Topics
Misfuelling
Put the wrong fuel in? Do NOT start the engine. Petrol in a diesel car is more damaging. You'll need to have the tank drained professionally.
E10 Petrol Explained
E10 is the standard unleaded petrol, containing up to 10% bioethanol. Most cars made after 2011 are compatible, but it may slightly reduce fuel economy.
Smart Motorways
These use technology to manage traffic flow. Always obey the overhead signs and never drive in a lane with a red "X".
Top 10 Car Essentials
- High-visibility jacket & warning triangle
- Torch with spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Water and non-perishable food
- Blanket for cold weather
- Physical road map (as a backup)
- Ice scraper and de-icer (in winter)
- Tyre pressure gauge
- Copy of insurance details
- Fully charged phone & power bank
Parking Space - Find and Book Parking in Seconds
YourParkingSpace connects drivers with over 350,000 privately owned and commercially operated parking spaces across the UK and Ireland. Book hourly, daily, or monthly – online or via their app. Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 103,000+ reviews.
Why Choose YourParkingSpace?
- Space Availability Guarantee – Your space is always ready
- Satisfaction Guarantee – Tried and trusted brand
- 350,000+ Parking Spaces – Airports, cities, stadiums, hospitals & more
- Book in Advance or On-Demand – Flexible booking options
- A Greener Way to Travel – 355 tons of CO2 saved, 54,000+ trees planted
Search from anywhere by app or web, book in advance or on-demand, and park with confidence. Over 75,000 hours saved by drivers finding a space through YourParkingSpace.
Find Out More*Airport, Port & City Parking
Pre-booking your car parking in advance can save you up to 60%. BCP has been an airport parking specialist since 1978, helping over a million customers a year find the right parking option.
Self Storage Units - Up to 50% Cheaper Storage!
Need storage space? easyStorage offers affordable, budget-friendly self storage units across more than 1,000 locations throughout the UK. Rated #1 storage company in the UK and Excellent on Trustpilot with 5,000+ reviews.
Why Choose easyStorage?
- Up to 50% Cheaper – Affordable, budget-friendly pricing
- Safe and Secure – Your belongings are protected
- 1,000+ UK Locations – Self storage units near you
- Best Price Promise – Save 10% with easyStorage
- Rated Excellent – 5,000+ Trustpilot reviews
Limited offer: Get 50% off for your first 8 weeks on selected storage units. Switch to easyStorage for FREE and save! Use their calculator to estimate the space you need.
Find Out More*Mattresses, Beds & Accessories
Mattress Online has delivered over one million mattresses in the past 20 years, helping customers find the perfect mattress for a truly restful night. They work with the best mattress and bed brands in the UK including Emma, Silentnight, Sealy, Hypnos, and more.
Why Choose Mattress Online?
- Up to 60% Off RRP – January Sale now on
- Free Delivery to most locations, next working day available
- Free 60-Night Comfort Trial – Test it, swap if you don't like it
- Old Mattress Disposal – They collect and recycle your old mattress
- Award Winners – Online Bed Retailer of the Year, 4 years running
- Top Brands – Emma, Silentnight, Sealy, Hypnos, Harrison Spinks & more
Shop mattresses, beds, and bedding in all sizes from Single to Superking. Whether you need pocket sprung, memory foam, or orthopaedic mattresses, Mattress Online has options to suit every budget and sleep need.
Find Out More*Home Energy & Protection
Solar Panels - Free Quote
Thinking about making the switch to solar? With Wickes Solar, you're investing in a fully managed service backed by expertise and reliability.
- Free consultation with personalised quote
- MCS certified installation team
- 25-year solar panel warranty
- 10-year battery & inverter warranty
- Flexible payment options available
Boiler Cover
Protect your home and family from the cold with specialist boiler and heating cover. Avoid unexpected, costly repair bills and enjoy peace of mind with a reliable, nationwide network of engineers.
Find Out More*Home Cover
Get complete protection for your entire home. Our comprehensive cover includes your boiler and heating, plus plumbing, electrics, pest control, and much more, ensuring your home runs smoothly.
Find Out More*Landlord Boiler Cover
Safeguard your rental properties and keep your tenants happy with our comprehensive landlord boiler cover. Ensure you meet your legal obligations and protect your investment from unexpected heating breakdowns.
Find Out More*Wireless Home CCTV Systems
ZOSI delivers high-quality HD security camera systems designed to help UK homeowners and businesses protect what matters most. With crisp, reliable video footage day and night, ZOSI gives you confidence and peace of mind wherever you are.
Why Choose ZOSI Security Systems?
- 4K PoE Systems – 24/7 protection, no monthly fees
- Easy DIY Installation – No expensive professional fitting required
- Remote Access from Anywhere – Monitor via app or web
- Two-Way Audio & Intelligent Alerts – Smart features built-in
- Multi-User Viewing – Share with family, no subscriptions
- Save Up To 57% – Systems from £279.99
Whether you want to deter intruders, keep an eye on deliveries, or monitor your premises remotely, ZOSI offers dependable, affordable security solutions that work straight out of the box. Choose from 4K PoE systems, analog systems with smart spotlight, or WiFi cameras.
Find Out More*Book a Free Kitchen Design Appointment
Book your no obligation design appointment today and get a FREE NEFF Slide & Hide oven worth £999 with your new Kutchenhaus kitchen. Trusted by homeowners nationwide and rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Limited-Time Offer - FREE NEFF Oven Worth £999
- Free Kitchen Design Appointment – No obligation
- Personalised Design Consultation with experts
- FREE NEFF Slide & Hide Oven worth £999 with qualifying orders
- Trusted by Homeowners Nationwide – Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
How it works: Book your free design appointment online, have a consultation with experts to design your perfect kitchen, then claim your free NEFF Slide & Hide oven when you order a qualifying kitchen.
Find Out More*Window Recycling Plan - Save Up To £2,500
Need new windows? The Window Recycling Plan helps homeowners save up to £2,500 off their window installation through a recycling scheme. Check to see if there are recycling scheme providers near you.
Why Choose The Window Recycling Plan?
- Save Up To £2,500 off your new windows and doors
- 95% of the UK Covered – Check your postcode area
- Local Vetted Contractors – Professional installation
- Eco-Friendly – Over 670,000 windows saved from landfill
- 235,000+ Homeowners Helped
You choose your window style, colour and material without restriction. A vetted provider will contact you within 24 hours to qualify your property and confirm your recycling discount value. To qualify, you ideally need to be a homeowner and employed, self-employed or retired.
Find Out More*Housing Disrepair Claims
Are you in a Housing Association or a Council tenant with housing problems? Are they refusing to make repairs? If so, you might be eligible for £1,000s in compensation.
You Could Claim Compensation For:
- Flooding and water leaks
- Defects to the structure of your property
- Rodent and pest infestation
- Damp or mould issues
- Boilers and electrics
- Problems with the roof, windows, gutters and drains
Areas you can potentially claim for include compensation for living in a property with disrepair, personal property that has been damaged due to disrepair, and injury to your health caused by the disrepair.
Find Out More*Car Finance Claims Check
Did you have car finance between 2007 and 2021? You could be owed money if you were mis-sold PCP, HP, or other car finance agreements.
Average Claim: £1,846.23*
- Free 2-Minute Eligibility Check
- No Upfront Fees - You Only Pay If You Win
- Specialists in PCP Mis-Selling Cases
- 100% Online – No Paperwork or Calls Required
*Average redress achieved by our partner law firm, HD Law, as of July 2025. You can claim for free directly to your lender or to the FOS without using a claims management company.
Diesel Claim Check - You Could Claim £1,000's
Did you own or lease a diesel vehicle between 2009 and 2022? You could be entitled to compensation due to higher fuel costs, higher repair costs, and more.
Claim £1,000's For Each Affected Vehicle
- Check Any Vehicle – Just enter your registration and we'll find your vehicle
- 100% No Win, No Fee – No hidden charges
- Quick Online Decision – Check your vehicle in under 30 seconds
- Over 500,000 Drivers have already joined the fight
The claim relates to emissions and defective parts in vehicles. Several leading vehicle manufacturers have been accused of fitting 'defeat devices' to cheat EU and UK emissions laws, and some manufacturers' DPF filters have been accused of being defective and unfit for purpose, leading to high repair costs.
Find Out More*Public Place Injury Claims
Have you been injured in a public place? Whether it's a supermarket, restaurant, gym, hotel, or on public transport – you may be entitled to compensation.
You Could Claim £1,000s in Compensation
- Life changing injuries
- Fractures & broken bones
- Specialist solicitors have won £millions
- FCA regulated claims management
Serious Injury Consultants is a claims management company regulated by the FCA (836324).
Flight Delay Compensation
Was your flight delayed, cancelled, or were you denied boarding? You could be entitled to compensation under EU or UK regulations.
Claim Up To €600 / £520 Per Passenger
- Quick eligibility check
- No obligation to proceed
- Works for past flights (up to 3 years)
- Secure & confidential
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