Running Costs
Full service or interim service: what your car actually needs
Find out what an interim and full service include, how to choose between them, what each costs in 2026, and when to skip or add one
Independent UK car advice
Cars, costs and the things nobody explains.
Plain-English guides on running, buying, charging and keeping a car legal. Written for people who love driving, and would rather not overpay for it.
Selling your car privately in the UK: paperwork, payments and scams to avoid
Just inSelling your car privately in the UK: paperwork, payments and scams to avoidFull service or interim service: what your car actually needsPublic charging costs explained: slow, fast and ultra-rapid, and how to pay lessUsed electric car buying checklist: battery health, history and the questions to ask
11 articles
Buying and SellingTest drives, used cars and imports
8 articles
Electric and HybridCharging, costs and new arrivals
6 articles
MOT and the LawAdvisories, rules and recalls
4 articles
Running CostsFuel, charging, tax and servicing
3 articles
Road Trips and Days OutPreparation, packing and days outLatest articles
All articles
Electric and Hybrid
Public charging costs explained: slow, fast and ultra-rapid, and how to pay less
UK public EV charging costs range from 54p to 92p/kWh in 2026. Here is how to avoid the highest rates and cut your bills
Electric and Hybrid
Used electric car buying checklist: battery health, history and the questions to ask
A practical step-by-step checklist for buying a used EV in the UK: battery health, charging history, warranty transfer, home charger compatibility and pric
Running Costs
Cheap, mid-range or premium tyres: what the cost per mile really looks like
Budget, mid-range or premium tyres? Motor Mike breaks down the real cost per mile, braking distance evidence and when it pays to spend more
PCP, hire purchase or paying cash: how to compare the real cost
Compare PCP, hire purchase and cash for buying a car in the UK. Real worked examples, total costs, balloon payments and what happens at the end
MOT and the Law
How to appeal a parking charge or penalty notice, and when it is worth it
A plain-English guide to the appeal process for council penalty charge notices and private parking charges, with time limits and evidence tips
Electric and Hybrid
Hybrid or plug-in hybrid: which suits short commutes and which does not
A plain-English guide to self-charging hybrids and plug-in hybrids, including real-world fuel costs and which type suits your daily drive
MOT and the Law
Failed your MOT? What happens next and when you can still drive away
Dangerous, major and minor MOT failures explained: when you can drive, the 10 working day retest rule, fines and what happens to your insurance
MOT and the Law
Driving test rule changes in 2026: what learners and parents need to know
Three DVSA rule changes from spring 2026 affect how learners in England, Scotland and Wales book, change and cancel their practical driving test