Car Maintenance Articles & MOT Guides

MOT guides (9)

When does your MOT expire? A plain-English UK guide

Find out when your MOT expires, how to check the exact date, the 1-month early rule, and what happens if you miss it. UK 2026 guide with fines and fixes.

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When is the MOT due on a new car in the UK?

Your new car's first MOT is due three years from its registration date in Great Britain. Here's how to check the exact day and avoid a £1,000 fine.

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What is an MOT in the UK? Cost, Checks, Duration Explained

Everything UK drivers need to know about the MOT test — what it is, how much it costs (£54.85 cap), how long it takes, what gets checked, and when your car needs one.

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How to Prepare for an MOT — Full Pre-Test Checklist

The complete UK MOT preparation checklist — pre-test checks you can do at home, common easy fixes, and money-saving booking tips. Give your car the best chance of passing first time.

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What Happens If My Car Fails Its MOT? UK Retest & Driving Rules

What to do when your car fails its MOT in the UK — the 10-day free retest window, whether you can drive, Minor/Major/Dangerous fault rules, common failures, and how to appeal.

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How to Find a Trusted MOT Centre Near You

What an MOT actually covers, how to find a reputable test centre near you, and how Fixaroo makes it easy to book with confidence.

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Servicing & costs (11)

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Car servicing prices in 2026: what UK drivers actually pay

Real UK car servicing prices for 2026: interim, full and major service costs, dealer vs independent rates, and how to avoid paying over the odds.

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Do Halfords service cars? What you actually get for your money

Yes, Halfords service cars at over 600 UK autocentres. Full service from £239.99, plus interim, major, EV and manufacturer options. Here's the honest breakdown.

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Where should I get my car serviced? A UK driver's guide

Main dealer, independent garage or fast-fit chain? Compare UK car servicing options, costs and warranty rules so you can pick the right one with confidence.

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Is car servicing worth it? An honest UK cost breakdown for 2026

A full service averages £170 to £395 in the UK. We weigh up cost, resale value and breakdown risk to show whether car servicing is actually worth paying for.

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How Long Does a Car Service Take in the UK?

An interim service takes 1–2 hours; a full service up to 3 hours. Find out what affects the timing and whether you need to leave your car or can wait at the garage.

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How Much Does a Car Service Cost in the UK in 2025?

Full service vs interim vs major — what's included, average UK costs in 2025, and how to avoid overpaying.

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Car repairs (6)

Car repair quotes: how to get a fair price in the UK

UK car repair quotes explained for 2026: average prices, hourly labour rates, what to ask your garage, and how to compare estimates without getting stung.

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Common reasons your glow plug warning light might illuminate & how to fix it

Understand why your glow plug warning light (aka coil light) is on and how to fix it in this guide. A glow plug light relates to diesel cars only.

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How to fix an OBD P0455 fault code: Evaporative Emissions Control (EVAP) System Leak

If your car is showing an OBD code P0455, here's what it means, common causes, and how to fix it - so you can get your car back on the road!

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What does the brake system warning light mean & how to fix it

If your brake system warning light is on, this article will explain everything you need to know about what is means and how to fix it.

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Why does my car judder when I brake? Here's how to fix car brake juddering

Discover the reasons behind car brake juddering with these insights from car experts. Learn about worn brake pads, warped brake discs, and uneven brake wear.

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Central Locking Not Working? How to Fix It When It Stops Working

If your central locking system is not working, this article can help you discover the issue and find central locking repairs near you.

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Tyres (3)

What tyres do I need? A UK driver's guide to picking the right set

Not sure what tyres your car needs? Decode sidewall codes, find sizes by reg, and pick the right type for UK roads, with prices and 2026 law explained.

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Tyre Tread Depth UK Law: Minimum Legal Limit & Fines

UK law requires a minimum 1.6mm tyre tread depth. Drive below it and you face a £2,500 fine and 3 penalty points per tyre. Here's how to check yours.

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What Size is My Tyre? The Ultimate Guide on How to Read Tyre Sizes

If you're wondering "what is my tyre size?" there's a way to read it on your current tyres. Learn how to read tyre sizes with this simple guide.

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EV servicing (3)

Do electric cars need servicing? The honest UK answer for 2026

Yes, EVs still need servicing. Here's what UK garages check, how often, and what you'll pay in 2026, with average costs around £140.

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How much does an electric car service cost in the UK?

Expect to pay £100 to £250 for an EV service in the UK in 2026, with averages near £140. Here's what you'll actually pay and why.

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Your Complete Guide to EV Servicing (UK)

Electric vehicles need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, but they're not maintenance-free. Here's what an EV service covers, what it costs, and how to find a qualified EV specialist.

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More guides (72)

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London traffic congestion charge: what it costs you in 2026

The London Congestion Charge is now £18 a day from 2 January 2026. Here's what drivers, EV owners and businesses need to know to avoid a £160 PCN.

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When's my MOT due? How to check your expiry date in 60 seconds

Forgotten when your MOT runs out? Use the free DVSA reg check, set reminders, and avoid the £1,000 fine. UK guide for 2026 with rules, tips and timings.

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