What Car? advice

Our advice section has the answers to your motoring questions, whether you're buying, selling, or just looking to reduce your motoring bills. And you can even contact us for help with car-related problems

The most common MOT failure reasons - and how you can avoid them

More than a quarter of all cars tested initially fail their MOT every year. We share the most common..

Jack Mortimer, Fri May 26 2017

Van and pick-up tax - VED and BIK tax rates explained

The amount of tax you pay on your van or pick-up depends on the type of vehicle and how you use it..

Andrew Goodwin, Wed Feb 14 2024

How to choose the best car insurance

Car insurance is not only a legal requirement, its a safety net to ensure you're properly recompense..

Jack Mortimer, Thu Jan 19 2017

How to choose the best breakdown cover

There’s a wide range of breakdown cover types and optional extras available. Find out which policy w..

Jack Mortimer, Fri Nov 20 2015

Should I buy a new, nearly new or used car?

Knowing what type of car to buy can be a difficult decision. We share the three main options to see..

Jack Mortimer, Fri Jan 05 2018

Can I buy a car with cash?

With nearly four in five drivers financing their new car, we assess the possibilities and pitfalls o..

Jack Mortimer, Fri Jul 04 2025

How to buy a used car: tips for buying second-hand cars

While there are millions of used cars sold every year, buying one can still be a risk. We share the..

Jack Mortimer, Sun Jul 06 2025

How to sell a car: the complete guide

Whether you’re upgrading your car for a newer model or simply getting rid of it for cash, we share h..

Jack Mortimer, Tue Apr 09 2024

The fastest charging electric cars in the UK

These are the official maximum charging speeds in kW of all the electric cars available in the UK, r..

James Tute, Tue Oct 01 2024

What is GAP insurance and how much should you pay for it?

GAP insurance helps drivers get the full retail price for their car if it is stolen or written off..

Jack Mortimer, Mon Jan 29 2024

A guide to short-term car insurance

If you’re borrowing, sharing or thinking of buying a vehicle, temporary forms of car insurance may h..

Jack Mortimer, Thu Jan 19 2017

How to check your car's tyres: pressures and tread depth explained

It’s vital that you check your tyres regularly to ensure you stay safe, legal and maximise your car’..

Jack Mortimer, Thu Dec 19 2024

Which is the best breakdown service in 2025?

Is it worth taking out breakdown cover, and which are the best providers? Here’s our guide to the te..

Claire Evans, Wed Dec 25 2024

Most common car scams and how to avoid them

Scams are on the rise, with UK motorists conned out of millions of pounds every year. We look at the..

Jack Mortimer, Wed Jan 08 2025

Ending a car leasing agreement early

Knowing whether to end a car lease contract early can be a difficult and sometimes expensive decisio..

Jack Mortimer, Fri Nov 18 2022

PCP or HP: should I still consider HP?

Spreading the cost can help to bring a desirable car within reach. We take a look at the pros and co..

Jack Mortimer, Tue Dec 24 2024

How to test drive a car

Test drives offer a good opportunity to decide whether a potential purchase is the right car for you..

Jack Mortimer, Mon Nov 16 2015

What is Apple CarPlay and CarPlay Ultra?

We explain what Apple CarPlay is, the features it offers, what has been added in CarPlay Ultra – and..

Jack Mortimer, Tue Jul 30 2024

How much is your car worth?

Whether you're looking for a trade-in or are just keen to sell your existing car for cash, it's vita..

Jack Mortimer, Wed Nov 30 2016

Car recalls: what are they and what to do if your car is recalled

The number of car manufacturers recalling their models has risen in recent years, but should you be..

Jack Mortimer, Tue Feb 18 2020