The date for an MOT test is one of the most popular car-related questions on Google. That’s according to a study of monthly searches via the dominant search engine.
MOT queries account for around 70,000 monthly searches, with ‘when is my MOT due’ the most popular search term.
Google might not always know the answer, but the chances are it can direct you to a website that does. Here, we reveal the top 10 car questions in internet searches – and attempt to provide the answers.
When is my MOT due?
This one is easy, because you can check the MOT status of any vehicle online. Simply head to the government website, type in the car’s registration number, and it will tell you when the MOT test is due.
It will also provide details of the car’s MOT history dating back to 2006, including any advisories and the reasons for a failed test. Useful if you’re checking out a used car for sale.
How much is my car worth?
There are numerous online car valuation tools. Many websites require some personal details before they reveal the valuation. Others, such as the Parkers valuation tool, provide a basic price without requiring your email address.
Don’t be afraid of doing a little legwork yourself. Use the classified adverts on Auto Trader to see how much similar cars are selling for. Remember, prices at dealers will be higher than from private sellers. Don’t forget to adjust the price depending on the car’s mileage, condition and age.
Another trick is to use the advanced search tools on eBay Motors. It’s possible to view the prices the cars actually sold for, which is especially useful if you own a rare or classic vehicle.
How much is my car tax?
Car tax – or Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) – is rather complicated. Indeed, you’d be forgiven for taking one look at the government’s tax calculator and giving up.
As a guide, for cars registered before 1 March 2001, the rate of vehicle tax depends on engine size. For cars registered on or after 1 March 2001, the rate depends on CO2 emissions and fuel type.
How to jump start a car
How many of these internet searches were conducted on a smartphone, next to a car with the bonnet up? In truth, it’s better to arm yourself with the facts before the worst happens, as there are many things to consider. Can you jump start an automatic car, for instance? And can you jump start an electric car?
We’d start by looking at this comprehensive guide provided by Which?.
What oil for my car?
There are many online engine oil finders. One of our favourites is the tool on the Opie Oils website.
Alternatively, you should consult your vehicle handbook. If in doubt, ask the supplying dealer or contact the vehicle manufacturer.
Topping up between services is perfectly normal on older vehicles, but if your car is suffering from excessive oil consumption, it’s probably worth getting it checked out.
Who can fix my car?
A mechanic. There, that wasn’t difficult, was it?
Turn to Google for an answer and the top result will be a mechanic comparison website with a very similar name. Check out the reviews before using the site. Alternatively, contact your local independent garage for advice. Quality garages need our support. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.
When is my car tax due?
As with MOTs, you can check to see if a vehicle is taxed by using the government website. You just need the registration number. Again, this can be very useful if buying used.
The website will also tell if you if the vehicle has been declared off-the-road (SORN).
What is my car worth?
This was another top 10 question in Google searches, but it’s also very similar to ‘How much is my car worth?’. So we’ll refer you to the previous information here.
What does SUV stand for?
‘SUV’ stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. There, easy. We won’t go down the avenue of when an SUV becomes a crossover, but we will refer you to our guide to the different car types.
How much to tax my car?
Again, see above. As this research by CompareTheMarket research shows, some of the more obscure car questions are the most revealing. ‘What does BMW stand for?’ If you’re a Brentford FC fan, the answer is ‘Benrahma, Mbeumo and Watkins’.
‘What is the fastest car in the world?’ A Vauxhall Astramax van, obviously. ‘What car should I buy?’ Having dished out far too much advice to family and friends, we’d recommend the car you like best. Just buy the car you want.
Visit the Motoring Research advice section for more answers to your car-related questions.
ALSO READ:
How to protect your car from catalytic converter theft