Geely EX5 arrives in the UK with big savings

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October 25, 2025

A package of deals makes the new Geely EX5 seem striking value alongside established rivals such as the Skoda Enayq

Geely Auto has arrived in the UK with a headline-grabbing package of deals for its first car: the Geely EX5 electric SUV.

Priced from £31,990, the launch package includes a Geely EV Grant, a subsidised home wall box charger and even a £1,000 scrappage incentive for those trading in an old petrol or diesel car.

The Geely electric vehicle grant is available on all three versions of the Geely EX5, the SE, Pro and Max.

The Geely EV Grant reduces the price of a top-spec Max model to £32,240 – just £250 more than the standard price of the base-spec Geely EX5 SE.

Geely EV Grant

Model	Price	Geely EV Grant	Post-grant price
Geely EX5 SE	£31,990	£2,300	£29,690
Geely EX5 Pro	£33,990	£3,200	£30,790
Geely EX5 Max	£36,990	£3,750	£32,240

Tempting finance deals will be available from launch too, including a four-year PCP with 10 percent deposit and an APR of 3.9 percent.

With a £3,500 deposit, the Geely EX5 SE is available for £339 a month – and the top-spec Max is only £50 a month more, at £389 a month. All new Geely vehicles come with an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty.

The Geely EX5 is a Skoda Enyaq-sized electric SUV with a 267-mile range and enough power to deliver a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds.

Motoring Research will be driving the new Geely EV5 for the first time in the UK soon.

At the Geely London launch

The Geely brand launched in London this week at a headline event held on the Greenwich peninsula. Many Geely executives were in attendance, including vice president of Geely Auto International, Moe Wang.

Geely is the international conglomerate that also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, along with the LEVC London taxi firm.

General manager at Geely UK, Michael Yang, said the brand already has 25 car dealers open and ready to take orders, with 25 more set to open by the end of the year.

Geely will have 100 UK dealers in operation by the end of 2026. Within three years, it has an ambition to be selling 100,000 cars in the UK.

This would potentially make the Geely brand as big as Ford in the UK market.

“Geely Auto is here to stay,” said Michael Yang. “We are not just launching a car, but a new benchmark in value.”

While the Geely EX5 is the launch vehicle, it will be followed in quick succession by many more models, both EVs and petrol-powered hybrids.

Geely plans to introduce 10 new cars in the UK within the next three years.

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Prices announced for new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC electric SUV

By

John Redfern

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October 25, 2025

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All launch versions of the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic have a battery range of up to 406 miles

The new electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting from £60,350.

Revealed earlier this year at the Munich Motor Show, the battery-electric GLC shares nothing but a name with its combustion-powered relative.

While the regular GLC has become one of the world’s best-selling Mercedes-Benz models, the now-discontinued EQC EV failed to achieve the same level of success.

Mercedes-Benz has higher expectations for its newly rebranded ‘GLC with EQ Technology’, which is the first in a new family of vehicles from the German marque.

Air suspension adjusted via the cloud

At launch, the GLC will come solely in 400 4Matic specification, with four-wheel drive via an electric motor on each axle. With a combined output of 489hp, the GLC 400 4Matic can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130mph.

The 94kWh battery offers an official range of up to 406 miles, making for a vast improvement over the old EQC. It is also compatible with charging speeds of up to 330kW.

Air suspension is available on the options list as part of the Refinement Package, which also includes rear-wheel steering.

Cloud-based Car-to-X communication allows the air suspension to learn from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, then to automatically adjust the car’s damping based on feedback. Drivers can also lower and raise the ride height using voice commands.

First deliveries due in 2026

Mercedes-Benz will offer five trim levels in the UK, starting with Sport and progressing through AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition.

All cars come with noise-insulating glass, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, parking assistance and a reversing camera.

Higher-spec models gain flush-fitting door handles, a Burmester 3D sound system and seats with a massage function. The gigantic 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment display is standard on AMG Line Premium models upwards.

Orders for the new GLC can be placed with dealerships now, or online via the Mercedes-Benz website.

The first deliveries of completed cars to UK customers are expected in the middle of 2026.

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New Toyota bZ4X prices now start from under £40k

By

John Redfern

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October 23, 2025

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UK prices for the Toyota bZ4X will begin from £39,995, with first deliveries due in January 2026

Toyota has confirmed UK prices and specifications for the updated 2026 bZ4X electric SUV.

First launched in 2022, the bZ4X was the first fully electric car sold by the Japanese marque.

From the outset, questions were asked about the bZ4X’s battery range, including by Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock.

However, revisions for the 2026 model should extend the bZ4X’s previously disappointing range, and provide a host of other improvements.

Longer range for top bZ4X

The updated Toyota bZ4X will be available with a choice of two batteries, allowing customers to choose between 57.7kWh and 73.1kWh capacities.

Front-wheel drive will remain standard across all three trim levels of the SUV, but the range-topping Excel is also offered with all-wheel drive.

Opting for the larger battery pack means the bZ4X is capable of 352 miles when fully charged. This makes for a noticeable improvement over the 317-mile maximum range of the current model.

Excel versions also come with a 22kW built-in AC charger, helping to reduce charging times. A battery pre-conditioning function is included on all models, too.

Order from November 2025

The bZ4X range opens with the £39,995 Icon, which is only available with the smaller 57.7kWh battery. Standard equipment now includes two wireless smartphone chargers, a larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, ambient cabin lighting and piano black trim for the wheelarches.

Design specification adds the larger 73.1kWh battery, a 360-degree surround-view camera, puddle lights and an integrated windscreen de-icer. It costs from £45,795.

Top-spec Excel starts at £48,995, with 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a digital rear-view mirror and synthetic leather upholstery all included.

Orders for the revised Toyota bZ4X can be placed from 3 November 2025. Deliveries of the first cars are expected in January 2026.

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How to use the emergency refuge areas on smart motorways

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Motoring Research team

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October 23, 2025

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Emergency refuge areas provide a safe haven for stranded vehicles on a smart motorway. Located on stretches of UK motorways where there is no hard shoulder – or where the hard shoulder is sometimes opened as a live lane – emergency refuge areas look similar to a layby.

They are usually signposted and highlighted with bright orange tarmac (see the photo above). Emergency refuge areas are only meant to be used in an emergency, such as a puncture or breakdown.

A survey of 2,000 drivers by the RAC found only 1.5 percent had ever used an emergency refuge area. However, looking out for them could prevent an accident if your car develops a problem on the motorway and you need to stop.

Make contact you re-join the motorway

Do you know how to use emergency refuge areas on smart motorways?

If the hard shoulder is operating as a running lane, you should contact Highways England before leaving the refuge area to rejoin the motorway.

Didn’t know this? You’re not alone: just one respondent in the RAC’s survey did. “It is essential that motorists understand how and when to use an emergency refuge area so they do not put their own safety and that of other road users at risk,” said the RAC’s former chief engineer, David Bizley.

“Vehicles should pull up to the indicated mark on the tarmac or the emergency telephone and then the occupants should leave the vehicle from the passenger side. Everyone should stand behind the barriers and should use the emergency roadside telephone provided to speak to a Highways England representative.”

What is a smart motorway?

A busy highway with heavy traffic, multiple vehicles, and a congestion warning sign. Overhead gantries display speed limits. Trees line the background.

There are 375 miles of smart motorway across the UK, including the M25 and sections of the M6 and M1.

Traffic flow is controlled using variable speed limits displayed in red circles on the overhead gantries. Cameras monitor the motorways and lanes can be closed remotely if required – if a vehicle breaks down, for example.

Emergency refuge areas are located on smart motorways and should be positioned every 1.5 miles, with an emergency roadside phone available to request assistance.

Smart motorways allow the hard shoulder to be opened as a live lane during busy periods to ease congestion. However, after a number of fatalities, expansion of the UK’s smart motorway network was halted in 2022. Then-prime minister Rishi Sunak cited a lack of public confidence in smart motorways as one reason for his decision.

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Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary celebrates 100 years of luxury

By

John Redfern

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October 23, 2025

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Just 25 examples of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection will be made, featuring a Spirit of Ecstasy formed from solid gold

To mark the 100th anniversary of the Phantom, Rolls-Royce has revealed a very special version of its flagship luxury car.

The Phantom Centenary Private Collection will be limited to just 25 examples, and features astounding levels of craftsmanship both inside and out.

Designers and engineers from Rolls-Royce describe the Centenary Private Collection as their “magnum opus”, which captures 77 key moments from the Phantom’s 100-year history.

The crowning glory is a Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot made from 18-carat solid gold, and based on an original casting from 1925.

Spirit of Hollywood for Phantom Centenary

Rolls Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection

Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division took inspiration from the golden age of Hollywood to create the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.

Super Champagne Crystal over Arctic White two-tone paint covers the sides of the car, with the upper body in Super Champagne Crystal over Black.

The new finish uses a high proportion of iridescent glass particles in the paint’s clear coat, creating a deep and lustrous finish.

Gold beneath the bonnet

Along with the hallmarked gold Spirit of Ecstasy, the Rolls-Royce badges on the sides and rear of the Phantom are made from 24-carat gold.

Even the engine cover for the 6.75-litre V12 hasn’t escaped attention, being finished in Alpine White with more 24-carat gold detailing.

Each of the Phantom’s disc wheels is engraved with 25 lines, in honour of the limited number of cars being made. Combining all four wheels together adds up to 100 lines for a centenary celebration.

Laser-etched art and intricate woodwork

The inside of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection is even more elaborate, with the front seats featuring laser-etched artwork based on original hand drawings.

Among these are nods to Phantom history, including a seagull to represent the codename for the original Phantom I prototype.

Stained Blackwood trim is used throughout the cabin. Rolls-Royce says that the Private Collection has the most elaborate woodwork ever created in its history.

Surrounding throughout the woodworking compositions of famous Phantom journeys are 3D multi-directional marquetry, laser etching, 3D ink layering and 24-carat gold leaf.

History among the stars

The high-resolution printed fabric used for the rear seats required 12 months of work with a fashion atelier to design, plus no less than 160,000 stitches.

A fibre-optic Starlight Headliner captures even more moments from Phantom history, using more than 440,000 individual stitches.

It initially creates images of the mulberry tree under which Henry Royce was photographed in his garden at West Wittering. This develops to show the distinctive square-crowned trees outside the Goodwood factory, along with honey bees from Rolls-Royce’s own apiary.

A stunning car-based composition

Further details include gold dust in the Piano Black veneer for the centre console, plus a dashboard ‘gallery’ with 50 aluminium fins arranged like the pages of a book. It all makes for a truly remarkable way to mark 100 years of the Phantom.

Phil Fabre de la Grange, head of Bespoke at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Phantom Centenary is the most intricate and technologically ambitious Private Collection ever undertaken by the designers, engineers, production specialists and craftspeople of our Bespoke Collective.

“Developed over three years and more than 40,000 hours of collaborative effort, this project uses new techniques to blend metal, wood, paint, fabric, leather and embroidery into a single, stunning composition.”

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Yangwang U9 Xtreme sets another EV lap record at the Nurburgring

By

John Redfern

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October 22, 2025

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The all-electric Yangwang U9 Xtreme has 3,000hp, allowing it to become the fastest EV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife

The Yangwang U9 Xtreme was already the fastest production car on the planet. Now it has now broken the Nurburgring lap record for electric cars.

Earlier this year, the U9 Xtreme reached an official top speed of 308.4mph, setting a new benchmark for EVs.

Yangwang’s engineering team has been paying regular visits to Germany’s fearsome Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit during the past year.

This testing time helped the U9 Xtreme to achieve a lap time of 6min 59.157sec – five seconds quicker than the previous EV record-holder.

Breaking records at the ‘Green Hell’

Developed from the Yangwang U9 electric sports car, the track-focused Xtreme features four electric motors, each one capable of spinning at up to 30,000rpm.

Total power output is a mighty 3,000hp. The U9 Extreme also makes a world-first use of mass-produced 1,200V battery technology.

Standard specification on the Xtreme includes a titanium-alloy carbon-ceramic braking system, along with Yangwang’s trick DiSus-X suspension.

Specially developed GitiSport e-GTR Pro semi-slick tyres were used for the record run, helping control the Yangwang on the 154 corners that make up the ‘Green Hell’.

Pushing the limits of performance

German racing driver Moritz Kranz was behind the wheel for the record run. He said: “The Nurburgring Nordschleife is the most demanding track, and our lap time is a testament to the development skills of BYD and Yangwang.”

The record gives another boost to the Yangwang brand, which is a new, upmarket division of the globally successful BYD Auto company.

BYD executive vice president Stella Li said: “We are dedicated to pushing the limits of what can be achieved through technology, and the Nurburgring is such a legendary challenge for cars and drivers that it is only natural for our engineers to pursue their dreams there. I congratulate the entire team on this phenomenal achievement.

“The limited-edition U9 Xtreme has proven that it is not only the world’s fastest car in a straight line, but also a vehicle with the performance and dynamic qualities necessary to break lap records on a circuit with a wide variety of corners.”

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These are the UK’s most reliable older used cars

By

John Redfern

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October 22, 2025

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Warrantywise has analysed which cars aged between 8 and 12 years old have the best reliability score

Cars on UK roads are getting older, with the average vehicle now nearly 10 years old.

Across Britain’s total car parc, the average age is now nine years and 10 months, compared to seven years and four months in 2015.

The coronavirus pandemic, the increased cost of living and higher prices for new vehicles have all likely contributed to owners keeping their cars for longer.

Having more older cars on the road also demonstrates that reliability has improved, allowing these models to remain in service.

Japanese marques come out top

Aftermarket warranty provider Warrantywise has used its Reliability Index to rank older cars. The company analysed data covering vehicles aged between eight and 12 years old to find the used cars that can be relied upon.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Japanese marques topped the chart, claiming six of the top 10 positions in Warrantywise’s table.

In first place was the Toyota Yaris, with a Reliability Index score of 93.6 out of 100. Repair costs for the supermini typically averaged £651.

Just behind in second place was the Honda Civic, scoring 93.0 out of 100. It was followed by the Honda CR-V, with a Reliability Index of 89.0.

Seat Ibiza is best European car

Next in the Reliability Index ranking was the Suzuki Swift, with the top six rounded-out by the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Aygo.

Notably, the Mitsubishi Outlander (often sold with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain), recorded the highest repair request made to Warrantywise. Although it had an averaged maintenance cost of £1,201, one example required £9,531 to be spent.

In seventh place, the Seat Ibiza was the top-ranked European car, scoring 81.5 out of 100.

The Spanish-made supermini had typical repair costs of £758, although Warrantywise’s data did highlight a top warranty claim of £3,876.

Wild variations in repair costs

Commenting on the Reliability Index findings, Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, said: “With cars on the road for longer than ever before, our data reveals some surprising insights about which models truly deliver long-term value.

“While Toyota and Honda continue to dominate for reliability, what’s particularly striking is how repair costs can vary dramatically even among dependable vehicles. This transparency is crucial as drivers navigate an increasingly complex used car market.”

The most reliable 8-12-year-old cars

Toyota Yaris: 93.6 / 100
Honda Civic: 93.0
Honda CR-V: 89.0
Suzuki Swift: 86.5
Mitsubishi Outlander: 85.9
Toyota Aygo: 85.5
Seat Ibiza: 81.5
Ford Mondeo: 80.9
Renault Clio: 80.3
Ford Ka: 79.6
Citroen C1: 79.6
Mini Hatchback: 79.6

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EV bargain: new Vauxhall Grandland Electric AWD prices

By

John Redfern

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October 22, 2025

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Prices for the Vauxhall Grandland Electric AWD begin from £35,495, including the Electric Car Grant discount

Vauxhall has confirmed prices and UK specifications for the new Grandland Electric SUV.

The Grandland is the first electric Vauxhall with all-wheel drive, introducing extra power and performance to the family SUV.

Vauxhall has also added bespoke exterior styling for the Grandland Electric AWD, along with a host of handling upgrades and new drive modes.

Offered in GS and Ultimate trim levels, the most powerful Grandland Electric comes with a generous level of standard equipment.

More performance for Grandland Electric AWD

The Grandland Electric AWD features a 213hp motor driving the front axle, matched with a 112hp motor at the rear. This makes for a combined output of 325hp.

Deploying all this power at once, the electrified SUV can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. Peak torque is 375lb ft, with a new AWD mode to aid traction on slippery surfaces.

A 73kWh battery pack offers an official range of 311 miles. Charging from 20 to 80 percent takes 26 minutes with a suitable rapid charger.

‘Frequency Selective Damping’ makes its debut on the Vauxhall Grandland, along with sportier tuning for the steering and anti-roll bars.

Electric Car Grant reduces price

The Grandland Electric AWD gains special aerodynamic inserts for its front and rear bumpers, plus 20-inch two-tone aero wheels. This makes it the most aerodynamic model in the Grandland range.

GS specification cars come with a 16-inch central infotainment screen with satellite navigation, plus wireless smartphone charging and a power-operated tailgate.

The Ultimate model adds a heated windscreen, heated front seats, Intelli-Lux HD headlights and a Focal premium sound system.

Prices for the Grandland Electric AWD start at £35,495 in GS trim, with the range-topping Ultimate model requiring £36,995. Both prices include a £1,510 discount from the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant scheme.

The Grandland Electric AWD is available with Vauxhall’s ‘All In’ package, which includes charging credit and eight years of breakdown cover.

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New 2025 Porsche Macan GTS joins electric SUV range

By

John Redfern

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October 21, 2025

0

The Porsche Macan Electric GTS has a 571hp powertrain, and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds

Porsche has added a new GTS model to the Macan Electric SUV range – available to order now.

The famed GTS badge has been used by Porsche since the classic 904 Carrera of 1963. In recent years, it has been applied to everything from the 911 sports car to the Cayenne SUV.

The new Macan Electric GTS will slot into the upper end of the model hierarchy, positioned between the existing 4S and flagship Turbo.

With up to 571hp, plus a host of special features, Porsche says its new SUV will deliver a ‘particularly sporty and driver-focused’ experience.

Peak performance for Macan GTS

For the new electric GTS, Porsche has carried over the high-performance rear axle used on the Macan Turbo.

This gives the all-wheel-drive GTS 516hp in normal driving. However, a special overboost function when using Launch Control increases peak output to 571hp. Torque is equally mighty, with 704lb ft on offer.

The Macan Electric GTS can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, with 0-124mph taking 13.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

Porsche has lowered the standard SUV’s air suspension by 10mm, and added model-specific dampers and anti-roll bars for the GTS. An electronically controlled rear differential lock helps to boost cornering agility.

Trademark Porsche GTS design

To help the Macan Electric GTS stand out, Porsche has added gloss black details to its exterior, including tinted Matrix LED headlights.

Tinted tail lights are also fitted, along with 21-inch alloy wheels in Anthracite Grey. Larger 22-inch RS Spyder rims, also in Anthracite Grey, are available on the options list.

Porsche’s trademark GTS Carmine Red paint colour is one of the 15 standard hues on offer. Sixty additional hues are possible through the Paint to Sample programme.

For the first time on the Macan Electric, an optional GTS Interior Package allows the cabin to be coordinated with the exterior. Tick the box for Carmine Red, Slate Grey Neo or Lugano Blue and you can have an interior to match.

Available to order in the UK now

The Sport Chrono Package is standard on the Macan Electric GTS, with a special Track mode included. This increases the level of battery cooling, helping to sustain more power during spirited driving.

A 100kWh battery pack offers an official range of up to 363 miles, and is compatible with DC public chargers delivering speeds of up to 270kW. Replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent requires only 21 minutes.

Recent Macan Electric updates include Air Console in-car gaming for the infotainment system, new parking assistance functions and an increase in towing capacity to 2,500kg.

Available to order now, UK prices for the new Porsche Macan Electric GTS start at £89,000.

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Millions of drivers at risk of £1,000 MOT fine

By

John Redfern

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October 20, 2025

0

In excess of 8 million cars in the UK were recorded as not having a valid MOT certificate during the past year

Millions of drivers in the UK could be risking a substantial fine for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate.

An analysis of data supplied by Freedom of Information Act requests to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), has uncovered the scale of the problem.

During the last year, some 8.095 million vehicles were reported to be overdue for an MOT test. And more than a third (37 percent) were over a month out of date.

Being caught driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Motorists can also receive points on their driving licence, and have their vehicle seized.

Drivers risk MOT fines and more

Insurance broker ChoiceQuote was responsible for analysing the data, and found that more than 306,000 vehicles had MOTs between one and five years out of date.

Incredibly, some 36,000 vehicles were noted as being between five and 10 years overdue for an MOT.

However, ChoiceQuote’s data only looked at vehicles with overdue MOTs that are classed as ‘registered’ in the UK.

This means the volume of cars in need of an MOT could include those currently declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), rather than in regular use.

Be prepared for your MOT

Phil Leese, a manager at ChoiceQuote, commented: “It is alarming to learn of the number of vehicles driving on our roads each day that do not have a valid MOT. Valid MOTs are not only crucial to ensure that your car is in full working order and does not pose as a risk to you or others, but is also critical in ensuring that your insurance is valid.

“If a vehicle’s MOT is not up to date, drivers may not just face a fine but also a more expensive financial burden if they are in a situation where an insurance claim is required.

“If you are unsure about the date of your next MOT, check now. Be prepared and book in your MOT in advance to avoid being cut short without a vehicle”.

Drivers can book an MOT up to one month before the car’s current certificate expires. This maximises the time available to do repairs, should your car fail its test.

In addition, signing up to the GOV.UK reminder service means you will receive an email or text message 30 days before the current MOT certificate expires.

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