Welcome to my first ever article for the PetrolPrices website!

Recently, I visited the new and improved Welcome Break Whitley site on the A49 near Warrington in Cheshire.

Situated on the busy Dones Green Crossroads to the south of the town, the site started life as the Tall Trees Garage in the 1950s. In 1975, a house attached to the back of the sales building was converted into a Little Chef restaurant. A hotel was also added behind the filling station in 1989, opening under the name ‘Tall Trees Lodge’, with the site gaining full service area status from this point.

Welcome Break Whitley

Location – A49 Dones Green Crossroads, Whitley, Warrington WA4 4EZ

Opening Hours – 5:30am to 10pm, Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm, Saturday and Sunday
Shop Brand & Facilities – Londis store, Starbucks concession, Greggs concession, f’real milkshake machine, two We Proudly Serve Starbucks machines, free cash machine
Number of pumps & fuel grades – 8 pump islands each featuring unleaded, diesel, premium unleaded and premium diesel

Pump prices have continued to fall through May as lower wholesale prices and a stronger pound have helped push down the price for retailers. The average price of unleaded was 132.0 pence per litre (ppl) at the end of May, around two ppl lower than 30 days prior. Diesel drivers also experienced lower prices, with the average diesel price falling to 138.2ppl, down just under two ppl across the month.

Prices were last this low all the way back in September 2021.

A strengthening pound has helped push prices lower. You can currently get 1.35 US dollars to the Great British Pound. This is up from 1.25 at the start of the year, representing an 8% increase. As petroleum products are traded in US dollars, a stronger pound means lower prices here in the UK.

Uncertainty around US trade tariffs has weighed on oil markets and global growth, which in turn has caused prices to fall. Additionally, OPEC+, the group of oil-producing nations, has been unwinding its supply cuts, releasing more crude oil into the market: the result is lower crude oil prices and lower petrol and diesel prices.

Supermarkets have maintained their prices around 3ppl below the national average for both unleaded and diesel throughout May.

Motorists in Northern Ireland would have been most likely to notice the drop as unleaded prices fell 2.4ppl on average across May. While the Northeast of England only enjoyed an average drop of 0.80ppl.

Drivers in the East and West Midlands, as well as those in the North West, are the most likely to save by shopping around. These regions have the widest spread of pricing in the country.

Competition

The month PetrolPrices is running a competition to win a £50 Amazon voucher.

Simply purchase fuel in June and email the receipt to [email protected] to enter.

The full Terms and Conditions can be found here.

Despite modern cars being equipped with technology, mostly designed to keep us safe, a new survey reveals that many drivers struggle to understand what their dashboard is trying to tell them.

Temporary car insurance experts Tempcover surveyed 2,000 UK drivers[1] to find out if they could correctly identify their car dashboard symbols, whether they’ve ignored them when illuminated, for how long, and their main reasons for doing so. The results show that many drivers are potentially putting their safety at risk by failing to address important warnings.

Survey Reveals 91% of Drivers Fail to Identify All Car Dashboard Symbols

The survey asked respondents to correctly match an image of each dashboard symbol with its corresponding meaning, with 91% of drivers failing to correctly identify all symbols, highlighting a major gap in driver awareness.

The most commonly misidentified symbols include the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) warning light, which helps prevent skidding, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) symbol, designed to reduce harmful emissions, and the Tyre Pressure warning light, which alerts drivers to low tyre pressure.

Nearly 4 in 10 respondents couldn’t correctly identify the engine warning light

39% of drivers failed to recognise the engine warning light on their dashboard, with 22% admitting to driving with the symbol illuminated. 37% of drivers then said it took them a week or more to have the warning light checked.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, advises: “If the engine warning light comes on, it’s important not to ignore it. Arrange to see a professional mechanic as soon as possible to resolve the issue. If the light is flashing or red whilst driving, park safely and call your breakdown provider immediately.”

One in three have continued to drive with the tyre pressure warning light illuminated

The engine light isn’t the only symbol respondents admitted to continuing to drive with when illuminated. Tyre pressure (33%), battery (10%), oil pressure (10%) and airbag/ seatbelt (9%) warning lights round off the top five.

The main reasons for continuing to drive with a dashboard sign illuminated were that the driver didn’t think it was serious or urgent (29%), and because they didn’t feel any immediate impact on the car’s performance (23%). One in 10 admitted it was because they didn’t know what the warning light meant. 

Claire continues: “Serious risks to you and passengers are indicated by dashboard warning lights. These symbols often point to safety issues requiring immediate attention. By understanding what car dashboard warning lights mean through your car’s manual, you’ll know what’s happening and can take swift action if needed. And if you do need to take your car to the garage, temporary car insurance can be a quick and flexible option to borrow a vehicle while yours is being repaired.”

Unleaded prices fell during April by an average of 1.5ppl. UK motorists have benefited from falling pump prices during April as prices now sit close to the October 2024 lows, which were the lowest since August 2021. The average price of unleaded is 133.7ppl, down over 10% from a year ago.

The pump price reductions come as wholesale prices have fallen due to market oversupply and uncertainty surrounding US tariffs and their potential impact on the global economy.

We have also seen more aggressive pricing from the supermarkets, as they battle to improve market share both in-store and at the pump. Asda has led the pricing, being the lowest of all the supermarkets in 11 of the 18 weeks this year. Tesco, however, was strong in April, beating Asda marginally in weeks 16 and 17.

Diesel drivers have also seen prices fall. In fact, the average diesel price was down nearly 2ppl across the month and again over 10% lower than a year ago. It now costs £10.20 less to fill a diesel car than in April 2024 and £9.60 less in an unleaded car.

The temporary car insurance experts at Tempcover surveyed 2,000 UK car owners to uncover how often indicators are neglected, in which scenarios, and how many drivers have been involved in an accident due to incorrect indicating.

If you’re unsure about the correct use of indicators or find yourself forgetting to signal, brushing up on the rules can make a big difference. Proper signalling not only keeps traffic flowing smoothly but also helps prevent accidents and near-misses, making the roads safer for everyone.

You can find the full results of the survey here.

For young drivers, getting on the road involves various costs that can add up. Learning to drive typically costs around £1,350 [1], and after passing your test, you’ll need to think about additional expenses, such as buying a car, paying for tax and insurance, and managing everyday costs like fuel and maintenance.

With this in mind, Claire Wills-Mckissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, offers top tips on how young drivers can save money.

According to Confused.com’s Price Index (15 January 2025), 17-year-olds pay an average of £2,404 [2] for their annual insurance policy. Here are a few tips to help reduce this cost:

• Shop around – Don’t settle for the first quote. Use price comparison tools for annual quotes and explore both comprehensive and third-party options.
• Consider Black Box insurance – Telematics can adjust premiums based on your driving habits.
• Add an experienced named driver – Having an experienced driver on your insurance policy can reduce costs, but make sure you are listed as the primary driver to avoid the illegal practice of ‘fronting’.
• Increase your voluntary excess – If possible, raising your excess can help reduce your premium.
• Pay annually – Many insurers offer discounts for paying your policy in full upfront.
• Avoid add-ons – While extras may be tempting, sticking to a basic policy will save you money.
• Take an advanced driving course – These courses can boost your confidence and skills in various driving conditions and may reduce premiums by up to 15% [3]. Options include IAM Roadsmart, Pass Plus, and AA Qualified Driver lessons.
• Borrow a parent’s car – Instead of buying your own, consider borrowing a parent’s car when needed and using temporary car insurance.

Choosing the right car can also significantly impact insurance costs. Opting for a smaller engine often results in lower premiums, while selecting a vehicle with a lower risk rating can help reduce costs. Checking fuel efficiency can lead to long-term savings and avoid modifications, as customisations can increase insurance and running expenses.

Claire adds:

“Cars are a significant investment, and with a little research, you can find ways to save money without cutting corners. Our tips are here to support your research, helping you explore ways to save on maintenance, insurance, and everyday running costs, ensuring your vehicle stays in great shape while reducing costs where possible.”

Sources

[1]https://www.tempcover.com/front-cover/how-much-does-it-cost-to-learn-to-drive 

[2]https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/price-index 

[3]https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/learner/advanced-driving-courses 

[4]https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keep-a-record-of-your-pupils-driving-lessons/how-to-record-your-pupils-driving-lessons-and-a-summary-of-the-skills-they-need

[5]https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/know-how/wrong-fuel-recovery/

March saw prices tumble at the pumps, with the average price of unleaded dropping from 139.5ppl to 135.2ppl. This was in part due to Asda cutting its prices by 4ppl on the 14th March. The other major supermarkets followed, and the entire market dropped as a result.

Asda has been losing market share across its retail offerings to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. As a result, it has cut prices on 1,500 popular products in-store and at the pump. Asda has historically offered the lowest fuel prices, and therefore, a move to win back market share by reducing prices increases competition in the sector.

However, wholesale unleaded prices increased by 6ppl across March according to data from Portland Pricing. This increase in wholesale costs and reduced prices at the pump has and will squeeze fuel retailers’ margins. The difference between wholesale and retail prices is now 3ppl below the six-month average, and so it’s likely retailers will begin to want to increase prices to maintain or improve margins.

Wholesale prices will be putting upward pressure on prices, and we have already started to see prices increase at the pumps. If Asda wants to win market share and can hold prices lower, then there is a chance that pump prices won’t rise; however, further decreases seem highly unlikely at this moment in time.

With prices changing quickly, check the PetrolPrices app and create a personalised Price Alert to receive an email with your local prices at a frequency to suit you.

The temporary car insurance experts at Tempcover surveyed 2,000 UK car owners, revealing how financial concerns have driven many to take risks, attempting DIY fixes, delaying essential repairs, and turning to social media for vehicle diagnostics before seeking professional help. 

Who’s turning to social media for car repairs?

• Younger drivers are leading the trend, with 90% of 35-44-year-olds using social media for repairs, while over-65s are the least likely, with just four in ten turning to online guides.
• Men and women are using social media at similar rates for DIY car repairs, with three-quarters of drivers relying on platforms for guidance (73% of women and 76% of men).

Relying on social media for motoring advice comes with risks, as misinformation can lead to unsafe DIY repairs, overlooked faults, and costly mistakes. With unverified tips circulating on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, drivers may unknowingly follow incorrect guidance, putting both their vehicles and safety at risk.

Further findings:

• One in four UK drivers (25%) have attempted DIY vehicle repairs to avoid paying a professional.
• Nearly one in five (18%) have tackled repairs themselves after a failed MOT to avoid garage costs.
• Almost three in ten (28%) admit to continuing to drive despite MOT advisories due to high repair costs.
• One in six (15%) have delayed or skipped an MOT test due to financial concerns.

Claire Wills-Mckissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, commented further on the findings:

“We understand financial pressures are leading many UK drivers to DIY car repairs. While this may seem like a saving, it can create safety risks – ignoring advisories or delaying essential repairs could result in dangerous issues going unnoticed, putting not only yourself but also your loved ones and others at risk.

“Having a valid MOT is a legal requirement, and improper repairs can lead to bigger costs, potentially resulting in an even more expensive garage visit than you were trying to avoid. Motorists should seek professional advice if uncertain about repairs – it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

“And if your car’s in the garage, you can still easily access a family or friend’s vehicle with temporary car insurance. It’s a cost-effective and flexible way to stay covered for short-term needs, giving you one less thing to worry about during what can be a stressful time.”

You can find the full results of the survey here.

In the financial year 2023 to 2024, almost 10 million MOT tests failed, with over 37% of cars, vans, and passenger vehicles failing.¹

With this in mind, motoring experts at Blackcircles have revealed the top 10 most common reasons for MOT failures and have warned drivers of the dangers of ignoring advisories.

Nyo Logan, Tyre Content Manager at Blackcircles, comments, “Cars in the UK must be tested once a year once they are three years old, unless they are taxis, which require an MOT test every three years from the date of registration. You can check the exact date your car’s MOT is due on the GOV.UK website.”

“If you are found to be driving a car without a valid and up-to-date MOT certificate, you can be fined up to £1,000. On top of this, if your car is deemed unsafe to drive, it could be impounded.”

“It is important to remember that your car’s MOT is based on how old the car is, and NOT when you bought it. Many drivers who buy second-hand cars forget this and are charged for driving without an MOT.”

10% of MOT’s taken failed due to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment. This check ensures that all vehicle lighting, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and reflectors, are correctly positioned, secure, and functioning properly.

This is the most common reason for MOT failures, with over ¼ of vehicles that failed their MOT being reported to have faulty lamps.

Suspension issues caused nearly 20% of MOT failures. These issues are often caused by wear and tear, shock absorbers and springs damage, or fluid or air suspension system leakage.

Faulty brakes caused 1 in 6 MOT failures in Q2 of 2024. Worn brake pads and discs are the most common causes, but other brake-related issues include callipers, damaged rotors, and brake fluid problems.

Nyo continues, “Even if your car does not fail its MOT, you may be given advisories. An MOT advisory is something discovered during the MOT test that you should have looked at and fixed by a mechanic in the near future. These issues often develop and can be the reason for an MOT failure or for your car breaking down in the future.”

“If given an advisory, it is recommended that you act quickly to stop any more deterioration and to save you money. If an issue continuous and gets worse, it may cost drivers even more money to fix”

For many drivers, waiting for an MOT result can be a stressful experience. The prospect of costly repairs, time off the road, and general inconvenience makes a successful MOT a highly desirable outcome.

To help ease MOT anxiety—Tempcover, experts in temporary car insurance, analysed over 33 million MOT test results since 2005. The data reveals which makes and models have the highest and lowest pass rates—along with insights into how the UK’s most popular cars perform.

While some of these models remain common on UK roads, others are rarer or only available second-hand. But how do the UK’s best-selling cars compare?

MOT Pass Rates for the UK’s Best-Selling Cars

The analysis also looked at how the UK’s top-selling car makes and models perform when it comes to MOT success. The MG HS has the best pass rate (91.86%), while the Ford Puma has the lowest (63.49%).

We applied the MOT pass rates and methodology to the UK’s top-selling car makes and models [3]. Pass rate includes pass with rectification.

How the UK’s Best-Selling Car Brands Compare

For those not driving the models above, the research also looked at the overall pass rates of the UK’s best-selling car brands in 2024.

MOT pass rates among the UK’s top-selling car brands [2]. Pass rate includes pass with rectification.

Supercar Brands and MOT Pass Rates

For those dreaming of driving a supercar, there’s some good news—they tend to perform well in MOTs. Lamborghini tops the list with a 95.81% pass rate, followed by McLaren (94.93%) and Ferrari (94.92%).

Claire Wills-Mckissick expert  in temporary car insurance at Tempcover adds: 

“While some cars are statistically more likely to pass their MOT, we understand that it can still be a stressful time for many drivers. 

The MOT is an important step in ensuring your car is roadworthy and safe. If you find yourself in a situation where repairs are needed, temporary car insurance offers a fully comprehensive, flexible solution, allowing you to borrow a friend or family member’s car and get on the road. This will minimise disruption and give you greater peace of mind during a challenging time.

If you have a vehicle that is declared SORN and you want to get it back on the road, temporary car insurance can also help. With a temporary policy you can legally drive to a pre-arranged MOT appointment. Once your car has passed its MOT, the policy can also be used to tax the vehicle and get it back home safely, making the process as smooth as possible.”