What is an advisory? Experts explain the most common reasons for MOT failures and the advisories you shouldn’t ignore!

What is an advisory? Experts explain the most common reasons for MOT failures and the advisories you shouldn’t ignore!

Mar 19, 2025

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.”

The top 10 most popular causes for MOT failures

Rank

Defect category

Overall % of tests

Overall % of defects

1

Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

10.67%

25.05%

2

Suspension

8.57%

19.43%

3

Brakes

6.50%

16.19%

4

Tyres

6.29%

12.92%

5

Visibility

4.41%

7.92%

6

Body, chassis, structure

3.34%

6.37%

7

Noise, emissions and leaks

3.06%

5.78%

8

Steering

1.92%

3.48%

9

Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems

0.91%

1.55%

10

Road Wheels

0.36%

0.71%

 

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”

Revealed: The UK’s Most and Least MOT-Friendly Cars, Based on 33 Million Test Results

Revealed: The UK’s Most and Least MOT-Friendly Cars, Based on 33 Million Test Results

Mar 12, 2025

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.

The Best and Worst MOT Performers

After analysing 33,000,722 test results, Tempcover has identified the five car models most and least likely to pass their MOT test.

  Top five Bottom Five
Rank Car Make & Model Pass Rate Car Make & Model Pass Rate 
1 Honda Jazz Crosstar EX i-MMD CVT 97.19% Peugeot 807 52.66%
2 Ferrari 488 97.07% Citroen C8 52.71%
3 Peugeot Expert S L1 BlueHDi 97.03% Mitsubishi Space Star 53.17%
4 Honda Jazz EX i-MMD CVT 96.67% Fiat Stilo 54.42%
5 Suzuki Swift SZ3 Dualjet SHVS 96.66% Chevrolet Kalos 54.52%

The top and bottom five performing cars [1]. Pass rate includes pass with rectification.

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?

After analysing 33,000,722 test results, Tempcover has identified the five car models most and least likely to pass their MOT test.

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%).

Rank Car Make Car Model Pass rate
1 MG HS Exclusive 91.86%
2 Volvo XC40 91.30%
3 Hyundai Tucson 85.59%
4 Kia Sportage 80.92%
5 Volkswagen Golf 77.16%
6 Nissan Qashqai 74.92%
7 Nissan Juke 74.49%
8 Volkswagen Polo 72.59%
9 Ford Puma 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.

Rank Car Brand Pass rate Rank Car Brand Pass rate
1 Polestar 89.97% 18 Kia 78.67%
2 Porsche 87.98% 19 SEAT 78.37%
3 Lexus 87.22% 20 Honda 78.18%
4 Tesla 84.03% 21 DS 77.63%
5 BMW 81.83% 22 Subaru 77.44%
6 MG 81.47% 23 Volvo 77.00%
7 Jaguar 81.19% 24 Volkswagen 76.48%
8 Audi 81.11% 25 Mazda 76.41%
9 MINI 80.96% 26 smart 75.46%
10 Skoda 80.94% 27 Ford 74.77%
11 Toyota 80.57% 28 Nissan 74.21%
12 Mercedes-Benz 80.15% 29 Fiat 73.51%
13 Land Rover 79.99% 30 Peugeot 73.07%
14 Dacia 79.67% 31 Vauxhall 71.88%
15 Suzuki 79.15% 32 Alfa Romeo 71.29%
16 Hyundai 78.81% 33 Citroen 70.78%
17 Jeep 78.70% 34 Renault 67.73%

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.”

Are Fuel Prices Finally Set to Drop After Hitting a Six-Month High?

Are Fuel Prices Finally Set to Drop After Hitting a Six-Month High?

Mar 6, 2025

Unleaded prices crept up throughout February, reaching a peak average price of 139.8ppl. This marked a 3.5ppl increase since the start of the year and the highest prices since 31st August 2024, a six-month high.

Similarly, diesel also increased through February and, like unleaded, reached a year high on the 27th at 147.0ppl, an increase of nearly 4.5ppl since the start of the year.

Unleaded is, however, down 3.4% from this time last year, and diesel is down 4.8%, but the recent retail price increases come at a time when Brent prices are falling.

Brent crude oil opened 2025 near $76/barrel before increasing rapidly to $81/barrel by the 16th January. Since this increase, crude prices have dropped back, and in the last 10 days, have dropped significantly on the news of US tariffs and currently sit at $71/barrel.

Based on wholesale pricing data from Portland Pricing, B7 (diesel) prices have dropped 4ppl since the 20th February and 2.8ppl since the start of the year. E10 (unleaded) has fallen nearly 3ppl since 20th February and 3.9ppl since the start of the year.

Lower wholesale prices should result in lower pump prices so motorists should keep a keen eye on where and when prices change. 

Asda is currently the lowest-priced supermarket nationally for diesel, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s over a penny adrift. They are also leading on unleaded and are the only supermarkets with a national average price of under 137ppl. However, they are also the supermarket brand with the largest spread of prices, so check your local area, as they may not be the best option for you. Morrisons is the most consistent in terms of pricing.

One noticeable change for the supermarkets is the variance in pricing between the brands. In early January, they were all very similarly priced, but the difference in pricing between the supermarket brands has increased as the year has gone on.

Drivers in the East Midland and Northeast England are likely to see the largest difference from station to station, so these regions have the most opportunities to save money by checking the PetrolPrices app. Northern Ireland remains the lowest-priced region for unleaded and diesel in the UK.

Asda is currently the lowest-priced supermarket nationally for diesel, with Morrisons and Sainsbury’s over a penny adrift.

Last month, we saw the markets starting to drop, and our outlook for prices at the pump was flat to marginally down. However, prices increased between 0.2 and 0.4ppl during the first half of February. The first half of March looks to have more downward pressure on pump prices, but will prices drop? Ensure you shop around and check the PetrolPrices app to find the best deals near you!

Let us know in the comments where you think prices will go next how much you’ve saved using PetrolPrices.

Motoring experts share 5 tips for driving at night, as 1 in 4 Brits find other drivers headlights too bright

Motoring experts share 5 tips for driving at night, as 1 in 4 Brits find other drivers headlights too bright

Feb 27, 2025

The cold and dark nights are still ahead of us for some time in the UK, and even with the dark nights ‘officially’ ending after the winter solstice, which falls on December 21st, that doesn’t mean that it’s over immediately. And these conditions can prove a challenge to many of us, especially drivers.

Driving at night can be dangerous, as low-visibility can bring difficulty. In fact, according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), approximately 40% of all road accidents in the UK occur during the night.

And although we have features that aid us when driving in the dark, such as our headlights, they can actually cause issues for other drivers on the road.

As such, the automotive experts at Dick Lovett have shared their top tips for driving in the dark, to ensure that yourself, other road users, and pedestrians are safe.

Just last week, research from the RAC found that a quarter of drivers (25%) who find other driver’s headlights too bright are actually choosing to drive less at night. A further three-quarters (75%) of those saying they’re choosing to drive less because of the intense headlights from other vehicles makes driving uncomfortable or more difficult.

The tips from Dick Lovett hope to help road users drive confidently during dark conditions, and prevent any potential problems such as headlight glare, dazzling, and low visibility.

1. Clean your windows and mirrors—and switch your rear-view mirror into ‘night mode’

Even though this is still hugely important during the day, having dirty windows at night can obstruct your view, making it more difficult to see on the already dark roads. 

Dick Lovett also recommends switching your rear-view mirrors into night mode, a feature that has been in cars since as early as the 1980s. This feature makes your mirror darker and minimises the intensity of any reflections during the night to avoid glare from vehicles behind you.

On modern cars, your rear-view mirror will turn into night mode automatically, so there’s no need to turn this on and off yourself. But, for cars who don’t have this automatic feature, to turn your mirror into night mode, simply locate the small lever or tab at the bottom of the rear view mirror and flip it towards you. Then, to switch back to normal, flip it back.

2. Wear anti-glare driving glasses

Anti-reflective coated glasses are most effective for night driving, as the coating on the lenses minimises any glare and reflections, which can enhance contrast and overall visibility in dark conditions. You can purchase these glasses from many retailers.

As well as this, many drivers may struggle with astigmatism when driving at night, as this can cause blurred vision, halos around lights, and reduced contrast sensitivity.

According to Specsavers, mild astigmatism can be corrected with ordinary gas-permeable lenses, while others with higher amounts of astigmatism might benefit from special ‘toric’ soft lenses to fit your eye shape. Be sure to keep these lenses clean to avoid any further glare.

3. Wear prescription glasses

With visibility already low during the night, ensuring that you wear your glasses is more important than ever.

In fact, driving without prescription glasses when you legally need to wear them can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and could also lead to three penalty points on your driving license.

Make sure to wear your glasses when driving, or, keep a spare pair of glasses in the car in case you forget to take them with you.

4. Reduce speed and stay alert

As mentioned, approximately 40% of all road accidents in the UK occur during the night, and whilst you should never speed under any circumstance, this is even more so at night.

Drive at a moderate speed and leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead to allow for more reaction time, and this is also important when keeping an eye out for any pedestrians or hazards in the road that could be harder to see in the dark.

5. Adjust and use your headlights correctly

When driving at night, you must ensure your front and rear lights are properly functioning, as it’s actually illegal if they aren’t. To check your lights are working properly, simply turn them on before your journey to make sure they are functioning correctly.

As well as this, ensure that you use dipped headlights and full beams where appropriate. Dipped headlights should be used when visibility is poor, such as at night, and in bad weather, with full beams used when roads are dark and empty.

The research from the RAC found that 79% of people say they find it hard to tell when some vehicles are indicating, with 77% saying it’s difficult to judge the position of oncoming cars on the road when their headlights are so bright.

So, be sure to use your headlights correctly by turning to your dipped headlights when other road users are around, especially if they are in oncoming traffic, as this can dazzle them, and bring other risks.

It’s also important to adjust your headlights correctly, so the angle of the headlight beam is in the right place, as misaligned headlights can reduce your ability to see clearly at night and may dazzle oncoming drivers.

Most modern cars will do this for you automatically, but there are some ways you can do this manually as well. Typically, the headlight adjustment button can be located on the steering wheel, represented by the headlight symbol (a dome shaped symbol with downward pointing lines) and a dial with numbers. This will alter the angle of the headlights as you turn the dial.

If you’re unsure on how to adjust the headlights correctly for your vehicle, the user manual should contain the specifications.

But when performing manual adjustments without this feature, there are a few steps you must follow:

  1. Park on flat, level ground – First, position your car on a flat surface, around 5-7 metres away from a wall or garage door.
  2. Mark the beam pattern – Then, turn on your headlights and use masking tape to mark the centre of each beam on the wall.
  3. Adjust the screws – Next, locate both the vertical and horizontal adjustment screws, and alter the beam so it aligns just below the marked level, as this will help to avoid dazzling other drivers.
  4. Test the lights – Finally, take the car for a short drive to ensure your visibility is improved, without any excessive glare.
Evening Danger: 43% of Car Accidents Happen Between 5 PM and Midnight

Evening Danger: 43% of Car Accidents Happen Between 5 PM and Midnight

Feb 18, 2025

Studies have revealed that accidents between 17:00 and 23:59 account for over 43% of fatal car accidents. With this in mind, motoring experts at Blackcircles have given their top tips for driving in the dark. 

James Harding, a tyre specialist with 15 years of experience at Blackcircles, comments, “Statistics show that the majority of car accidents happen during darker hours, mainly due to reduced visibility, which increases the difficulty of judging distance and speed. It is important to pay attention to and look out for any potential hazards. To help drivers stay safe, we have given our top tips on how to drive safely in the dark” 

Some content on this page may be sponsored. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.. You can read more on our Editorial Code here. 

Driving with compromised eyesight is a risk at any time of the day

1. Get your eyes tested

Driving with compromised eyesight is a risk at any time of the day – particularly at night time. Headlights can cause issues with light glare, and hazards are less visible to drivers.  If you haven’t already, get your eyes tested if you feel like you’re struggling to see the roads ahead when it’s dark. Not only is it safer for you, but it’s also safer for other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Glasses lenses can now be coated with AG and AR coating which can help reduce glare and help drivers to see more clearly. 

2. Ensure your headlights are working correctly

2. Ensure your headlights are working correctly

Driving at night limits visibility, and faulty headlights make it more difficult. If your headlights are dim, misaligned, dirty or not working at all, you could be putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Checking your headlights before you set off on a journey is crucial. To check your headlights, switch them on and walk around your car to visually inspect if they are working and emitting a bright, even light. Any dimness or uneven illumination may indicate a faulty bulb or an alignment issue, so it is best to check both low and high beams in a dark area. 

Shop headlight bulbs here*

3. Only use full beam when safe to do so

3. Only use full beam when safe to do so

Whilst it may be tempting to turn your full beam on and illuminate the road in front of you, doing so can be dangerous to other drivers. It is important to only use full beams when necessary, such as on rural roads with no street lighting, and to switch back to dipped beams when another vehicle is approaching. If you’re following another car, avoid using full beams as they can reflect in their mirrors and cause glare.

4. Increase your following distance

4. Increase your following distance

Night-time driving naturally reduces visibility, meaning it takes longer to react to unexpected hazards. That’s why maintaining a safe speed and leaving extra space between you and the vehicle ahead is essential for road safety. A good rule of thumb is to double your usual following distance at night, especially in wet or icy conditions where stopping distances increase. By keeping your speed sensible and your distance safe, you’ll give yourself more time to react, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for everyone on the road.

5. Check your tyre treads

5. Check your tyre treads

Tyre pressure and tread are vital in ensuring your vehicle is driving with efficient grip and all-round safety. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK, and most places around the world, is 1.6mm – you can check your tyres by placing a 20p coin between the main grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, your tread may be too low. It’s best to check multiple spots around the tyre’s circumference to ensure even wear. Your optimal tyre pressure will be determined by your vehicle and tyre size and can be checked by reading your vehicle’s handbook.

Shop tyre tread gauges here*

6. Take a break if you are tired

6. Take a break if you are tired

Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers of nighttime driving, reducing reaction time and making it harder to stay focused. If you start feeling tired, don’t push through it – pull over and take a break. Yawning, heavy eyelids, or struggling to concentrate are all signs that it’s time to stop. A quick rest, a coffee, or even a short walk can help refresh your energy levels. If you’re on a long journey, planning regular stops can make all the difference in staying alert.

Fatigue is one of the biggest dangers of nighttime driving, reducing reaction time and making it harder to stay focused. If you start feeling tired, don’t push through it – pull over and take a break. Yawning, heavy eyelids, or struggling to concentrate are all signs that it’s time to stop. A quick rest, a coffee, or even a short walk can help refresh your energy levels. If you’re on a long journey, planning regular stops can make all the difference in staying alert.

James continues, “Driving at night can be daunting, but following tips and checking your vehicle before starting a journey can help drivers to feel safe and prepared.” 

For more information, visit https://www.blackcircles.com/news/driving-at-night-tips.

Over two-thirds back mandatory retesting of senior drivers

Over two-thirds back mandatory retesting of senior drivers

Feb 13, 2025

Should drivers have to retake their test when they reach a certain age? Uswitch car insurance recently investigated what UK motorists really think. 

Motorists think senior drivers should retake their test[1].

Over two-thirds (67%) of drivers in the UK believe that once licence holders reach a certain age, they should be required to retake their practical driving test. The generation that supported this the most were millennials (those aged 28-43) with over three-quarters (79%) of them agreeing that this should be mandatory. When asking senior drivers if they agree, just over two-fifths (45%) of those aged 65+ think retesting should be required. 

In the UK, there are no age-based requirements to stop driving or retake your test when you reach a certain age, or have held your license for a number of years. When a driver reaches 70, they just have to reapply for their licence every 3 years, without having to take a test

When asked what age respondents thought senior drivers should retest, the most popular age range selected was 70-74 (33%). Additionally, almost half (49%) think senior drivers should have to retake every 2-3 years, and only 4% think they should only have to retake their test once. Those who believe retesting should only occur once were mainly Generation X or Baby Boomers (62%). 

Motorists fear senior drivers’ slow reaction times and sight issues could be a potential hazard

Top reason for supporting retesting

% of drivers who answered

Slower reaction times

64%

Sight issues

62%

Deteriorated health

52%

Deteriorated attention

51%

Deteriorated driving performance

44%

The most common conviction for senior drivers is speeding

When looking at safety and road rules, the most common driving offences committed by motorists aged 60+ involve speeding. Between 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024, the top offences for this age group were exceeding the statutory speed limit on a public road (75%) and exceeding speed limit on a motorway (15%). They were responsible for one in five (22%) of these two offences overall[2]. 

In terms of accident rate, the number of car insurance quote requests with the incident circumstance of ‘accident’ for those aged 61+ accounted for 12% of total claims between September 2023 – 2024[3]. 

Driving test pass rates for senior drivers is low

For motorists taking their driving test later in life, the pass rate is low. Out of those aged 60+ who took their test between 1 September 2023 to 31 March 2024, only 35% passed[4]. The reasons behind this are unclear; it could be due to deteriorated wellbeing, but also confidence or knowledge of driving regulations / rules.

Uswitch car insurance expert, Leoni Moninska, shares tips on how senior drivers can help ensure their safety on the roads:

 

“Accurately report any medical conditions: By law, if you develop a medical condition, or an existing one worsens, you must report this to the DVLA[5] or DVA[6] (if you live in Northern Ireland). Accurately reporting these is important to ensure you meet the medical standards to drive. Failing to do so is considered a serious offence; you can be fined up to £1,000 and prosecuted if you are caught in an accident[7].

 

“Assess whether it’s safe to drive: If you still have a valid licence, it’s important to self assess your capability to drive. You can do this by acknowledging any physical or mental changes that might impact your ability, including reaction times, awareness and mobility. If you have any concerns regarding how a medical issue may impact driving, you should  speak to a doctor. It’s also important to ensure you feel confident on the road, not only about operating a vehicle but also any new laws / regulations related to driving or roads.

 

“Make your car comfortable: There are car accessories that can make your driving experience more comfortable. These are often designed for specific circumstances. For example, if you have trouble getting in and out of a vehicle transfer boards can help, as well as detachable handles to provide an additional point of support. Seat belt grabbers can also help if you struggle with reaching.”

OVER TWO-THIRDS OF MOTORISTS BACK MANDATORY RETESTING OF SENIOR DRIVERS

Methodology: 

Survey of 2,000 UK drivers aged 16+ around their opinions towards drivers being required to retake their driving test when they reach a certain age. Responses were given between 22.11.2024 – 25.11.2024. 

[1] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-information-assessing-fitness-to-drive

[2] Uswitch car insurance obtained data via a Freedom of Information request from the DVLA on the total number of endorsements added to a GB driving licence record between between 1 September 2023, up until and inclusive of 31 August 2024

[3] Data from our automotive partner Confused.com (01/09/23 – 30/09/24) 

[4] Uswitch car insurance obtained data via a Freedom of Information request from the DVSA on the number of practical driving tests conducted, passed, as well as pass rate, broken down by age between 1 September 2023 to 31 March 2024.  

[5] https://www.gov.uk/guidance/general-information-assessing-fitness-to-drive

[6] https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/renew-your-driving-licence-70-plus

[7] https://www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions

Fuel Prices Rise in January – Will February Bring Relief at the Pumps?

Fuel Prices Rise in January – Will February Bring Relief at the Pumps?

Feb 5, 2025

January saw an overall increase in fuel prices across the UK, with both unleaded and diesel rising as wholesale costs surged in the first half of the month before easing in the second.

January Price Trends

Brent crude oil hit a mid-month high of $82 per barrel on January 15th before retreating to close at $76.76, just below where it started the month. This volatility was reflected in wholesale fuel prices:

  • Diesel wholesale prices jumped by 5.4ppl in early January before falling back by 3.8ppl later in the month.
  • Unleaded wholesale prices followed a similar trend, increasing 4.1ppl before dropping 1.39ppl.

At the pumps, these wholesale movements translated into an average increase of 2.9ppl for unleaded and 3.7ppl for diesel over the month. Supermarkets, however, were able to absorb more of these increases, with both unleaded and diesel rising by 2.2ppl.

Asda petrol station prices

Will Prices Start Dropping in February?

Although wholesale costs have come down, we are yet to see significant reductions at the pumps. Supermarket prices remain at their highest since January, partly due to how they purchase fuel and the delay between wholesale price shifts and pump price adjustments.

Asda remains the cheapest supermarket for both unleaded (135.7ppl) and diesel (141.7ppl), maintaining its position as the most competitive major retailer.

What to Expect in February

As wholesale prices stabilise, we expect more stations to reduce prices in early February, particularly on diesel. While major price cuts are unlikely, small reductions of 1–2ppl could become more common over the next 10 days.

For the first time in over a month, we are seeing an equal number of petrol stations reducing prices as those increasing them. If this trend continues, February could be the first month in a while where price drops outnumber price hikes.

How to Stay Ahead of Rising Costs

With prices still varying significantly between retailers, checking prices regularly is the best way to save money. Use the PetrolPrices app to find the lowest prices near you and ensure you’re not overpaying at the pumps.

Stay informed, compare prices, and keep an eye on local trends – February could finally bring some relief for drivers.

Motorway’s Fast Forward: 2025 Trends Report

Motorway’s Fast Forward: 2025 Trends Report

Jan 28, 2025

TIKTOK TORQUE

Pop culture and social media have the power to influence Brits’ fashion choices, interiors … and even their car buying habits. In 2025, Motorway predicts that digital trends will steer the nation’s choice of wheels.

In 2024, Brat summer brushed any remains of Barbie-core under the rug, with Motorway’s average sold price of green cars increasing by 7%, whilst pink cars saw a 14% decline. Watch this space in the next few months though, as Wicked fever declares that ‘pink goes good with green’…

More than 1 in 10 (12%) Brits will choose their next wheels based on pop culture moments and viral social media trends, whilst 49% make big purchase decisions based on influencer recommendations.

In 2025, highly anticipated films like Avatar and Minecraft are predicted to give rise to a resurgence of blue cars as well as more angular, brick-style cars like the Suzuki Jimny, which already saw a 34% increase in sold price in 2024.

In the music charts, Sabrina Carpenter’s World Tour makes its way to the UK this year, and we predict that Brits will be saying ‘Please Please Please’ to classic cars like the Dodge Magnum XE – which featured in the viral music video.

And with Sabrina’s ‘Espresso’ no doubt contributing to this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Brits can expect to spot shades of ‘Mocha Mousse’ on the roads in 2025, after last year’s ‘Peach Fuzz’ resulted in a 14% increase in the sale of orange cars on the platform.

Sponsored

Motorway’s first consumer trends report, Fast Forward, shares predictions for the year ahead, based on some of the biggest trends that shaped the used-car industry in 2024.

Motorway’s first consumer trends report, Fast Forward, shares predictions for the year ahead, based on some of the biggest trends that shaped the used-car industry in 2024.

DOUBLE THE INCOME, HALF THE CAR

In 2025, the emergence of TikTok DINKs will give rise to a new trend of smaller cars on UK roads, with Motorway predicting that a new cohort of child-free couples will opt for a smaller, less expensive car in order to spend big on other luxuries. 

Last year saw the rise of DINK (Dual Income No Kids) households, which now make up 40% of UK families, and are known for saving on the essentials and enjoying luxury lifestyles. 

After DINKs spent big on travel, property and luxury experiences last year, Motorway saw an increase in the number of miniature models sold, including the Mazda 2 (23%) and Kia Picanto (8%).

Couples in their DINK era are planning to make their next car purchase a small one, with research revealing that 68% of Brits in small households prefer smaller, more efficient models.

In addition to making way for their DINK lifestyle, Brits also want to save money on running costs (69%), while also preferring a smaller model for convenient parking (62%) and getting around the city more easily (51%). 

‘GORPCORE’ GOES OFF-ROAD

After the grungy, functional aesthetic of Gorpcore went down as one of the biggest fashion moments of last year, Motorway predicts the mix of design and function will influence the nation’s car choices – from sleek all-wheel drives, to weekend-ready camper vans. 

In 2024, Motorway saw a 14% increase in the number of motor caravans sold, while SUV sales went up by a whopping 68%, with dealers striking the four-wheel drive iron while it’s hot. 

As a third of Brits plan to spend more time on road trips and staycations in 2025, Motorway predicts more Brits will opt for a ‘Gorpcore’ vehicle as their next car purchase. 

64% of Brits are looking for a mix of function and design in their 2025 car purchase, equipping themselves for off-road adventures and rugged overnight stays, prioritising functionality in their choice of car (51%).

SPORTS CARS TAKE POLE POSITION

After the Summer of Sport dominated culture last year with viewership across football, rugby, cricket and Formula One reaching record highs, sports cars will make their way to the podium in 2025 as Motorway predicts Brits will take the plunge into high speed luxury.

2024 saw an increase in the average sold price of iconic sports models like Audi A8 (+26%), Porsche Panamera (+18%) and Maserati Granturismo (+10%), as well as an increase in the average sold price of used Lotus cars (+24%), Porsche (+5%) and Aston Martin (+3%). 

Furthermore, BMW cemented itself as the most popular sporty make, leading the way as the most frequently sold on the Motorway platform.

This year, the UK’s passion for sport is predicted to make its mark on car buying decisions, with almost a quarter of Brits (22%) dreaming of owning a sports car in 2025. 

At the top of the list of most coveted models in 2025 is the Mercedes-AMG GT (16%), followed by the Tesla Roadster (8%) and Porsche 911 (8%).

THE RETURN OF THE FIAT 500 (AND OTHER ‘BASIC’ CARS)

The ‘Fiat 500’ personality continued making waves last year, resurging after Molly-Mae Hague’s split from Tommy Fury dominated the headlines. With a tell-all documentary hitting screens in January, Motorway predicts that Brits will go back to basics this year, with the Fiat 500 lifestyle due to make a big return in 2025. 

The ‘basic’ and dependable Fiat 500 claimed a spot as one of the top used-cars sold in 2024, whilst other all-time faithfuls like the Ford Fiesta and Mini Cooper also claimed top spots.

When it comes to choosing their next vehicle in 2025, car owners admit all they need are key safety features (61%), basic functions (59%) and the guarantee that their vehicle will get them from A to B (59%). 

Beyond a good set of basics, including fuel efficiency (54%), power steering (34%), parking sensors (34%) and air conditioning (24%), there’s not much else Brits want from their future car. 

Are you feeling inspired to swap to an on-trend blue, boxy, miniature, off-road, sporty, electric or stripped-back model in 2025? You can get a free, instant valuation on Motorway now or keep an eye on the value of your wheels by using Motorway’s Car Value Tracker.

SOURCES

Any mention of sold price or volume of sales is reflective of data from the Motorway platform. Sold price refers to the final price that consumers have sold their vehicle to dealers for, and volume of sales refers to the number of vehicles of a certain type that dealers have purchased via the platform in the time period specified.

Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motorway, with results secured from 1,000 UK drivers. The survey took place between 11th December and 16th December 2024. 

See more at https://motorway.co.uk/sell-my-car/guides/fast-forward 

20mph Speed Limits Are Having an Effect on Car Insurance

20mph Speed Limits Are Having an Effect on Car Insurance

Jan 23, 2025

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One of the UK’s leading price comparison websites believes that recently introduced 20mph speed limits appear to be making car insurance cheaper. Confused.com issued a report identifying the most significant annual drop in UK car insurance prices in more than 10 years, with the average cost of cover falling by £161, or the equivalent of 16%, in the past year. The report says drivers can now expect to pay an average of £834 for comprehensive car insurance, down from £995 a year earlier, and is the lowest price recorded in 18 months.

In recent years, introducing 20mph speed limits has become a flashpoint in some areas.

This drop has been attributed to renewed competition between insurers and improvements to vehicle safety features. The chief executive of Confused.com*, Steve Dukes, also identified other factors, “Some UK insurers are observing that areas where 20mph zones have been introduced result in lower levels of claim frequency – a key factor in the cost of car insurance.”  He added, “Though many drivers find these reduced speed zones frustrating, it’s positive to see the bright spot this is creating for drivers’ costs.”

In recent years, introducing 20mph speed limits has become a flashpoint in some areas. Wales introduced a default 20mph limit in built-up areas in September 2023, but after a backlash, the Welsh government indicated that some stretches of road would revert to 30mph.

In England, cities, including London, have been rolling out 20mph zones, and Manchester is expected to follow suit soon.

Last year, the insurance firm Esure provided the first indications that 20mph zones could bring down the cost of car insurance when they said that claims fell by 20% after the new limit was launched.

Confused.com* said that while the average price of a new policy is more than £160 cheaper than a year ago, customers who were shopping around seemed to benefit from these savings. Meanwhile, some motorists are seeing bigger price drops than others. Younger drivers are typically benefiting from the biggest savings, said the company.

Has your local area implemented 20mph zones? How have you found it?

Let us know in the comments below. 

Unleaded and Diesel Pump Prices Likely to Climb

Unleaded and Diesel Pump Prices Likely to Climb

Jan 15, 2025

Fuel prices at the pump are showing signs of rising, with key factors pointing toward an upward trend for both unleaded and diesel.

Brent Crude and Exchange Rates Driving Costs Up

For much of November and December, Brent crude oil—the key component for unleaded and diesel—traded steadily between $71 and $75 per barrel. This stability contributed to consistent pump prices. However, January has seen a significant shift, with Brent hitting $81 per barrel on January 13th.

Adding to this, the US dollar has strengthened against the British pound, dropping from $1.25 to $1.22, further increasing the cost of fuel. Together, these factors are pushing wholesale fuel prices higher.

Wholesale Prices on the Rise

Diesel (B7): Wholesale prices have surged by nearly 4 pence per litre (ppl) since the start of the year, while the average pump price has risen just over 1ppl. There is usually a delay between wholesale increases and pump price increase and so diesel prices at the pump are likely to increase further in the coming days.

Unleaded (E10): Wholesale unleaded prices have also risen, albeit less sharply. E10 wholesale prices are up a little under 1.5ppl since the start of the year. While pump prices now stand at just over 137ppl, up nearly 1ppl from its opening value of 136.2ppl.

Supermarket Price Changes

Tesco has held diesel prices steady and, after starting the year as the most expensive, is now the cheapest among the major supermarkets. Asda has increased pump prices by an average of 0.6ppl, making it the second most expensive for diesel.

Morrisons leads in unleaded pricing, although the price gap across supermarkets has narrowed significantly. At the start of the year, Morrisons was 0.5ppl cheaper than Tesco on average, but this has now dropped to less than 0.2ppl, with Asda and Sainsbury’s pricing between the two.

More Stations Increasing Prices

Since the start of January four times as many petrol stations have increased unleaded prices than have decreased them. Seven times as many stations have increased diesel prices compared to those that lowered them.

The variation in pricing between stations has also increased. This is in part due to the differing times at which they adjust to rising wholesale costs. This is increasing the variability of pricing in local areas.

What to Expect

While some stations may temporarily absorb these cost increases, it’s likely that pump prices, especially for diesel, will rise over the next 7–10 days.

To avoid overpaying, make sure you compare prices using the PetrolPrices app, which provides the most up-to-date fuel prices from across the UK.

Stay informed, save money, and keep an eye on your local stations as prices continue to shift.