Latest news with #Number1Plates
Daily Mirror
15-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits overpaying for petrol and diesel urged to try hack and save '7p per litre'
UK motorists may be overpaying for petrol and diesel without even realising it. However, an expert has revealed the two-second check he swears by - which could save you hundreds of pounds a year Swathes of Brits may be getting ripped off when refuelling their vehicles - but a simple hack could save them more than £100 every year. An experienced full-time HGV driver has revealed a practical method for cutting down on fuel expenses, after realising just how much petrol and diesel prices can fluctuate. In a conversation with experts at Number 1 Plates, Malcolm Shaw explained how an easy-to-use app called PetrolPrices is key in saving him a small fortune when filling his tank. PetrolPrices is a fuel price comparison app that displays a live map showing petrol and diesel prices submitted by real drivers across the UK. The real-time data allows users to quickly compare prices at nearby forecourts and identify where the cheapest fuel is available on any given day. "It's the first thing I check before a long day," Malcom said. "The difference between the most expensive and cheapest petrol station can be 5, 6, even 7p a litre — and that's just in the same postcode." He says he regularly notices significant savings by simply choosing a petrol station just a short distance from his usual stop. "The other day I saw unleaded at 154.9 at one place, and 147.9 literally around the corner," the pro added. "For a full tank, that's over £4.50 saved, no effort." To put these savings into perspective, the RAC Foundation estimates that the average UK petrol car has a tank size of around 55 litres. Most drivers refuel approximately every 10 to 14 days, which means roughly 30 full refuels a year. So If you save £4.50 every time you fill up, the total annual savings could be in the region of £135. For households with multiple cars or those who commute longer distances, the amount saved could be considerably higher. Malcolm's message is straightforward — if you're not using a fuel price comparison app like PetrolPrices, you're probably paying more than you need to for fuel without even realising it. He advises: "It takes seconds to check and could save you hundreds. I think every driver should have it." Fuel remains one of the largest monthly expenses for many UK households. Apps like PetrolPrices prove that a small change in your routine can make a meaningful difference to your finances. By simply taking a moment to compare prices, drivers can avoid overpaying and keep more money in their pockets. In the current climate, where every penny counts, Malcolm's advice shows how technology can empower drivers to make smarter choices. Whether you're driving a heavy goods vehicle or a family car, using tools like PetrolPrices is a practical way to reduce fuel costs with little extra effort.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a used car salesman - there are three popular brands I would never buy'
While he acknowledges there are good examples of every car brand, the experienced motor trader warns against 'falling for a badge or bargain' because you could 'end up with a money pit' A veteran car dealer has revealed a trio of popular car brands he would never purchase second-hand - even if they're priced well. After almost two decades in the motor trade, Tom Kershaw is well versed in which models are most likely to leave their owners out of pocket - and which you can rely on. The salesman, from Bristol, warns even models from manufacturers that appear to be in good condition can quickly deteriorate into a costly nightmare to run. After conferring with experts from Number 1 Plates and drawing on average annual repair costs from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, as well as his 18 years car-selling experience, the expert has identified which brands to avoid and explained his reasoning behind each one. "Some cars are beautifully made — until they start going wrong," the pro said. "And once they do, they don't stop. When you work in the business, you quickly learn which badges to walk away from." 3. Fiat Fiats, particularly the Fiat 500, are often seen as budget-friendly city cars, but Tom warns that their long-term ownership costs can be deceptively high. With an average annual repair bill of £413.21, common problems include electrical failures, clutch wear and suspension issues — especially on entry-level models. Tom's advice is to avoid any Fiat lacking a comprehensive maintenance record or showing large gaps between services. He added: "The Fiat 500 is everywhere, but they're often on their third clutch before they hit 70,000 miles. It's rarely worth the hassle. A Fiat without proof of regular maintenance? Walk away." 2. BMW BMW is another popular brand that Tom recommends approaching with caution. Although BMWs are celebrated for their driving experience, their maintenance costs can surprise unsuspecting buyers. With an average annual repair cost of £539.63, Beemers can become expensive to own once the manufacturer's warranty expires, especially diesel models with mileages between 70,000 and 100,000, with repairs 'easily exceeding' £1,000 if not addressed promptly. Tom stresses the importance of reviewing the car's full maintenance history, seeking invoices for significant work rather than just service stamps, and steering clear of vehicles with recurring MOT advisories. "BMWs are fantastic to drive, but once the warranty's gone, expect bills. Timing chains, EGR valves, DPF blockages — they all come knocking," he warned. 1. Land Rover Land Rover tops Tom's list of vehicle brands to avoid when buying used. With an average annual repair bill of £550.48, Land Rovers are among the most expensive vehicles to maintain. Tom has found that while these vehicles are visually appealing and feel high-end, their reliability can be found to be lacking. He frequently encountered repeat issues with certain models, including air suspension failures, electrical problems, oil leaks and gearbox problems, which he warned could often appear well before the vehicle reached 100,000 miles. Tom advises that buyers should only consider a used Land Rover if it comes with a complete dealer service history and documentation of major repairs. He concluded: "They look great and feel premium, but the reliability isn't there. I've had customers bring back Discoverys and Freelanders with the same issues again and again." Top tips for used car buyers Check the number plates for signs of multiple changes or Irish imports, which may indicate a history at auction or a previous write-off. Always request a full service history, including invoices for major repairs such as timing belts, brakes, and suspension. Use the MOT checker to spot repeat advisories, which can signal underlying issues. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it likely is. Reliable vehicles rarely require a hard sell. So while Tom acknowledges there are good examples of every car brand, he he stands by his warnings: "People fall for a badge or a bargain. But if you end up with a money pit, it's no deal at all. Buy smart, not shiny." His final piece of advice: "Stick to brands with a reputation for reliability, and don't be afraid to walk away if the history doesn't stack up."
Scottish Sun
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I'm a high-end valet cleaner – the 3 everyday habits that are silently destroying your car's interior
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THREE everyday habits could be destroying your motor's interior, according to experts. Most drivers think they're taking good care of their cars, but one luxury valet cleaner says three everyday habits could be doing serious damage without you realising. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 These three everyday habits could be doing serious damage to your motor's interior Credit: Getty 2 These tips will help prevent big repair bills Tommy Reece, based in London, has cleaned everything from top-spec Range Rovers to six-figure super cars. He warns even the most well-off clients are guilty of these common mistakes. During a chat with motor experts Number 1 Plates, he revealed the top three red some maybe surprising. Tommy said: "These are the things I see in almost every car I clean. "They might seem harmless, but they absolutely trash the interior - and it's not always something you can just wipe away." 1. Eating fast food in your car Whether it's a quick burger or cheeky drive-thru coffee, eating on the go is the number one mistake. "Chips under the seats, ketchup in the stitching, greasy fingerprints everywhere - fast food is the biggest killer of clean interiors," Tommy said. Number 1 Plates' motor experts agreed. They said: "Oil and salt from food can sink into fabrics and plastics. Motoring expert shares hacks to fix up your car using simple household goods "Once that smell sets in, it's incredibly hard to remove.' Their advice is to eat before, not during, your drive. 2. Never dusting or hoovering If you think your car looks clean because the outside is gleaming, think again. Tommy revealed: "Most people never touch the inside. "You get a build-up of dust, crumbs, dog hair, even makeup residue. "It slowly eats away at your interior.' Number 1 Plates recommends a quick vacuum once a week and a microfiber wipe down of your dash and controls to prevent long-term wear and tear. 3. Leaving drinks unsecured Your morning coffee may be your interior's worst enemy. Tommy said: "I've seen spilled lattes under seats, sticky energy drinks in cup holders, and fizzy drinks that have etched into leather. "One client lost £600 repairing a panel after a protein shake exploded." According to Number 1 Plates, drivers should use sealed, spill-proof containers or simply wait until parked before drinking anything. So, if you want to protect your car's resale value and avoid big repair bills, start by breaking these everyday habits. "A little care goes a long way," Tommy said. "It's always the small things that do the most damage."
The Irish Sun
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
I'm a high-end valet cleaner – the 3 everyday habits that are silently destroying your car's interior
THREE everyday habits could be destroying your motor's interior, according to experts. Most drivers think they're taking good care of their cars, but one luxury valet cleaner says three everyday habits could be doing serious damage without you realising. 2 These three everyday habits could be doing serious damage to your motor's interior Credit: Getty 2 These tips will help prevent big repair bills Tommy Reece, based in London, has cleaned everything from top-spec Range Rovers to six-figure super cars. He warns even the most well-off clients are guilty of these common mistakes. During a chat with motor experts Number 1 Plates, he revealed the top three red some maybe surprising. Tommy said: "These are the things I see in almost every car I clean. Read more Motors news "They might seem harmless, but they absolutely trash the interior - and it's not always something you can just wipe away." 1. Eating fast food in your car Whether it's a quick burger or cheeky drive-thru coffee, eating on the go is the number one mistake. "Chips under the seats, ketchup in the stitching, greasy fingerprints everywhere - fast food is the biggest killer of clean interiors," Tommy said. Number 1 Plates' motor experts agreed. Most read in Motors They said: "Oil and salt from food can sink into fabrics and plastics. Motoring expert shares hacks to fix up your car using simple household goods "Once that smell sets in, it's incredibly hard to remove.' Their advice is to eat before, not during, your drive. 2. Never dusting or hoovering If you think your car looks clean because the outside is gleaming, think again. Tommy revealed: "Most people never touch the inside. "You get a build-up of dust, crumbs, dog hair , even makeup residue. "It slowly eats away at your interior.' Number 1 Plates recommends a quick vacuum once a week and a microfiber wipe down of your dash and controls to prevent long-term wear and tear. 3. Leaving drinks unsecured Your morning coffee may be your interior's worst enemy. Tommy said: "I've seen spilled lattes under seats, sticky energy drinks in cup holders, and fizzy drinks that have etched into leather. "One client lost £600 repairing a panel after a protein shake exploded." According to Number 1 Plates, drivers should use sealed, spill-proof containers or simply wait until parked before drinking anything. So, if you want to protect your car's resale value and avoid big repair bills , start by breaking these everyday habits. "A little care goes a long way," Tommy said. "It's always the small things that do the most damage." The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
The Sun
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
I'm a high-end valet cleaner – the 3 everyday habits that are silently destroying your car's interior
THREE everyday habits could be destroying your motor's interior, according to experts. Most drivers think they're taking good care of their cars, but one luxury valet cleaner says three everyday habits could be doing serious damage without you realising. 2 2 Tommy Reece, based in London, has cleaned everything from top-spec Range Rovers to six-figure super cars. He warns even the most well-off clients are guilty of these common mistakes. During a chat with motor experts Number 1 Plates, he revealed the top three red some maybe surprising. Tommy said: "These are the things I see in almost every car I clean. "They might seem harmless, but they absolutely trash the interior - and it's not always something you can just wipe away." 1. Eating fast food in your car Whether it's a quick burger or cheeky drive-thru coffee, eating on the go is the number one mistake. "Chips under the seats, ketchup in the stitching, greasy fingerprints everywhere - fast food is the biggest killer of clean interiors," Tommy said. Number 1 Plates' motor experts agreed. They said: "Oil and salt from food can sink into fabrics and plastics. Motoring expert shares hacks to fix up your car using simple household goods "Once that smell sets in, it's incredibly hard to remove.' Their advice is to eat before, not during, your drive. 2. Never dusting or hoovering If you think your car looks clean because the outside is gleaming, think again. Tommy revealed: "Most people never touch the inside. "You get a build-up of dust, crumbs, dog hair, even makeup residue. "It slowly eats away at your interior.' Number 1 Plates recommends a quick vacuum once a week and a microfiber wipe down of your dash and controls to prevent long-term wear and tear. 3. Leaving drinks unsecured Your morning coffee may be your interior's worst enemy. Tommy said: "I've seen spilled lattes under seats, sticky energy drinks in cup holders, and fizzy drinks that have etched into leather. "One client lost £600 repairing a panel after a protein shake exploded." According to Number 1 Plates, drivers should use sealed, spill-proof containers or simply wait until parked before drinking anything. So, if you want to protect your car's resale value and avoid big repair bills, start by breaking these everyday habits. "A little care goes a long way," Tommy said. "It's always the small things that do the most damage." The household items you're not cleaning often enough IF you want to ensure your home is squeaky clean, you'll need to listen up. Below are the household items you're forgetting to clean, and how to get them sparkling... Remote Controls: Wipe with a disinfectant cloth. Use a cotton bud for crevices. Light Switches: Wipe with a disinfectant wipe. Use a mild soap solution for tough stains. Door Handles: Clean with an antibacterial spray. Wipe down regularly. Underneath and Behind Appliances: Vacuum or sweep regularly. Mop with a suitable cleaner. Shower Curtains and Liners: Wash in the washing machine. Use a bleach solution for stubborn mildew. Kitchen Sponges and Dishcloths: Microwave damp sponges for one minute. Wash dishcloths in the washing machine. Computer Keyboards and Mice: Use compressed air to remove debris. Wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
